City Staff Present at UIUC
On Friday, March 28, 2025 Community Relations Manger Janel Gomez and intern Terra Salgado (Equity and Engagement) presented at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. They were invited by the Department of Animals Sciences to highlight the work done at the Equity and Engagement Department, specifically within the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The presentation […]
Healing Solutions for Healing Communities Summit
On March 14-15, 2025, staff from the Equity and Engagement Department and the Police Department attended the Healing Solutions for Healing Communities Summit at the I Hotel. This event, sponsored by the Champaign County Community Coalition, Healing Illinois, and the University of Illinois School of Social Work, focused on community building, healing, and resilience. The […]
DEI County Presentation
On Dec. 10, 2024, Janel Gomez from the Equity & Engagement Department, gave a presentation to the Champaign County Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Task Force about the City of Champaign’s Equal Opportunity in Purchasing Ordinance, the Champaign Diversity Advancement Program, and the DEI Division at the City of Champaign. The County DEI Task force […]
Boy Scouts of America Troop 101
On November 14, 2024, Mikal Washington (Equity and Engagement Department) led a diversity, equity, and inclusion training for the Boy Scouts of America Troop 101. As part of the session, Scouts were tasked with interviewing an individual from their community, school, or scouting network who has made a significant, positive impact in promoting diversity, equity, […]
DEI | Microaggressions Training
On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, Janel Gomez, Community Relations Manager in the Equity and Engagement Department was invited to speak at Keller Williams Realty Lunch and Learn about microaggressions. Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional, words or actions that communicate negative or derogatory messages towards a marginalized group. These can be verbal, nonverbal, or even environmental […]
Building Wellness, Advancing Equity
On Thursday, November 14, 2024, City Council Members and staff from the Equity and Engagement Department attended a Campus-Community Compact Sponsored gathering entitled “Building Wellness, Advancing Equity: A Community Gathering for Health & Human Services Professionals”. Several community organizations joined them, including the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, CU Public Health District, Habitat for Humanity, and the […]
Keynote Speaker Champaign Public Library Staff Development Day
On Friday, November 8, 2024, Rachel Joy, Equity and Engagement Department was the guest speaker for the Champaign Public Library’s staff development day. Rachel provided valuable insights into the Equity and Engagement Department and its three divisions. This informative session sparked a lively Q&A, demonstrating the interest of library staff in the department’s work. Library […]
39th Annual University of Illinois Celebration of Diversity.
On Friday, November 8, 2024, Deputy City Manager, Joan Walls, and staff from Equity and Engagement Department participated in the 39th Annual University of Illinois Celebration of Diversity. This event, a cornerstone of the university’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, brings together both university and community members to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures […]
2024 Immigrant Welcome Awards
On Sunday, Sept 22, 2024, City staff from the City Manager’s Office and the Equity & Engagement Department, were excited to participate in the 2024 Immigrant Welcome Awards hosted by CU Immigration Forum. The 11th Annual Immigrant Welcome Awards Ceremony and Celebration was a resounding success, honoring outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant […]
Friday Forum + Conversation
On Friday, September 20, 2024 staff from the City of Champaign were invited to speak at the University YMCA Friday Forum + Conversations. This weekly event is designed to engage the community in thought-provoking discussions about current events. Tom Yu, City Attorney and Janel Gomez, Community Relations Manager, highlighted the City’s involvement in the Champaign […]