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IOA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging Committee

Mission

The DEIAB Committee is charged with developing education and training on DEIAB-related issues, including cross-cultural competence, that can be used to help members within their organizations grow and convey cultural intelligence; collaborate with other committees to integrate DEIB considerations into the IOA’s programs and operations; and provide feedback to the Board of Directors about intra-organizational DEIB trends and opportunities.

The DEIAB Committee has worked diligently since its inception and created a valuable framework designed to guide the IOA toward a more inclusive organization by supporting all IOA committees to develop and achieve DEIAB-related goals. Read more about the framework on the Independent Voice, IOA's blog.

Committee Charge

Values

In the International Ombuds Association, we believe that our differences make us whole. We value:

  • Every thread of our membership tapestry, which incorporates race, age, ancestry, ethnicity, physical ability, neurodiversity, marital and family status, national origin and citizenship, cultural experience, religion, gender, and gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, primary language, military status, socioeconomic position, political affiliation, and professional pursuit.
  • A culture of acceptance, respect, fairness, transparency, and representation by all members – cascading to the communities we serve.
  • Discourse which affirms our shared professional principles and reflects dignity toward the civil and respectful expression of ideas and opinions.
  • Appropriate action when we observe an IOA member or participant being treated unfairly or in a demeaning manner.

Read More on the IOA Independent Voice

Creation of the Task Force/Committee
Launch of the Task Force/Committee
A Message from the Team
More DEIAB Articles

Participants

Leaders

  • Jennifer Swann, Chair
  • Nadia Ferrara, Co-Chair
  • Rachel S. Manders, AIS, AINS, ARC, IR, Secretary

Board Liaison

  • Amarah Khan, CO-OP®

Committee Members & Liaison Roles

  • Stacey Aliasso Rowcliffe,
    Member Engagement Committee
  • Kirsi Aulin,
    Finance Committee
  • Tomi Balogun
  • Geoffrey Bartholomeusz,
    International Outreach Committee
  • Tuba Bilecik
    Conference Committee
  • Crystal Brakke,
    Conference Committee
  • Jai Calloway
  • Donna Edmondson,
    JIOA
    Research & Assessment Committee
    Nominating Committee
  • Twillea Evans-Carthen,
    Strategic Alliance Partnership Committee
  • Noelia Fernandez

  • Laurel Gordon, 
    Membership Engagement Committee 

  • Brett Harris,
    Nominating Committee
  • Júlia Horváth,
    Communications Committee
  • Juan Lattanzio Caro,
    International Outreach Committee
  • Marilyn Molina,
  • International Outreach Committee
  • Eileen Petzold-Bradley,
    Nominating Committee
  • Heidi Stensby,
    Communications Committee
  • Sonja Trent-Brown,
    Professional Development Committee
  • Herb Waye,
    International Outreach Committee
  • Jenny Yang

Join the Team

If you are an IOA member who is passionate about the topic of DEIAB and interested in serving on this committee then you are assured a place on the team. If you are interested in joining this or any other committee, please visit our Volunteer Opportunities page to learn more about available positions and complete our Volunteer Interest Form.

Volunteer Interest Form