A New Dawn for Burlington’s Equity Office with Kelli Perkins at the Helm

In a city where equity has been both a beacon of hope and a battleground, Burlington embarks on a transformative journey under the leadership of its new Director of Racial Equity. Kelli Perkins steps into this pivotal role with “cautious optimism,” poised to navigate an office that’s weathered significant challenges over recent years. Her appointment marks not just a change in personnel but signals a renewed commitment to fostering inclusivity and belonging within the vibrant community of Burlington.

Perkins, recognized for her extensive background in educational administration, human resources, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), brings two decades of experience to this critical role. Appointed last month by Mayor Miro Weinberger—who has expressed his determination to stabilize and firmly establish the office as a permanent fixture of Burlington’s civic landscape—Perkins is set on initiating meaningful conversations around equity with stakeholders and residents alike.

The Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB), created in 2019 following the momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement, represents Burlington’s ongoing commitment to address systemic inequities. However, its journey has been tumultuous, characterized by rapid turnover among its leaders—primarily Black women—who have faced significant challenges, including perceived lack of support and public disagreements with city officials.

The office’s history is marred by controversy, most notably during the tenure of Tyeastia Green, Burlington’s first director, who found herself at odds with Mayor Weinberger over approaches to systemic racism. Despite her eventual departure amid allegations of mismanagement—which later investigations did not substantiate—Green remains a vocal supporter of Perkins’ mission.

Perkins steps into this role as the third Black woman in its top position within an office that has seen three interim directors, each bringing their unique challenges and accomplishments. She inherits a department known for its efforts to distribute pandemic recovery funds equitably and foster community engagement through initiatives like the annual Juneteenth celebration. Yet, she also faces the challenge of operating in a national climate increasingly hostile towards DEI efforts.

Amid budget cuts and leadership changes, including a significant decision by Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak to reduce funding for REIB, Perkins is tasked with not only sustaining but elevating the office’s mission. Her approach emphasizes relationship-building and open dialogue on equity issues—a testament to her belief in collaborative change.

Perkins’ vision extends beyond immediate challenges; she aims to embed racial equity, inclusion, and belonging at the heart of city governance and community life. This involves a strategic shift towards sustainable funding models and leveraging cross-departmental collaborations to integrate DEI principles across Burlington’s operations.

As Perkins takes over, her leadership symbolizes more than just administrative change—it represents hope for a future where Burlington can truly embody its ideals of equity and inclusion. With the support of Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak and the broader community, she is poised to address root causes of systemic inequities while building on the groundwork laid by her predecessors.

In this endeavor, Perkins is not alone. The city council, local activists like Mia Schultz of the Rutland Area NAACP, and residents stand ready to support her mission. They recognize that for Burlington to navigate the challenges posed by national anti-DEI sentiments and internal discord, it must remain steadfast in its commitment to equity.

As Kelli Perkins embarks on this critical journey, Burlington stands at a crossroads—a moment ripe with potential for transformative change. With cautious optimism, the city watches as its new director of racial equity takes bold steps towards realizing a vision where every resident can thrive within an inclusive and equitable community. Through Perkins’ leadership, Burlington seeks not only to mend but to redefine what it means to advance racial justice and inclusivity at a local level.

Original article source: VTDigger