Inclusion & Belonging Update | October 2024

Below you will find an Inclusion and Belonging Update with important information on the current and future work that will ensure we effectively move the needle on this critical priority of the Arvada Chamber. We welcome your feedback and questions as we continue to build resources around inclusion and belonging. Learn more about the Arvada Chamber’s work in inclusion at arvadachamber.org/inclusion.

Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight

New Arvada Chamber member, Aussie Pet Mobile, is a new mobile grooming company dedicated to redefining the industry by prioritizing wellness and respect for every groomer, pet and pet owner. They aim to provide a holistic approach to care, one that nurtures the physical and emotional well-being of every fury friend we have the privilege of servicing. Owner Marcela Rubiano moved to Colorado from Florida with her husband and two young children a year ago. After living in the sunshine state for over 13 years, it was time to relocate to a place where nature is ever present and values are more aligned with the childhood they wanted for their little ones. Born in Colombia and fluent in Spanish, French and English, she is always seeking ways to interact with her community and bring visibility to her beloved Latin heritage and culture. As a new business owner, she aims to build a company strong in values of kindness and respect, and looks forward to interacting with other business owners to continuously find ways to lift each each other up.  As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, we encourage you to explore Celebrate Colorado’s resource on Hispanic & Latinx History and local businesses in the Denver Metro like Aussie Pet Mobile to support.

Inclusive Workplace Pledge

By making a commitment and signing the Arvada Chamber’s new Inclusive Workplace Pledge, you commit to being an ally in creating a diverse, inclusive, and safe space for all people in the community. This pledge should be taken by the business owner or president. Thank you to the below businesses and organizations that have taken the pledge:

TAKE THE PLEDGE

Regional Resource Spotlight: Mi Casa Business Pathways Training

Working to empower the Latino Community, Mi Casa offers several educational courses. Originally valued at $8,000, these classes only cost $50. They offer various session in business start up, training, and growth! These classes are also stackable. https://micasaresourcecenter.org

Click here to view a full list of funding options for underrepresented businesses and entrepreneurs in Colorado.

 Inclusion & Belonging KAPS Council Spotlight

“The work on this KAPS Council is important to me because sharing ideas and listening to other people’s experiences to create solutions is critical to make our communities better. I am humbled to share space with this cohort of passionate professionals.” 

Belonging is at the heart of the Arvada Chamber’s core values and work to serve the Arvada business community. The Inclusion & Belonging KAPS Council works to ensure that the Arvada business community is leading the way in taking meaningful action to improve inclusion best practices and empower new perspectives, solutions, and opportunities for our local economy.

Arvada Chamber Inclusion & Belonging Scholarship

The Arvada Chamber of Commerce has allocated $3,000 annually toward scholarship opportunities for business leaders (owners and employees) from underrepresented and underestimated racial and ethnic backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, and/or disabilities. The intent of these scholarships is to encourage and engage increased participation in our community, in alignment with the Chambers Inclusion & Belonging efforts. Each scholarship is worth $500 in Arvada Chamber Bucks to be used toward Chamber membership, participation in Business or Leadership Bootcamps, event attendance, group fees, and more. Individuals may nominate or request a scholarship by emailing Ryan Hecht at ryan@arvadachamber.org. Please include background information about the business and staff and why this scholarship is a good fit and beneficial for the business. After receiving the request, the Arvada Chamber’s Inclusion & Belonging KAPS Council will be notified to approve the request. Requests will be processed within one month. Learn more about the Arvada Chamber’s work in inclusion at arvadachamber.org/inclusion. 

Content and Resources

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