Connect
To strengthen our community by promoting, recognizing, and celebrating diversity and inclusion.
PPDC advocates for civic discourse and practical application of diversity and inclusion policies and processes. A healthy community requires an inclusive climate built on a foundation of trust and respect for individual assets, talents, and perspectives. Diversity and inclusion add significant value by maximizing everyone’s contribution to shared quality of life.
Diversity is fundamental to success and PPDC has served this tenet in the Pikes Peak region for ten+ years. During that time, members and partners have worked tirelessly to change the landscape and perception of our community. Our vision is to collectively impact how we: attract and retain a diverse workforce; understand and express the valuable diversity of our communities and; harness powerful inclusive practices which are vital to economic growth in our entire region.
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CONNECT: Individual Membership is a powerful experience; one we can share and celebrate with others. PPDC provides opportunities to develop interpersonal skills, express individuality, and support one another’s unique contributions to our community. Becoming an individual member makes a statement about the strength of your values and the importance of having a voice. Every achievement becomes a personal accomplishment, each challenge a personal investment in our communal future.
INCLUDE: Membership provides many rich rewards. Every business in the Front Range shares the same talent pool, the same benefits and concerns, and the same cultural landscape. PPDC provides a forum for discussion and a platform for community dialog on diversity issues. Forum members are better able to apply diversity processes as they plan human and financial resources necessary to reach their goals and objectives. PPDC’s vision is to strengthen our community’s position in the global marketplace.
ENGAGE: Sponsorship of program initiatives underscores the importance of what PPDC brings to the region. Large and small
entities alike make powerful allies for diversity in every enterprise and in every aspect of community life. PPDC initiatives reach into all parts of the community, drawing participation across social, cultural, and generational lines. Individuals come to know your organization through the PPDC lens, improving their understanding of your commitment to the community: we lift each other up when we partner to discover and celebrate our diversity.
Our Board
President
Shirley Martinez
Shirley Martinez, a military veteran with over 20 years of service, is the Director of Multicultural Outreach for Pikes Peak Library District, President of multiple organizations, and an award-winning advocate for diversity and accessibility, currently completing her doctoral dissertation.
Vice President
Teressa Hill
Teressa Hill, a long-time Southborough resident, holds a Bachelor’s in Social Work from the University of Southern Colorado and has over 27 years of experience in public housing management, currently serving as a Housing Specialist for the Colorado Springs Housing Authority.
Treasurer
Veronica Frias
Veronica Frias serves as the Board Treasurer for the Pikes Peak Diversity Council, bringing extensive experience in organizational management, financial oversight, and process improvement to the team. In her professional career, Veronica serves as a Business Manager for the State of Colorado, where she specializes in strategic project management, departmental wage and audit coordination, and complex data analysis.
Communications
Earl Schaffer Jr.
Minister Earl Schaffer Jr., a Baltimore native and Colorado Springs resident, is an active community leader serving as a board member of the Pikes Peak Diversity Council, founder of the Colorado Springs Community Choir, and associate minister and minister of music at Journey Bible Based Church.
Administration/Membership/Logistic
Kimberly Reese
Kimberly Reese, Administrative Assistant for CSU Extension El Paso County, has held key roles in organizations like the Pikes Peak Diversity Council, MLK Legacy Preservation Society, COS Community Choir, and JBBC Music Ministry.
Board Advisor
Eric Estrada
I am a progressive, innovative, and decisive leader, known for translating senior leadership vision into actionable plans and guiding multi-functional teams effectively.
Youth Director
Nicolas Crutcher
Nicholas Crutcher, Youth Director for the Pikes Peak Diversity Council and CEO of Crutcher Cornerstone Movement, has over two decades of nonprofit experience and holds degrees in Communication and History with a focus on the Africana Diaspora from Western Illinois University.
Join the Movement: We’re Recruiting New Board Members!
Are you passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion? Do you want to use your unique skills, voice, and perspective to make a real difference in the Pikes Peak region?
You can help shape the future of PPDC. We are currently seeking passionate, community-minded individuals to join our Board of Directors. Whether your background is in community organizing, event planning, finance, marketing, or simply a shared lived experience and a desire for change, we want to hear from you.
Why Join the PPDC Board?
Make a Tangible Impact: Direct the future of local DEI initiatives and advocacy.
Grow Creatively & Professionally: Collaborate with a network of dedicated local leaders.
Champion Inclusion: Help ensure that the Pikes Peak region remains a place where Everyone is Welcome.
Ready to take your seat at the table? Please email pikespeak.diversitycouncil@gmail.com with your most current resume and cover letter answering the following questions:
Why are you passionate about the mission of our organization?
What specific skills, professional expertise or lived experiences do you hope to bring to the board?
Are you able to commit to our monthly meeting schedule and participate in committee work?
What other community or civic organizations are you currently involved with?
Let’s build a more inclusive community, together.