Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Programs
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee
Learn about the DEI Committee here.
Speaker Series
The DEI Committee curates an ongoing series of speaking engagements to give voice to historically-marginalized communities often under-represented in local government to shed light on their history and/or lived experiences.
2023
March - Displacing Black Portland: A History of Housing Discrimination by Zachary Stocks
April - Growing up Muslim in Clackamas County by Imran Haider, Video Here
May - The Mainstreaming of Antisemitism in America by Bob Horenstein, Video Here
June - Systemic Racism in Oregon Schools by Rudyane Rivera-Lindstrom, Video Here
July - The Culture, Language and Etiquette of Disability by Ian Jaquiss, Video Here
2024
February - Fleeing Displacement and Escaping El Salvador’s Civil War by Elizabeth Brashear, Video Here
March - LGBTQIA+: Understanding and Allyship by Erika Pham, Video Here
April - A Couple's Search for Sanctuary by Bob Furughi and Kiana Furughi, Video Here
May - Building Community Through Culture by Renee Roman Nose, Video Here
September - PODER, Oregon's Latino Leadership Network by Anthony Veliz, Video Here
October - Recognizing World Mental Health Day by Brenda Evans, Robbie Croft, & Stacy England, Video Here
2025
February - Black Exclusion in Oregon by Mariah Rocker
March - Celebrating Women's History Month by Jeanie Nguyen, Cara Turano, & Pleschette Fontenet, Video Here
May - Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month by Judy Margles
June - Immigrant Heritage Month by Teresa Alonso Leon
Community members can share speaker ideas and request Speaker Series topics, contact DEI@ci.wilsonville.or.us.
Pride Celebration & Mural Reception
In collaboration with the Arts, Culture, and Heritage Commission (ACHC), the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee hosts a celebration in Town Center Park, the site of the Pride Month Mural. The event includes light refreshments, a reception with the artist, Wilsonville Pride pins, and a Pride-themed Storytime from the Wilsonville Public Library.
Juneteenth Celebration
The City of Wilsonville's DEI Committee has hosted a Juneteenth Celebration since 2021. Each year the committee develops an engaging program including a local speaker, music, food and family friendly activities to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth.
The DEI Committee is currently planning the 2025 Juneteenth event and seeking event sponsors, contact DEI@ci.wilsonville.or.us for details regarding sponsorship opportunities.
Why We Celebrate Juneteenth: Video on YouTube
Las Posadas
In 2023, the City of Wilsonville's DEI Committee hosted its first Las Posadas event! The City of Wilsonville welcomes guests to attend the third annual Las Posadas celebration on Dec. 18, 4-6 pm in at the Wilsonville Community Center. The 2025 event is sponsored by Oregon State Credit Union.
To keep alive locally the cherished holiday traditions meaningful to many Wilsonville-area residents of Hispanic/Latin American descent, Highlighting the virtues of unity, hospitality and faith through the biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem in search of shelter, Las Posadas is a global nine-day event that takes place Dec. 16-24.
Lunar New Year
In 2025, the City hosted its first celebration of the Lunar New Year, a holiday observed in China and throughout the world. The family-friendly celebration, curated and hosted by City staff in partnership with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, rings in the new year with live performance, traditional treats and other activities.
