Caltrans recognizes our leadership role and unique responsibility in State government to eliminate barriers to provide more equitable transportation for all Californians. This understanding is the foundation for intentional decision-making that recognizes the past, stops the current, and prevents future harms from our actions. Caltrans is fostering a culture of belonging, inclusion, equity, and justice by leveraging the diverse lived and learned perspectives of every team member. We are centering appreciation and respect for all employees, members, Tribal communities, and broader communities at the heart of our efforts. This presentation will highlight the Caltrans DE&I approach, where you will hear from two leadership teams, The Equal Employment Opportunity Program (EEOP) and the Caltrans Office of Race and Equity. The discussion will focus on two collaborative approaches

• Internally - greater human resources are generated from various perspectives to deliver innovative products and services at their best, employee retention, and growth in upward mobility, creating a safe environment where everyone may bring their whole selves to work.

• Externally - a diverse workforce enhances our ability to engage with the community for a direct and meaningful benefit that meets communities’ needs.

Amar Azucena Cid is a Chicana/Indigenous planner, artist, mother, sister, partner, etc. She currently manages the Caltrans Office on Race and Equity (CORE). She values and utilizes her lived experiences and degrees in community development, rooted in racial justice, the environment, and the community’s ability to thrive, to inform her professional work. Before CORE, she worked for the last 15 years in community planning with 12 years in the transit industry, including managing a CA Climate Investment Low carbon transit program with an annual budget of $100+. Amar is raising her two young children in a creative, cultural, and justice-motivated space with her partner in Northern CA.