City of Athens, OH

10/06/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/06/2022 13:50

Welcome Lacey Rogers Our Diversity Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA)/Training Coordinator

The City of Athens is pleased to announce that Lacey Rogers began her role as the city's first Diversity Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA)/Training Coordinator on September 13th, 2022. This position will coordinate and support DEIA efforts in recruitment, employment and training and will be the primary point of contact for accessibility programs.

Lacey brings a large scope of education and experience to the city. Lacey is a Cincinnati native, but has called Athens home for the last 16 years. Lacey is a 3 time Ohio University graduate holding a Bachelor of Arts in Women's and Gender Studies, a Bachelor of Science in Visual Communications in Commercial Photography, a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling and a Master of Public Administration.

Lacey also brings substantial relevant experiences in the realm of community-oriented DEI work to the position. She facilitates local implicit bias trainings and antiracist book clubs. She teaches the elective course at Athens High School entitled "Exploring Race, Antiracism and Equity Together." Lacey also is a member of the Athens Community Relations Commission which focuses on efforts to make Athens a safe, supportive, diverse and inclusive place for all.

Lacey previously worked as a licensed professional counselor at Hopewell Health Centers for 6 years, where she primarily worked with LGBTQ+-identified youth and adults. Additionally, Lacey has experience with the City of Athens as the program organizer for the PRISM LGBTQ+ Youth Art Program. This program provides a weekly safe space for LGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 12-18 to meet with other LGBTQ+ youth, create art, learn important skills and provide a network of support. This program takes place at Arts West.

In 2021, the City of Athens embarked on a racial equity journey by partnering with the National League of Cities (NLC), Race, Equity and Leadership (REAL) department. The city began this journey to recognize and address the disparities in outcomes that exist amongst those we serve. We are hopeful that our staff will engage in a comprehensive racial equity journey that consists of workshops and community engagement. Lacey will be instrumental in this work.