Race & Ethnicity Impact Team
The challenges Utah women and girls face disproportionally affect minority women and girls. Utah’s minority populations are more likely to have higher poverty rates, lower educational achievement, and higher housing cost burdens, according to a 2021 report published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute and sponsored by Zion’s Bank. It is critical when addressing these challenges we don’t ignore the populations in our community who are hit hardest and we bring to the table diverse voices representing all race and ethnic groups. As part of “Identity” on the Rim of the BWF Wheel of Change,” this Impact Team is tasked with working with the leaders or a representative of each spoke to ensure that race and ethnicity is considered in all aspects of A Bolder Way Forward.
Leaders
Emma E. Houston
Assistant VP, EDI, U of U
LinkedIn Profile
Emma E. Houston is the Assistant Vice President for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Utah. She works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems within the social sector to increase awareness around EDI.
Ze Min Xiao
Director, CEOB, EDCUtah
LinkedIn Profile
Ze Min Xiao founded the Center for Economic Opportunity and Belonging and is the Executive Director. The Center envisions a Utah in which all residents experience a sense of belonging and equal opportunity so they can contribute their best selves to the growth and enhancement of the state.
Bold Vision
To make Utah a place where more girls and women can thrive, the Race & Ethnicity Impact Team leaders, affiliates, and partners are currently working to craft a bold vision. The bold vision will help guide the 18 areas of focus as they develop their bold goals, measure outcomes, create dashboards, and create momentum for additional changes.