HRC Meeting Minutes - September 17, 2025
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Meeting Minutes Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting September 17, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. City Council Chambers Conference Room 88 E. Chicago St., Chandler, AZ 85225 Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Ramirez at 6:06 p.m. Roll Call Commission Attendance Staff Attendance Vice Chair Betty Ramirez Niki Tapia, DEI Officer Commissioner Omar Rodriguez Leah Powell, Deputy City Manager Commissioner Erica Maxwell Commander Dan Shellum, Chandler Police Commissioner Pamela Morris CC Cantabrana, Management Assistant Commissioner Joacim Mattison Commissioner Jevan Bremby Commissioner Tony Pham Commissioner Shauna Risinger Commissioners Absent Chair Kriti Agarwal Commissioner Kent Lane Commissioner Garry Ong Scheduled and Unscheduled Public Appearances None Consent Agenda Motion and Vote Commissioner Mattison made a motion to approve the meeting minutes of August 20, 2025. Commissioner Risinger seconded the motion. All in favor of approving the meeting minutes. (8-0) Action Agenda Commissioner Mattison made a motion to approve the updated 2025 meeting dates, seconded by Commissioner Morris. All in favor of approving the updated 2025 meeting dates. (8-0) Page 2 of 2 Discussion Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Updates Niki Tapia introduced Leah Powell, Deputy City Manager for the City of Chandler, to the group. Leah brings extensive experience in local government leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement, and she provides executive oversight to several city departments, including those focused on neighborhood resources and community connection. Tapia also shared an important update regarding the division’s upcoming name change—from Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) to Connection & Impact. While the name is evolving, the mission remains the same: to foster meaningful relationships, inclusive engagement, and equitable opportunities throughout Chandler. Tapia emphasized that the Mayor and City Council remain supportive of this work and the division’s ongoing efforts. This transition reflects the evolution of DEI within the city and the strong foundation already established through years of thoughtful, impactful initiatives. HRC Goals, Accomplishments and Next Steps. The commission discussed the results of the recent HRC Retreat. The retreat, facilitated by Taylor Ducklow, was held on June 11 and August 20, focused on team building, helped clarify the HRC’s mission and responsibilities, and developed commission-led goals. Commissioners identified two key priorities— Internal Infrastructure and Community Outreach & Support—to strengthen internal communication, accountability, and community engagement. Immediate next steps include increasing meeting frequency, creating outreach materials, and collecting community data to guide future efforts. Recommendations emphasized starting with achievable goals, delegating tasks effectively, and maintaining accountability to ensure continued progress and measurable community impact. Chandler Police Department Updates Commander Dan Shellum shared that the Chandler Police Department continues to support the community and emphasized the importance of residents understanding that immigration enforcement is not handled by Chandler Police, but by federal agencies. He reaffirmed the department’s ongoing commitment to public safety and to maintaining strong partnerships with other law enforcement agencies. Member Comments/Announcements Calendar The next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 6 p.m., at the ASU Chandler Innovation Center located at 249 E. Chicago St., Chandler, AZ 85225. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 7:17 p.m. ______________________________ ______________________________ CC Cantabrana, Recording Secretary Betty Ramirez, Vice Chair