Equity Advisory Group to Hold Community Forum

UTICA, NY – As the next step in its 10-year, $10 million commitment to enhance racial equity and social justice, the Community Foundation and its equity advisory group will hold a public forum in October to hear from residents about neighborhood needs, and to report on the group’s work over the past several months.

“We have a very diverse advisory group reflective of the full Mohawk Valley community,” said Jawwaad Rasheed, Community Foundation Board of Trustees chair. “This is a really deep, concerted effort to understand what the issues are, listen and learn from our community residents and stakeholders, and I believe with all of the skills and intelligence of the people in the room, we’re going to get very good recommendations as to how we can move to break barriers and start making real investments to overcome systemic issues, especially racism.”

The Community Equity Forum will take place on Wednesday, October 20, 6:00-8:30 p.m., at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, with a report on the group’s work to date, and breakout sessions for attendees to share their thoughts. Community residents are encouraged to attend the event, and to register in advance, foundationhoc.org/equityforum or 315-731-3736, due to limited seating. All participants will be asked to practice social distancing and follow CDC mask guidelines. Doors open at 5 p.m. 

Advisory group members are:

Anthony Baird

Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer, Utica College

Rev. Sharon Baugh

Pastor, Hope Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

Charles Green

Co-Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer, Assured Information Security

Hilda M. Jordan

Diversity and Equity Leadership Consultant, COO of ACCESS Global Group

Tim Kroecker

Senior Operations Research Analyst, Air Force Research Lab - Information Directorate

Delvin Moody

Utica Common Councilmember

Marquis Palmer

Marshall Scholar, University of London, University of Cambridge

Olivia Paul

Community Foundation Engagement Specialist

Marques Phillips

City of Utica Codes Commissioner, Director of Community Initiatives

Jawwaad Rasheed

Oneida County Family Court Magistrate (Retired)

Rick Short

Corporate Associate Vice President, Indium Corporation

Randy VanWagoner

President, Mohawk Valley Community College

The event is presented by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties in cooperation with Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute and generous support from Excellus BlueCross Blue Shield.