Meet the DEI+B KAPS Council
What is KAPS?
KAPS stands for Kick-Ass Problem Solvers. These groups of business and community leaders are brought together to work diligently toward an aligned outcome that will solve a persistent problem.
The Vision
Belonging is at the heart of our core values and work at the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. By creating an inclusive environment we will empower new perspectives, solutions, and opportunities for our local economy and serve our mission as a champion for advancing ALL businesses and employees in Arvada.
The Goal
Ensure that Arvada is leading the way by increasing the number of businesses that take meaningful action to improve their DEI+B best practices.
DEI+B KAPS Council Members
Aurora Elicerio
Comcast
More About Aurora
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
It’s important because inclusive culture must start in local communities if we ever expect real change.
Brianne Sheridan
SFinvest & The Square at Five Parks
Elisa Thurston
Greater Colorado Council, BSA
More About Elisa
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
Society benefits and flourishes when its members feel they belong. Many minority groups have made strides to find a seat at the table, now it is time to ensure they are heard.
Jenny Macias
Hope House Colorado
More About Jenny
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
I believe all people deserve equal opportunity.
Jodye Whitesell
Rocky Mountain Children's Health Foundation
More About Jodye
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
Diversity is one of a community’s greatest assets. Diverse perspectives advance important conversations, provide greater understanding of one another, and enrich our environments. As a community, it’s up to us to ensure our space is one where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and supported—not just performatively, but in meaningful ways. The work of the DEI+B KAPS Council is an important part of turning good intentions into tangible actions, and I’m excited to be a part of it.
Joel Zigman
Deeply Rooted Music School
More About Joel
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
The idea of who is traditionally seen as a successful in business is changing. Now more than ever it is critical to lift up marginalized voices as leaders in our community. I am happy to celebrate being both an out transgender person and a small business owner, but there is a long way to go to make business ownership and knowledge accessible. I hope to use my position and my participation in the DEI&B KAPS Council to break down barriers, learn, and take action to make Arvada more equitable.
Leslie Brezina
Regis University
More About Leslie
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
The work of the KAPS Council is important to me in order to assist in creating an inclusive community that is welcoming and celebrates the successes of all businesses and employees in Arvada.
Masaru Torito
Kokoro Restaurant
Maya Oren
Talnua Distillery
More About Maya
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
The work of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging council is important to me because it fosters a culture where everyone has the same opportunities to succeed.
Raven V. Faber
EngErotics; Faber Anderson Development and Design
More About Raven
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
DEI initiatives are what will help level the playing field and increase the number of equitable opportunities in professional industries while educating those that lead them why they are so important.
Teresa YoKell
Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
More About Teresa
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
When leaders of our community come together and share solutions and best practices, everyone benefits. This work creates a more integrated, inclusive, and vibrant community.
Terry Carter-Davis
Sooper Credit Union
More About Terry
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
The work of the KAPS Council is important to me as we continue to strive for growth and belonging in our community; as it allows for significant ways to embrace, educate, and celebrate DEI+B in our community, for our community and with our community.
Tina Hageman
Family Tree
Vanessa Kendrick
VK Signature Real Estate
More About Vanessa
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
This work is imperative to ensure our organization is a welcoming and inclusive space for all individuals and businesses and serves as an advocate for businesses in our community to better their efforts in this space within their organization as well.