Office of Social Equity & Innovation

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Diverse hands laying across a table together
Equity in Denver report cover, over aerial view of Denver
Diverse hands laying across a table together
Race and Social Justice Academy, with background of colorful silhouette illustrations of people's heads
The mayor's office of social equity and innovation celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
A Chinese man looks at a plaque on the Lower Downtown walking tour about the Hop Alley Chinese Riot of 1880

The Mayor’s Office of Social Equity and Innovation (OSEI) was established to develop and implement the policies, programs, regulations, and initiatives of the City and County of Denver related to race, social equity, and social justice.

We Lead With Equity

Denver believes that equity is when race and other social identities can no longer be used to predict life outcomes. Research tells us that when equity is the primary focus, with diversity and inclusion as supportive facets, all segments of communities are improved. This allows individuals who have often been institutionally marginalized and historically disadvantaged to be fully engaged and supported to achieve successful outcomes. Because of this, the OSEI emphasizes Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, EDI, as the order of our efforts, not DEI.

2022 OSEI Annual Report

The Mayor’s Office of Social Equity and Innovation is at the dawn of our greatest days. We are pleased to announce our 2022 OSEI Annual Report. This comprehensive report will detail OSEI’s preceding year and give you a glimpse of the incredible year ahead.

Equity in Denver Report

Turning the curve on inequities begins by taking stock and evaluating the historical context that set-in motion the disparities we see today. The Equity in Denver report provides elected officials, city staff, community members, and equity advocates a common understanding of how we will take action in Denver to turn this centuries old curve.

OSEI Programs

Find information about resources and programs sponsored by the Office of Social Equity and Innovation to support residents and deliver on our goals.

Goals

Goal 1: The OSEI will directly influence policies, budget, and programmatic decisions in order to lead city agencies in achieving measurable improvements in racial equity, social equity, and social justice in Denver.

Goal 2: The OSEI will train city staff in its Race and Social Justice (RSJ) Academy in order to establish understanding of the concepts and approaches that drive the city’s commitment to promote racial equity, social equity, and social justice across the city.

Goal 3: The OSEI will lead and guide concrete methodologies for collecting and analyzing equity data with agencies across the city to create more equitable outcomes for city programming.

Goal 4: The OSEI will create a direct link with the community, and internal & external stakeholders in order to guide, shape, and inform perspectives of our work.

OSEI News

News Releases

In the News

About OSEI

The four pillars of the office together create the foundation for EDI work in Denver.

Operations and Innovation

Digital Equity
Multi-Agency Equity Strategies
Special Projects
EDI Administrators
OSEI Operations and Policy
Racial Equity Indicator Reports & OSEI reports

Training and Strategies

Race and Social Justice Academy (RSJ) and other EDI-related trainings
EDI Teams and Strategy Building
Racial Equity Action Plan (REAP)
Development & Implementation

Data and Evaluation

Equity data analysis and evaluation
Technical assistance
Citywide equity data training

Internal and External Councils

Racial Equity Council
Digital Equity Council
Equity Core Council

Mission

We utilize best and innovative practices to lead Denver in transformative change with a commitment to equitable outcomes.

Vision

Equity is embedded in all facets of Denver’s operations.

Values

Given the structural and institutional inequities that impact the Denver community, our work centers those who have been negatively impacted by racial and social injustices.

How We Define Equity

When race and other social identities can no longer be used to predict life outcomes

Equity Process

Equity is achieved through the advancement of policies and practices that center those who are underrepresented and have been historically disadvantaged.

Meet the Team

Our team is committed to achieving equity through the advancement of policies and practices that center those who are underrepresented and have been historically disadvantaged.

Dr. Aisha Rousseau, a black woman in a floral blouse

Aisha Rousseau, Ph.D.
 Chief Equity Officer
Jessica Calderon, a woman with straight dark hair

Jessica Calderon, MSW
 Director of Operations & Innovation
Claire Colangelo, a woman with long dark hair

Claire Colangelo, MPH
 Director of Trainings & Strategies
Karen Davis, a black woman with a pink blazer and hoop earrings

Karen Davis
 Public Information Officer
Zach McDade, a white man with a beard and short hair

Zach McDade
 Director of Data & Evaluation
Bobbie Alexander, a darker skinned woman with long black hair

Bobbie Alexander, MBA
 Special Projects Manager
Aaron Conley, a light skinned man with glasses

Aaron Conley, Ph.D.
 Trainer & Strategist
Anya Dickson-Arguello, a brown skinned woman with long textured hair

Anya Dickson-Arguello
 Digital Equity Program Manager
Rachel Galton, a light skinned woman with light hair

Rachel Galton
 Racial Equity Data Analyst
Franchesca Luistro, a woman with long curly dark hair

Franchesca Luistro
 Executive Assistant & Office Coordinator
Ariana Orozco, a woman with dark hair in a red top

Ariana Orozco, M.Ed
 Trainer & Strategist
Justin Toomer, a black man with short hair wearing a suit with no tie

Justin Toomer
 City Attorney's Office EDI Administrator
Ariana Tyler, a brown skinned woman with medium straight hair

Ariana Tyler
 Trainer & Strategist

Contact the Office of Social Equity & Innovation

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