Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The APA-IL Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEI) provides ongoing education forums and opportunities for planners, students, and university faculty of different backgrounds to network, share ideas, and bring recognition to unique values and perspectives.

Our mission is to promote and increase diversity within Illinois' planning profession and support the efforts of planners to create more inclusive, equitable, and just policies, regulations, and communities in Illinois.

DEI Committee Members

• Alicia M Ruiz, Chair
• Edith Portales, Vice Chair
• Farah Ansari, AICP
• Consuelo Arguilles, AICP
• Dominick Argumedo, AICP
• Enrique Castillo, APA-IL DEI Officer
• David Driver
• DJ Fiore, AICP
• Parth Joshi, AICP
• Isabel Canete-Medina, AICP

Would you like to contact or become part of the the DEI Committee? Please contact us!

Current Alerts, News, and Events

• Latest News
• Past News

Latest News

Evolving Tools for Housing Equity & Innovation in Illinois Communities Inclusionary housing is moving beyond basic diversification to advance broader, equitable community outcomes. Read More

Investing in Future Planners: APA-IL DEI Committee Joins CMAP’s FLIP Program to Inspire Youth in Urban Planning Read More

A Full House. A Full Heart. 6/26 DEI Happy Hour. Thank you to the 30+ who showed up, shared insights, and stayed committed to shaping more inclusive, vibrant, and just communities. Read More

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Past News

Land Acknowledgement Read More	Recording Available from the 5/25 Reimagine Public Safety & Invest in Community Planning Webinar Read More	There is still a long way to go to create meaningful change in our communities. Read More
2020 Upholding Equity in Planning Workshop - Final Report Read More	Watch the recording! Undoing Harm: The Role of APA and Planners in the Fight for Social Justice Read More	APA-IL Takes Action to Address Inequities in Planning Read More
A call to Illinois urban planners: The APA-IL expresses deep sadness over George Floyd and encourages planners to be relentless with ethical principles. Read More	APA-IL takes action to address inequities in planning Read More	Community members gathered to talk gentrification and transportation at the 10/4 El Paseo Panel & Read More
Streetsblog Chicago covers 10/4 El Paseo Program Read More	APA-IL Ambassadors visit George B. Armstrong's 8th Grade Social Science Classes Read More	Planners weathered the weather to tour Boystown with the APA-IL Diversity Committee & Jane's Read More
EPOCH Picnic was a chilly success! Read More	Work Smart Workshop Highlights Read More	A Summary of the 10/5 Diversity Panel - Takeaways & Watch the Video Read More
APA Ambassadors Visit Loves Park, IL Read More	WP+Drinks with APA-IL Diversity Committee Read More	APA Ambassadors Visit Belvidere High School Read More
APA-IL Diversity Member participates in UWM Diversity Panel Read More

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DEI Resources

• APA-IL Planners Equity Resources
  
  
• The American Association of University Women (AAUW) now offers a free, self-paced version of their in-person salary negotiation workshop, Work Smart Online. This free online course gives women the tools to successfully negotiate and close the pay gap.
  
  

• American Planning Association (APA) Diversity Initiative - including a national forum, list of allied organizations, and national Diversity Committee information. Be sure to read APA's PAS MEMO: More and Better: Increasing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Planning.

• University of Illinois at Chicago Latino Planning Organization for Development, Education, and Regeneration (LPODER)

• University of Illinois at Chicago Society for Black Urban Planners (SBUP)

• Women in Planning and Development (W+PD)

• UIC Women in Planning and Public Affairs