Redwood City Hires Its First Equity and Inclusion Officer

REDWOOD CITY, CA — The city of Redwood City announced appointment of Briana Evans as its first equity and inclusion officer Monday.

This new position will support the City Council’s vision to make equity a foundational guiding principle for its strategic plan, the city said in a statement.

Evans will work with the City Council and staff to develop an Equity Workplan that brings an equity lens in the provision of all City services.

She will be a member of the city manager’s staff, reporting to Assistant City Manager Michelle Poché Flaherty.

“Redwood City has a rich history of community engagement and welcoming all in our community,” City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz said in a statement.

“With the City Council’s support for this new position, we can increase our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in both policy making and City operations. I’m confident Briana will be a strong leader, accelerating efforts already underway, and developing new initiatives based on best practices.”

Evans earned a Master’s degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology and a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Anthropology, both from Stanford University.

Evans in her most recent role worked as an equity design strategist with Reflex Design Collaborative, a consulting firm that promotes social equity.

She previously worked for San Mateo County Health’s Office of Diversity and Equity.

She also helped lead a local cohort from the Government Alliance for Race and Equity, a national network of government employees working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all.

“My passion is ensuring everyone has a voice and can contribute their best to the world. I believe in the wisdom and strength of communities, including those that have been marginalized for generations,” Evans said in a statement.

“I am looking forward to supporting and challenging Redwood City to listen, hear, and act on systems change, inclusion, and community engagement that builds with communities, not for them.”

Evans began working for the city Dec. 14.