Reno Reporter

City of Reno officials today announced two new positions focused on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The positions are aimed at making the City of Reno a more inclusive workplace, while also ensuring services and opportunities are accessible and equitable to all Reno residents. 

Cynthia Esparza, who most recently served the City of Reno as its DEI and Clean and Safe Manager, will lead organizational DEI efforts as the City’s first Chief Equity and Community Relationships Officer. She will focus on building and advancing a diverse, equitable, respectful, and inclusive organization and community. Esparza also brings extensive experience working with various sectors of our community and regional partners. 

Esparza will work with City staff to update the citywide DEI plan and create a strategy to ensure an inclusive workplace and the best and most accessible services for every member of the community. Additionally, she will continue to lead the Clean and Safe program, supporting the team’s work to improve equitable access to public spaces and collaborative outreach to our unsheltered neighbors. 

Nearly a year ago, Esparza spearheaded the City’s internal series, One City, Many Voices, welcoming speakers from across our diverse city and state to share their unique perspectives and lived experiences. The series has since helped employees gain a greater understanding of the community they serve and the colleagues they work alongside. 

Noemi Gomez Martinez, who formerly served as a community liaison at the City, will assume the role of Community Relationships Program Manager. She will be integral to connecting with local underrepresented communities and helping bridge the gap to City services and opportunities.

Both Esparza and Gomez Martinez are bilingual in English and Spanish. 

“At the City of Reno, we are committed to ensuring diverse opinions and backgrounds are part of our decision-making processes which benefits our employees and our community,” said Reno City Manager Doug Thornley. “I’m proud to have Cynthia and Noemi at the forefront of these critical efforts. I know they will serve our organization and our community extremely well.”

Original source can be found here.