Nevada County, Calif. September 21, 2020 – The newly named, Equity & Inclusion Leadership Alliance (EILA) is a coalition committed to reducing bias and inequality in Nevada County institutions, including healthcare, law enforcement, education, and more. Following the death of George Floyd and many others throughout the United States, the group was formed to both speak out and learn more in order to create sustainable change and greater understanding across the communities served. The Alliance, initiated by President/CEO of Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, Dr. Brian Evans, is still in a formative stage and currently includes local non-profits and community leaders as well as executive level leadership and representation from Grass Valley and Nevada City Police Departments, Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, Nevada County Superintendent of Schools, and the County of Nevada. All are committed to the stated goals and will continue to explore new levels of accountability within their spheres of influence.

In an effort to share educational opportunities, EILA will host a County-wide Virtual Half Day Cultural Competency Workshop, The Hidden Biases of Good People: Implicit Bias Awareness. This is a free half day program described as innovative, engaging, humorous, and motivational. All are encouraged to attend. To register please visit Bit.ly/HiddenBiasGoodPeople

Rev. Dr. Bryant T. Marks, Sr. is a minister, researcher, trainer, and award-winning educator. He is the Founder and Chief Equity Officer of the National Training Institute on Race and Equity and a tenured professor of Psychology at Morehouse College. He served on President Obama’s Board of Advisors with the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans and as senior advisor with the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Dr. Marks was also a contributor and trainer with the Obama Administration’s My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) and 21st Century Policing programs. Between 2017 and 2019, Dr. Marks provided implicit bias training to over 40,000 employees and volunteers in law enforcement; city, county, and federal government; corporations; education; and healthcare. Clients include: the Los Angeles Police Department, New York City Dept. of Education, Kaiser Permanente, Google, and Price Waterhouse Coopers.

Dr. Marks holds a B.A. in psychology and a minor in economics from Morehouse College, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Michigan. Dr. Marks conducts research and professional development in the areas of diversity and implicit bias, Black male psychology and development, and personal passion and productivity. Dr. Marks is married to Dr. Kimberly Marks and father to Kim, Zion-Trinity, and Bryant II.

The Equity & Inclusion Leadership Alliance commits to reducing racism, racial bias and inequity in Nevada County. Through accountability, education, training and reform we will foster a safer, more diverse, and welcoming community. Through cross-institutional reflection, discussion, and planning, we will build and advocate for systemic changes required for the long term success of this shared goal.

Sheila Cameron – County Communications Contractor & Advisor, Color Me Human
Chad Ellis – Chief of Police, Nevada City Police Department
Dr. Brian Evans – President/CEO, Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital
Daniela Fernández – Program Director, Color Me Human
Alex Gammelgard – Chief of Police, Grass Valley Police Department
Curtis Glenn – Supervisor, Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Food and Nutrition
Scott W Lay – Nevada County Superintendent of Schools
Alison Lehman – CEO, Nevada County
Rocio Mojica-Bierwirth – Latino Outreach Promotora, Family Resource Centers/NCSOS
Shannan Moon – Sheriff, Nevada County Sheriff’s Office
Tracy Pepper – Director, Color Me Human
Honorable Linda Sloven – Judge, Nevada County Superior Court
Dr. Lystra Wilson-Celestine – Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital