Meet the Inclusion & Belonging 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 Greater 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 inclusion best practices.
I&B KAPS Council Members
Aurora Elicerio
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.
Candice Svoboda
City of Arvada
Elisa Thurston
Family Tree
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.
Ivy Schomburg
Schomburg Insurance
Marcela Rubiano
Aussie Pet Mobile
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.
Monica Bowser
Apex Park & Recreation District
More About Monica
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
I believe the work of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging council is where kindness and feeling part of a bigger picture in our community starts. When we celebrate welcoming and inclusive communities and businesses everyone flourishes.
Shakira Johnson
PBS Wealth Management Consultants
More About Shakira
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
I believe it is the responsibility of those in positions of power within a community to recognize and use their privilege to uplift and create space for those that are subjected to any form of “otherness” as a result of systems of oppression. The work of this KAPS council is vital in moving this vision forward.
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
Climb 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.
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.