Meet the DEI+B KAPS Council

What is KAPS?

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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

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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

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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

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

Brianne Sheridan

SFinvest & The Square at Five Parks

Elisa Thurston

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

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

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

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

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

Masaru Torito

Kokoro Restaurant

Maya Oren

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

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

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

Terry Carter-Davis

Sooper Credit Union

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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

Tina Hageman

Family Tree

Vanessa Kendrick

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.