https://www.tricitiesdeicouncil.org/about-us
When Naima Chambers moved to the Tri-Cities from California, she was struck by the lack of diverse attendance at community cultural events. “It was odd,” she recalls, contrasting it with the vibrant, engaged communities she was part of in California. This experience fueled her motivation to create a space where everyone, no matter their background, felt a sense of belonging. In late 2019, Ms. Chambers, along with a few friends, founded the Tri-Cities Diversity & Inclusion Council (TCD&IC). Their original goal was simple: increase cultural awareness and bring people together for community events that celebrated diversity.
“Since then, our focus has become more robust, but our mission remains the same,” says Chambers. “We strive to foster a unified community that embraces cultures and celebrates diversity. We aim to achieve this through education, advocacy, and promoting cultural competence and compassion.”
To fulfill this mission, the council has organized several impactful events. Among them is the Annual Celebration of Community Diversity and Culture, which features the representation of over 40 countries through song, dance, food, and opportunities for small businesses to become vendors. “This event uplifts diverse cultures and brings the community together,” Chambers adds proudly.
The council has also established events that honor and celebrate Juneteenth while raising scholarship funds for high school and college students. Additionally, their MLK Day of Service event, organized in partnership with Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) and HAPO Community Credit Union, made a tangible impact by distributing over 30,000 pounds of food, books, diapers, hygiene supplies, grocery gift cards, and laundry supplies to nearly 2,000 families in January. “This wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of community businesses and donations from members like Restoration Community Impact’s Marlando and Stephanie Sparks,” Chambers notes.
TCD&IC has also collaborated with LCSNW and HAPO on the Back-to-School Bash, where more than 2,000 students receive free haircuts, sports physicals, vaccinations, school supplies, and grocery gift cards each year. “We’re proud to be a hub that connects community members to the resources they need, and we’re always looking for ways to collaborate with other organizations to increase our capacity to serve even more people,” Ms. Chambers says.
In addition to its community events, TCD&IC offers a range of programming, including DEI training and consulting, civic engagement initiatives (with a goal of registering students to vote), holistic and culturally-specific programs to address trauma and promote healing, restorative practices, trauma-informed care training, and the Real Colors Workshop. They have also provided scholarships to both high school and college students, and sponsored events such as the Walla Walla Bodega Block Party, the Unapologetically You Writers Workshop, and the Pasco High School Night Block Party.
When asked what diversity, equity, and inclusion means to her, Ms. Chambers quotes Arthur Ashe: “Diversity is a fact, equity is a choice, inclusion is an action, and belonging is an outcome.” This quote captures her passion for fostering spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected.
Ms. Chambers encourages community members to support TCD&IC in various ways — whether by joining as a member, volunteering, sharing social media posts, or providing monetary donations. While she’s always willing to assist, Ms. Chambers advises reaching out to key members of the council’s leadership team, including Operations Administrator Clenesha Montgomery, Board Secretary Lynn Carlson, or Board Treasurer Miles Thomas, for more immediate help.
When asked for advice on starting a nonprofit in a small community, Ms. Chambers emphasizes collaboration. “See if anyone else is working to fill the gap you’re trying to address. There is power in building coalitions and communities, and it’s important to align yourself with organizations that share your values,” she explains. Ms. Chambers also notes the importance of persevering, especially in areas with limited diversity or inclusion efforts.
Through her work with the Tri-Cities Diversity & Inclusion Council, Ms. Chambers has earned several prestigious accolades, including the Columbia Basin College MLK Spirit Award, the WSU Tri-Cities Woman of Distinction Community Award, and the Washington African-American Chamber of Commerce’s Making a Difference Award.
Looking to the future, Ms. Chambers is committed to expanding TCD&IC’s reach. The council’s goals include establishing more racial equity and social justice initiatives, securing consistent funding, and using a holistic approach to wellness to heal and empower families.
In summary, through cultural events, programming, scholarships, and meaningful partnerships, the Tri-Cities Diversity & Inclusion Council has made a significant impact in fostering unity, promoting understanding, and advocating for marginalized groups. With Naima Chambers at the helm, TCD&IC continues to be a force for positive change, striving towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Anyla McDonald aspires to become a poet, short story writer, and essayist speaking about racism against Black people, current world problems, and hot topics. When she writes, she does it with purpose and passion. She feels destined to touch others with her words, and wants to be known as someone who takes a stand and impacts lives with her writing.
Anyla offers consulting services to Black student unions, student governments, school boards, superintendents, parents, and teachers facing social challenges within their institutions. She assists them in developing and implementing policies and activities aimed at preventing discrimination.
