Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Ken So, Chief Diversity Officer 

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” -- Maya Angelou

To me, diversity and inclusion means creating a sense of connectedness, community, and understanding. Our Office’s Committee for Diversity & Inclusion promotes these objectives by organizing cultural, educational, and other impactful events. We’ve celebrated Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month through food, live performances, fashion shows, movie showings, and more. We’ve had panel and Continuing Legal Education discussions on significant issues relating to gender, Native Americans, and the LGBT community. We have also had important conversations about racial equality through Office-wide roundtable and book club style discussions. We are committed to increasing awareness of key issues affecting our diverse communities in creative and inclusive ways.

Evonne Perryman, Committee for Diversity & Inclusion Co-Chair 

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” --John F. Kennedy

Diversity and inclusion permeate every aspect of my life. I truly enjoy interacting and surrounding myself with friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers from all different backgrounds. One of the most impactful events that I have been involved in is co-facilitating a discussion centered around the book, “Between the World & Me” by Ta-Nahesi Coates. Through creating a welcoming and supportive environment, the other participants and I had an opportunity to share our own personal experiences relating to race and what touched us about the struggles that the Black author had to go through. I find that being involved with diversity and inclusion gives me an opportunity to show love for others and to let their voices be heard. 

Jerrica Phillips, Committee for Diversity & Inclusion Co-Chair 

“You can start changing our world for the better daily, no matter how small the action.” -- Nelson Mandela

I am honored to serve as Co-Chair of the Committee for Diversity & Inclusion. I am committed to promoting a culture that is not only accepting of all perspectives and voices, but also celebrates our differences. By leveraging unique ideas, backgrounds, and experiences, we can learn from each other while strengthening our ability to serve our community. As co-founder of our Racial Equity Task Force, I hope to increase awareness of systemic racism and find meaningful ways to address inequities. We work to cultivate a sense of belonging such that our colleagues feel respected, valued, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to the San Diego City Attorney’s Office.