Imara Diaz
Hampton, VA Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Interim Executive Director
Phenomenal, Inclusive, Determined
Imara is an invaluable asset to the citizenry of Hampton and serves as the LGBTQ liaison to the City Manager’s Office. In the short time that he has been the Interim ED for the department, Imara has reignited the Hampton Diversity College platform within the city. This is an interactive discussion based series for residents to learn the values of diversity, race, culture, disability awareness, social justice and societal change.
Since its inception in 2004, the program had been only available in person; however, now being offered as a free online course. Imara manages 2 citizen based commissions and a Youth Advisory Group to help plan, promote, and execute programs to increase unity and cultural competency and a sense of belonging within the city. He has also been very instrumental in providing access to residents in underserved communities for better health outcomes, amid the pandemic, offering P.P.E., health screenings and access to vaccinations.
Imara most recently petitioned Hampton City Council for a departmental name change (to better align the work of the office), The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: The Home of the Citizens’ Unity Commission
The 2021 Top 100 Influencers List is made possible by ELGL’s partnership with CivicPlus.
