As a Denver native, Kim Desmond was raised in the Five Points neighborhood in Denver, Colorado where she graduated from Manual High School. Kim has over 15 years of experience in the non-profit and government sector within the field of diversity, inclusion, racial equity work, and early childhood development. Kim holds multiple degrees, including a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Fort Hays State University, Master’s in Community Counseling from Fort Hays State University, Master’s in Education Administration and Policy Studies from the University of Denver, and an Early Childhood Leadership certification from the University of Denver. She is currently the Director within the Mayor’s Office of Social Equity and Innovation, charged with operationalizing racial equity into local government programs, processes and policies by eliminating systemic racism. The key function of this office includes: Policy and Operations: Improve policy, service delivery and equitable distribution of resources to ensure that priorities of equity are integrated in key programs, practice and processes. Implementation: Support a variety of equity and inclusion initiatives by applying tools and training to normalize social justice practices across all city departments. Learning and Development: Create a culturally responsive learning and development platform for all city departments to enhance the skills needed to address racial disparities. She serves on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Health Equity Commission, Denver Public Schools Bond Oversight Committee, and Women’s Foundation of Colorado’s board as a trustee. Follow the podcast on Instagram @Resilience_and_ResistanceLearn more about Marisol & EMDR Therapy | Start Your Treatment Today via TeleheathMusic: Inte-Gritty by Bianca MikahnArt: Maite Nazario | http://www.maitenazario.comPodcast Production: https://www.theplug-agency.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.