Meet the Inclusion & Belonging 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 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

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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

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

Candice Svoboda

City of Arvada

Elisa Thurston

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

Ivy Schomburg

Schomburg Insurance

Marcela Rubiano

Marcela Rubiano

Aussie Pet Mobile

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.

Monica Bowser

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

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

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

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

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.