SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Dec. 23, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) — Mayor-elect Jackie Biskupski has announced her choice to lead the Office of Diversity and Human Rights.
Biskupski announced she will retain and expand the role of Yolanda Francisco-Nez, currently the coordinator for the Office of Diversity and Human Rights (ODHR). In her expanded role, Francisco-Nez will continue to oversee ODHR, and will also serve as a policy advisor on issues of diversity and minority affairs to ensure greater equity and inclusion in city government, education, and economic development.
“In order to build a city with opportunity for all people, we must not only bring diverse voices to the table, but those voices must be in a position to help lead the conversation” Biskupski said in a prepared statement.
“Throughout her career at City Hall, Yolanda has proven her commitment to Salt Lake City’s diverse communities. In speaking with her personally, and after hearing from a variety of interested parties, it is clear to me Yolanda is willing and able to do more to make Salt Lake City government responsive and reflective of all the people who live here.”
Francisco-Nez has worked in various roles in the Salt Lake City Mayor’s office since 2000. In 2008 she was appointed as coordinator of the Office of Diversity and Human Rights. In her current position, Francisco-Nez helped facilitate the Salt Lake City ordinance protecting LGBTQ people in employment and housing, and led the Complete Count Committee to ensure underrepresented populations were included in the 2010 Census.
She also developed award-winning curriculum for refugee and immigrant populations, addressing employment and housing discrimination, sexual violence, gang violence prevention, the justice court system, and the citizenship process. Francisco-Nez currently serves as a Board Member of U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies, and Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
“I am eager to continue my work and take on new challenges in a larger role with the Biskupski administration” said Francisco-Nez, in the news release. “I have seen first-hand the continuing needs of Salt Lake City’s minority communities, and know city government can play a key role in addressing inequality in our society. With Mayor-elect Biskupski’s commitment to diversity, I am confident we can make a real impact in the years to come.”
Francisco-Nez was born on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona and moved to Salt Lake City as a child.
