Through these vital monthly workshops, our annual conference, and youth outreach, we provide a safe space and platform to have critical conversations that impart change. We would like to invite you to be a speaker if you are available and interested.
Contact DLA About Speaker Opportunities
March DLA Workshop
Trailblazing Together: Women Leaders on Success, Allyship, and Impact
Featured Speakers
Niki Tapia, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
City of Chandler
Iveliz R. Crespo (they/them), Director of DEI and Talent Development
Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, LLP
MODERATOR:
Ashley Merida, BSN, RN (She/ Her/ Ella), Program Manager – Office of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity
Mayo Clinic – Arizona
In celebration of Women’s History Month, join us for a powerful virtual workshop featuring women in leadership as they share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs.
Through candid conversations, they’ll discuss the pathways they’ve forged, the role of allyship in their success, and how they continue to uplift and empower others.
This session is an opportunity to gain inspiration, build connections, and explore strategies for creating inclusive spaces where all women can thrive.
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
Time: 9am – 11am AZ Time
Bios
Niki Tapia
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
City of Chandler
An accomplished professional with over 27 years of experience in local government administration and community engagement, Niki is dedicated to fostering effective governance and building strong connections between communities and their local government. In her role as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer with the City of Chandler, Arizona, she oversees key strategic initiatives, programs, and policies that support the city’s mission to serve its residents and employees with excellence. Tapia has been with the city for over 25 years and has been part of their diversity initiatives her entire career before heading up the DEI Division. In 2023 Tapia was named one of the 25 top National Latino leaders, who have achieved success in their careers while paving the way for other Latinos to advance. In addition, she serves as secretary on the Board of Trustees for Chandler Children’s Medical and Dental, and is on the board of directors for For Our City – Chandler.
Iveliz R. Crespo (they/them)
Director of DEI and Talent Development
Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, LLP
Iveliz Crespo (they/them) is an accomplished attorney and global DEI leader with over a decade of experience fostering inclusive and equitable environments. As the first Director of DEI and Talent Development at Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP, they drive strategies to attract, retain, and advance diverse talent. Previously, they served as a DEI consultant and Senior Global DEI Advisor at Reed Smith LLP, leading impactful initiatives. A former civil litigator advocating for marginalized communities, Iveliz is also a sought-after speaker and writer, recognized by Business Insider and Profiles in Diversity Journal. They hold a J.D. from Rutgers Law and a DEI Certificate from Cornell.
Ashley Merida, BSN, RN (She/ Her/ Ella)
Program Manager – Office of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity
Mayo Clinic – Arizona
Ashley Mérida is a Registered Nurse and the Program Manager in the Office of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. She is a dedicated, self-motivated nurse and community leader specializing in the areas of solid organ transplant, quality improvement, health equity, and organizational growth & development. She has a commitment towards equity, diversity, inclusion, and belongingness in the Healthcare system and has been with Mayo Clinic for over 5 years. She currently serves as the President of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses- Phoenix Chapter.
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