Mission
The mission of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Group (DEI) is to support a culture and environment of equality within the Association’s volunteer leadership and engagement opportunities. This group aims to educate members on home ownership opportunities for people of all protected classes within the Northern Virginia housing market. The DEI Advisory Group expands opportunities for members to help advance and execute relevant education, networking, and diversity awareness activities and resources.
In alignment with NVAR’s Strategic Plan, the group will develop ideas for education, programs, and events on diversity, fair housing and other relevant DEI topics. The group is passionate about celebrating all cultures and backgrounds within NVAR’s membership and approaching new educational topics with an attitude of curiosity and open-mindedness.
Committee Leaders
Chair
Tamara Inzunza
Vice-Chair
Chanel Harper
Meet the Committee
Tamara Inzunza (Chair)
Chanel Harper (Vice-Chair)
Casey Menish
Jeni Blessman
Lourdes Rubio
Yalonda R Harvin
Maureen Landes
Natalie Lickfield
Peter Nguyen
Jay Groah
Andrea Rossi Beddingfield
Sherry Skinner
Isaiah Floyd
Thy Pham
Indera Coggins
Sondra Sparapani
Tasia Craig
Eugene Smiley
Lekan Adesioye
Cathy L. Valdiviez
Abdullah Baba
Victoria Baker (Chair)
Shawn Barsness
La Tique Collette
Mary Beth Eisenhard
Jason Groah
Edary Lavilla
Billy Liao
David Raffinengo (Vice-Chair)
Angelia Rorrer
NVAR recommends comprehensive zoning changes and incentives that facilitate the voluntary market-driven production of a wide range of housing choices at all price levels to suit our diverse population, including encouraging mixed-use development.
It is essential that comprehensive plans provide for the development of owner-occupied housing, to meet existing and forecasted housing demand without unreasonable zoning and land use restrictions that lead to increased costs for housing. Updating zoning ordinances and maps to encourage mixed use with higher residential density in existing commercial areas can provide new home ownership opportunities without affecting existing residential neighborhoods.
Committee Requirements
Eligibility
This committee is open to all NVAR members.
Time Commitment
This committee meets four to six times annually and hosts up to three events per year.
Number of Committee Seats
This committee typically features up to 25 members.
Staff Liaisons
Gabrielle Lavoie
Director of Experience, Engagement and Global Programming
glavoie@nvar.com
Ruth Mesfin
Experience and Engagement Specialist
rmesfin@nvar.com