Item 3 - Introduction & Overview: Austin Equity and Inclusion — original pdf

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Introduction & Overview: Austin Equity and Inclusion Human Rights Commission Briefing Monday, July 28, 2025, 6:00 PM Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director Enrique Serrano, Civil Rights Officer Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer Agenda Introductions • Who We Are Office Overview • Vision & Mission • Current Structure • Core Services Current Projects Connecting with Our Office 7/28/2025 2 OUR VISION Austin Equity and Inclusion helps shape a community and city government where every individual feels welcomed and has the resources and services they need to thrive. We’re dedicated to transforming systems to increase access, remove barriers to opportunity, address discrimination, and foster a community where all identities are respected. 7/28/2025 3 Austin Equity and Inclusion (AEI) AEI Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director Civil Rights Division Equity Division Human Rights Division Enrique Serrano, Civil Rights Officer Vacant, Equity Officer Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer 7/28/2025 4 Introductions Shafina Khaki Human Rights Officer Dr. Lindsey Wilson Director Enrique Serrano Civil Rights Officer 5 CORE SERVICES Promote Human Rights: Provide advocacy and direct services that help residents access benefits, understand their rights, and connect to resources that uphold safety, dignity, and well-being. Carry Out the City’s Strategic Goals: Increase access, remove barriers to opportunities, and create inclusive spaces where all identities feel respected, seen, and valued. Provide Anti-Discrimination Protections: Investigate discrimination complaints related to Housing, Employment, Public Accommodations, and Fair Chance Hiring. City Ordinance Enforcement: Uphold the CROWN Act, Tenant’s Rights to Organize and other Key City Ordinances. Equity: Work to reduce racial and socioeconomic disparities by collaborating with all City departments to help identify and remove barriers in services. Community Engagement and Outreach: Build collaborative community relationships to advance Equity and improve the quality of life for Austinites. 7/28/2025 The items listed above represent key examples, though the list is not exhaustive. 6 Current Projects EQUITY CIVIL RIGHTS HUMAN RIGHTS • Quality of Life Studies • Mini-Grants • Equity Action Team & Equity Network Meetings • Normalize, Organize and Operationalize... 7/28/20 25 • Enforcing Civil Rights Laws Across • Know Your Rights/Benefits Multiple Sectors, leveraging technology to advance rights. • Collaborates with Community Members, Businesses, and Stakeholders: • Partnering with other agencies to promote civil rights initiatives (Immigrants, Veterans, ADA) • Advances the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Austinites • Anti-Hate/We All Belong • Community Meetings/Foster Belonging The items listed above represent key examples, though the list is not exhaustive. 7 Ways to Connect Phone: 512-974-3251 Austintexas.gov/oei Social Media: facebook.com/AustinEquityandInclusion Mailing Address: Austin Equity and Inclusion Civil Rights, Equity and Human Rights Division P.O. Box 1088 Austin, TX 78767 Physical Addresses: Civil Rights and Human Rights Divisions One Texas Center 505 Barton Springs Road, Suite 515 Austin, TX 78704 Equity Division J. Snell Building 1050 East 11th Street, Suite 250 Austin, TX 78702 Sign up for our AEI newsletter! Sign up for the Equity Action Team (EAT) Newsletter!