Applying an Equity-Values Framework to Assess, Develop and Implement Policies and Practices

Public agencies are navigating increasing disruption, scrutiny, and complexity while working to build trust and deliver equitable outcomes. This interactive workshop centers on a practical equity-values framework that helps leaders and teams assess, develop, and implement policies and practices with clarity, consistency, and accountability.

Drawing on AV Consulting’s experience with public sector and nonprofit organizations, participants will learn how to apply equity values as a foundation for decision-making. Through real-world examples, the session demonstrates how organizations have used clearly defined values to guide actions, strengthen trust, and improve policy outcomes.

Participants will build skills through facilitated exercises, small-group discussions, and hands-on practice using equity values as decision-making criteria. The focus is on turning equity from an abstract concept into a set of concrete tools that teams can use in their day-to-day work.

By the end of the session, participants will leave with practical tools, guiding questions, and 1–3 actionable steps they can apply within their teams to advance equity, strengthen decision-making, and build trust within their teams, themselves and the community they serve.

Alma Villegas has over 30 years of experience in organizational development, capacity building, program development, and community engagement in the private and public sectors. A seasoned equity advisor and coach, her areas of expertise include conducting equity assessments and framework co-creation, strategic planning, multicultural and multilingual community engagement, leadership development, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging applied learning and training. Before becoming a consultant, Alma held multiple positions in Finance, Operations, and Program Development for several nonprofit organizations in Washington state including Community Schools Collaboration, Global to Local, Partnership for Learning, Seattle Arts & Lectures, Stand for Children, Summer Search, and the Growth & Prevention Theatre. Alma received her training in facilitation at the Institute of Creative Development and is a Spanish-language interpreter and translator. She served on the City of Tukwila’s Equity & Diversity Commission and the City of Tacoma’s Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (CIRA). 

For more information on AV Consulting visit almavillegasconsulting.com

Eliza Arai Carrington is a racial equity and community engagement strategist with experience in the public, non-profit, and private sectors. She specializes in program and project management, group facilitation, evaluation, strategic planning, training and curriculum development. Her experience in supporting non-profits and larger agencies is rooted in equity, inclusion, and social justice. As a multi-racial/Asian having grown up in one of the country’s most diverse zip codes South Seattle (98118), she also brings a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of individuals to her strengths-based approach to workforce development. Translating big-picture strategy into tangible action, she has supported teams through growth and innovation by focusing on personal relationships as a driver for change. 

Prior to becoming a consultant, Eliza worked for over a decade as a practitioner and program manager for nonprofits working primarily with low-income, BIPOC and immigrant young people and their families. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA.