CHANDLER, Ariz. — Niki Tapia began working for the city of Chandler as a senior high school. But when she started out, she didn’t see many people who looked like her in leadership positions.
Now, after 25 years of serving the community she grew up in, Tapia is the diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the city. In her role, she hopes to be the person others can look up to – a face that looks like theirs, in a position of power, just like she wanted to see when she started working at the city of Chandler.
“I heard from a resident that it was amazing to see someone that looked like them on city social media and how much it meant to them,” Tapia said. “For me to be in this position now, where I can help motivate the younger generation… It's an amazing feeling.”
Tapia was recognized for her work in Chandler with a Top Latino Leader award, presented by the Council for Latino Workplace Equity. She was honored due to her work creating and promoting a culture where Latino talent, leadership and excellence is recognized and supported.
“Personally, it makes me a little emotional,” she said. “It’s an amazing feeling.”
In her work as DEI officer, Tapia said she wants people to feel included in their local government.
“This is a government for all the people of Chandler,” Tapia said.
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