Briana Evans appointed as Redwood City’s first Equity and Inclusion Officer

Evans will champion diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within the Redwood City organization and in community services

Briana Evans

Redwood City City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz announced the appointment of Briana Evans as the City’s first Equity and Inclusion Officer. This new position will support the City Council’s action to make Equity a Foundational Guiding Principle for the City’s Strategic Plan. As a member of the City Manager’s Office, reporting to Assistant City Manager Michelle Poché Flaherty, 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.

“Redwood City has a rich history of community engagement and welcoming all in our community. 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,” said Stevenson Diaz. “I’m confident Briana will be a strong leader, accelerating efforts already underway, and developing new initiatives based on best practices.”

Evans holds a Master’s degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology and a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Anthropology, both from Stanford University. She has a strong background in research, policy and leadership, and brings an innovative and forward-thinking approach to complex topics. Most recently, Evans worked as an equity design strategist with Reflex Design Collaborative, a consulting firm that uses collaboration to co-design solutions that improve social equity.

Previously, she supported San Mateo County Health’s Office of Diversity and Equity where she designed organizational change strategies, navigated complex partnerships and coached community leaders to create a more culturally humble and inclusive behavioral health system of care. 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. “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 work with the City on Monday, December 14, 2020.