Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Our Commitment to Engaging All Voices

Mile High United Way’s mission is to unite people, ideas and resources to advance the common good. We are outwardly and intentionally committed to inclusion across all dimensions, including race, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, physical or mental ability, enables us to effectively and authentically address our communities’ most pressing needs.

Mile High United Way respects, values and celebrates the visible and non-visible unique attributes, characteristics, experiences and perspectives of every person. We recognize the unique needs and opportunities across Colorado and seek to engage all voices to co-create more equitable communities.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

At Mile High United Way, we celebrate the rich histories, cultures and contributions of those whose ancestors come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, check out an incredible list of events, books, music and films that celebrate Hispanic Heritage from our partners at Denver Public Library.

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Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

A message from our President & CEO

Christine Benero - President & CEO of Mile High United Way

Dear Community,

Over the past few years, Mile High United Way has taken an honest look at ourselves – not only to understand who we currently are as organization, but who we aspire to be for our community and for each other.

With leadership from the Executive Team, Board of Trustees and our internal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee, we began down a path to define and create a shared vision.

To further our progress in making Mile High United Way a great place to work and a strong community partner, we believe in a truly inclusive workplace that attracts and retains a diverse talent pool and creates an atmosphere in which we are all fully engaged, valued, and celebrated.

We have been on our DEI journey for many years, fueled by our mission to Live United and the expectations of our staff and community to create opportunities for everyone…

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"After listening to feedback from our staff and community members, Mile High United Way developed nine key strategies to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion within our organization and across our community. These strategies guide our work in creating a stronger, more equitable community."

Eric Artis, Chief Human Resources and Diversity Officer
Mile High United Way's

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategies

DIVERSE & INCLUSIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT​

Create a workplace where everyone, regardless of who they are or their job title, feels equally involved and supported in all areas of the workplace.

EQUITABLE STRUCTURES​

Develop equitable structures that outline Mile High United Way's Equity Lens, Visualization Tracker and Action Steps. ​

EQUITABLE DATA COLLECTION​

Expand Mile High United Way's intersectional data collection to address systemic gaps in our community, highlight program needs and bolster the assets of participants.

INCLUSIVE PHILANTHROPY​

Develop philanthropic practices which seek individuals from diverse backgrounds as active participants in the shaping of community decisions. ​

LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT​

Engage Mile High United Way staff, volunteers, donors, Board and nonprofit partners in trainings that allow for learning and development in the DEI space.

BOARD ENGAGEMENT​

Ensure Mile High United Way's Board of Trustees is reflective of, and informed by, the communities we serve. Develop systems that ensure Board-led decisions are driven by equitable outcomes.​

INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT​

Reduce barriers, create connections and engage in meaningful and supportive ways so everyone can play a role in program development.

EQUITABLE HIRING, RECRUITMENT & RETENTION​

Assess hiring and promotion practices to ensure our team diversity is reflective of the community we serve.

Pay & Compensation

Establish pay equity across the organization and commit to providing a fair, reasonable and competitive total compensation program that will attract, motivate and retain talented employees who drive the organization’s success.​

Our STORIES

Celebrating International Women’s Day
Celebrate Black History Month with Mile High United Way
Supporting Colorado’s Migrant and Refugee Community
Juneteenth Reflections: The Equity Work Continues
Black History Month: Learn with Us
Denver’s Historic Five Points Neighborhood Exemplifies What it Means to Be a Community United
Understanding Equity and Our Role As a Learning Organization
Calling on our Metro Denver community to stand united with us

Today is International Women’s Day! The theme for this year is #EmbraceEquity, a theme that sits at the very heart of our mission. ​​​​​Learn how Mile High United Way supports women and girls through our Women United Initiative and how you can get involved.

March 8, 2023

Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate and highlight the incredible contributions the Black community has made throughout U.S. history. In honor of Black History Month, we are celebrating the legacy of Black leaders in Denver. Join us!

February 1, 2023

In recent months, the Denver community has welcomed hundreds of migrants and refugees from Latin American nations. Learn how Mile High United Way is providing support to families as they begin their transition to living here in Colorado.

December 16, 2022

Mile High United Way Board Member Lee Gash-Maxey reflects on Juneteenth, which honors the end of slavery in the United States.

June 16, 2022

Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate and honor the innumerable contributions the Black community has made throughout the history of the United States. As part of our journey as an organization, we’re engaging in a learning series focused on the Voting Rights Movement.

February 16, 2022

In celebration of Black History Month, learn more the iconic Five Points neighborhood through reflections from Mile High United Way Board of Trustee Members.

February 26, 2021

Roweena Naidoo, Vice President, Policy and Community Initiatives, shares how Mile High United Way is evolving to create greater equity in our community.

October 7, 2020

A statement by Christine Benero, President & CEO of Mile High United Way and Vernon Irvin, 2018-2020 Chair, Mile High United Way Board of Trustees.

June 2, 2020