Public invited to governor’s Diversity Forum

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Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s office is hosting five Diversity Forums around the state, including one at the James Lee Community Center, March 25, 6-8:30 p.m.

At these sessions, members of the community can provide input on Virginia’s first-ever Strategic Plan for Diversity and Inclusive Excellence.

The James Lee Community Center is at 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church. To participate, sign up here.

The forums will be led by Virginia’s Chief Diversity Officer Janice Underwood. Northam established the country’s first cabinet-level diversity officer position in September.

Underwood is charged with developing a sustainable framework to promote inclusive practices across Virginia state government and implement a strategic plan to address systemic inequities in state government practices.

“It’s clear we must do more to make state government more inclusive and address historical inequities in areas like education, healthcare, and access to business opportunities,” Northam said.