United Ways of California’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Mikela Thomas, Associate Director of Equity & Inclusion Initiatives, highlights our dedicated efforts to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into our mission.
Equity empowers.
Our work prioritizes racial and social justice and equity. We are dedicated to removing systemic barriers and fostering inclusivity. Through diversity, equity and inclusion, our goal is to promote belonging, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. At United Ways of California, we live by the motto: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.“
Equity
Our work revolves around ensuring the every individual in every community gets an equal opportunity to prosper. We strongly believe in our collective responsibility to create more equitable outcomes by advocating for change and supporting the self empowerment of families and communities.
Integrity
We aspire to be courageous, honest, and daring in our pursuits toward a better future. Our aim is to cultivate a culture that upholds ethical and moral principles, and values individuals above processes. We understand that critical conversations and honest dialogues are foundational to achieving a true spirit of integrity.
Collaboration
We aim to foster a sense of belonging by building meaningful connections and providing support. We value all of our team members’ ideas and contributions and strive to work in coalition and partnership. Our guiding principle is based on the African proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Transparency & Accountability
We believe in being transparent and accountable to our staff and stakeholders. We are guided by a shared understanding that our goals and objectives must align with our mission and vision. We value constructive feedback as it helps us grow both personally and professionally, and is crucial to the success of our organization.
Community
Our connection to the local communities is strengthened by our direct service through local United Ways and community-based organization partners. California United Ways works collaboratively to create lasting and impactful change for historically marginalized communities by providing accessible pathways of support. In times of crisis, we unite to support Californians and build resilient and thriving communities.
Respect
Respect for each other and our community is a crucial pillar of our work. We believe that every person in our community and our workplace must be treated with respect and dignity. We value the skills, qualities, and attributes that make each of us a unique member of our team and community and we uphold ourselves and each other to this standard everyday.
Equity means a more inclusive, understanding, and accepting world. Equity entails difficult but necessary conversations. It means acknowledging our history and creating a better future for and with everyone.
– Danielle Bautista, Policy & Coalition Manager
Diversity drives belonging.
United Ways of California is an equal opportunity employer. We value and honor the diverse experiences, knowledge, skills, and perspectives of each individual. Our commitment to fairness and equity means that discrimination and prejudice have no place here. We strive to create policies and practices that are unbiased, inclusive, and considerate of every facet of a person’s identity.
Equity is a journey.
At United Ways of California, we have been intentionally working on our equity journey since June of 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. Our organization felt led to release a statement in support of Black and Brown lives and our collective obligation to removing barriers to create a more equitable society. The organization has also been fervently involved with advocacy work to create equitable policies that address the inequities that persists due to systemic racism. As a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, United Way has always worked with formed coalitions among sometimes unlikely allies. These have included corporations and small businesses, labor, philanthropic and charitable institutions, elected and unelected leaders, service providers, and community advocates. United Ways of California continues to be intentionally aligned with racial justice and our commitment to equity.
To me, equity means that everyone is equally deserving of the safety, stability, and support we need to thrive. I work for equity to correct past and present injustices so that all people may lead fulfilling lives.
– Wesley Samms, Development Director
What Have We Done So Far?
Our team has made significant strides in developing cultural competency, enhancing capacity, applying an equity lens to our work, creating a safe space for difficult conversations, and fostering stronger connections among staff. We established an Equity Work Group that met weekly to discuss racial equity, current events, and strategies to meet community needs, particularly for historically marginalized groups. Additionally, we hired an Associate Director of Equity & Inclusion Initiatives to lead our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts and support similar initiatives across our local United Ways and statewide.
Our staff has engaged in Racial Justice Training, Anti-Racism Training, DEI webinars, book studies, and staff surveys. Our learning continues through monthly LEAP (Leading with Equity to Advance Progress) sessions, focusing on identity, intersectionality, implicit bias, microaggressions, privilege, and intent vs. impact. We also host weekly “Nourish @ Noon” meetings to discuss DEI topics, including psychological safety and preventing White Supremacy Culture Characteristics in our workplace.
We are committed to actionable change. We established the CalDEI Network connecting DEI leaders across California’s local United Ways to share initiatives and best practices, fostering a unified DEI understanding. Our Advocacy team developed the Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) Analysis Tool for evaluating policies and issues. Furthermore, UWCA played a pivotal role in the coalition that prompted Governor Newsom to declare Racism as a Public Health Crisis in California.
Equity is a core value that guides all aspects of my work with our team, partners, and community, as well as how I navigate the world around me. To me, equity means actively disrupting systems and structures to create positive change, prevent further trauma, sorrow, and self-doubt, and promote growth, empowerment, and inclusivity across racial, cultural, social, and economic spheres. It also means embedding healing, authenticity, growth, and joy while striving for these outcomes. I stand for equity for myself and for all others.
– Jafet Diego, Free Tax Prep Assistance Coordinator
Where Do We Go From Here?
Despite our progress, we recognize that equity work is ongoing. We are dedicated to ensuring access and opportunity for everyone in every community, which involves dismantling systemic, institutional, and historical barriers. Our commitment to this journey reflects our mission to become an antiracist and fully inclusive organization. Our Equity & Inclusion Action Plan is a step forward in not only highlighting our progress but also developing strategic goals that will advance equity in our organization and community over the next five years.
Equity to me is looking at our beautiful and unique families and communities, and collectively moving forward to support one another to achieve an authentic life on this earth. It means to me moving in our values and choosing to raise our voices and fight for justice for everyone regardless of their backgrounds. Equity to me is more than a word in a dictionary, it is a way of life and a way to break barriers and move our communities forward collectively.
– Zuleima Flores-Abid, 211 Special Projects Manager
Resources
To me, equity is the essence of equal opportunity for all, while also valuing all aspects of a person’s identity and lived experiences. It’s the unwavering belief that every person deserves to stand tall, live a life free from prejudice or inequality, and be self-empowered to live with authenticity.
– Mikela Thomas, Associate Director of Equity & Inclusion
At the heart of equity is a fundamental belief that every individual — irrespective of background, lived experiences, or economic status — deserves access to the necessary resources and opportunities to thrive. I believe achieving genuine equity requires a dual commitment: to not only dismantle oppressive systems but also actively work to foster inclusivity and empowerment within our communities. To me, equity means holding a shared responsibility in society to build a future in which no one is left behind.
– Beylah R. Marks, Director of Marketing & Communications
