Inclusion & Diversity

As leaders in the rental housing industry, we are committed to modeling inclusion; embracing diverse backgrounds and perspectives among our peers, partners and those whom we exist to serve; and promoting a workforce based in the principles of diversity and inclusion.  

Upcoming Committee Meeting: September 3 (10:00 AM - 10:30 AM)


FY27 Committee Chairs

Desiree Romero
Desiree Romero
Caleb Fanch
Caleb Fanch


Committee Liaison 

Liz Tennyson
Liz Tennyson

Committee Members

Jenny Jorgenson
Jenny Jorgenson
Naomi Marquez
Naomi Marquez
Felisha Austin
Felisha Austin
Sherrita Washington
Sheritta Washington

Irving Lopez-Gallarza
Irving Lopez-Gallarza
Angela Fletcher
Angela Fletcher
Melisa Mireles-Caraveo
Melisa Mireles-Caraveo
Felisha Austin
Grace Talbert 

Aaliyah Moore
Aaliyah Moore
Aaliyah Moore
Noah Alexander
Tannassia Takawira
Tannassia Takawira
Aaliyah Moore
Jorge Oqueli

Aaliyah Moore
Kira Franklin
Aaliyah Moore
Beamer Wright
Riley Grubbs
Riley Grubbs
Julie Owens
Julie Owens


Articles & Local Content

See below for articles and content about our association and industry's efforts to promote inclusion and diversity:

Industry AAMD News Articles Articles : Affordable Housing Articles : Apartments Giving Back Articles : Development Articles : Fair & Affordable Energy Articles : Inclusion & Diversity Articles : Leadership Articles : Legal / Legislative Articles : Maintenance Articles : Management Articles : Marketing Articles : Sales & Leasing Articles : Supplier Partners Articles : Tech & AI

From Going It Alone to Growing Together
From Going It Alone to Growing Together

Where it all began— Andrea, her mother and sister, paired with the apartment building that became part of their family’s story in the 1970s. Owning apartments presents a viable avenue for self-employment in the United States. While it entails significant effort, risk, and... Continue Reading

Postedby Andrea Michels
Date posted09/4/2026


Ripple Effect of Human Interaction in Multifamily
Ripple Effect of Human Interaction in Multifamily

AI may be here to stay, but you can't spell "Success" without "U" Last month I spoke at a fundraiser with a room full of caring, hardworking multifamily professionals and asked a simple question: "What's your why, and how do you keep it in focus?" This question is at the heart of everything I... Continue Reading

Postedby Debbie Phillips
Date posted09/4/2026


Meet Caleb and Desiree: 2026-2027 Chairs of I&D
Meet Caleb and Desiree: 2026-2027 Chairs of I&D

Meet Caleb and Desiree, the 2026–2027 Chairs of AAMD's Inclusion & Diversity Committee. Learn more about their backgrounds, their passion for mentorship, and their vision for the year ahead. Tell us a about your professional background and journey to this role. C: I began my career... Continue Reading

Postedby Liz Tennyson
Date posted07/7/2026


M.I.N.D Mentees Attend June Awards
M.I.N.D Mentees Attend June Awards

Attending the AAMD 2026 June Awards was a meaningful reminder of why I chose a career in the multifamily industry. When I first started in property management, I never imagined how much the industry would continue to evolve year after year. Looking back, it is exciting to see the innovation,... Continue Reading

Postedby Grace Talbert
Date posted06/29/2026


26th Annual Community Employment Day Career Fair
26th Annual Community Employment Day Career Fair

Felisha Austin and Gabe Sanchez, of Willow Bridge Property Company, proudly represented the AAMD at the 26th Annual Community Employment Day Career Fair, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to building a workforce that reflects and supports the diverse communities we serve. As Chair of the AAMD... Continue Reading

Postedby Felisha Austin
Date posted06/23/2026


M.I.N.D Mentees Gain Insight Through Legislative Discussion
M.I.N.D Mentees Gain Insight Through Legislative Discussion

Last month, the M.I.N.D. Program hosted its annual Legislative Panel, bringing together five legislators from Denver for an engaging and impactful discussion with the program’s mentors and mentees. The event provided participants with a unique opportunity to connect directly with their... Continue Reading

Postedby Liz Tennyson
Date posted06/1/2026


How the MIND Program is Turning Mentees into Industry Leaders
How the MIND Program is Turning Mentees into Industry Leaders

BY DESIREE ROMERO & JENNY JORGENSON The MIND (Mentoring Into New Dimensions) Program, an initiative of the Apartment Association of Metro Denver’s Inclusion & Diversity Committee, continues to meet the moment with its quarterly panels, each one intentionally centered around what... Continue Reading

Date posted05/31/2026


Building Belonging at Work: Advancing DEI Should Be More Than Just An Idea
Building Belonging at Work: Advancing DEI Should Be More Than Just An Idea

As Denver’s multifamily market grows, inclusion must rise with it. The city’s skyline tells a story of expansion; new developments, new talent, and new opportunities. But behind every community are the people who make it thrive: leasing professionals, maintenance technicians,... Continue Reading

Postedby Felisha Austin
Date posted01/2/2026


Building Belonging at Work: Advancing DEI in Denver’s Multifamily Industry
Building Belonging at Work: Advancing DEI in Denver’s Multifamily Industry

As Denver’s multifamily market grows, inclusion must rise with it. The city’s skyline tells a story of expansion; new developments, new talent, and new opportunities. But behind every community are the people who make it thrive: leasing professionals, maintenance technicians,... Continue Reading

Postedby Felisha Austin
Date posted11/11/2025


Leading Diverse Teams Important in Today's America
Leading Diverse Teams Important in Today's America

By Alphonse Keasley In 2015, a report from McKinsey & Company found when an organization is run by a diverse management team, they experienced 35% more in financial returns above their industry mean. Additional studies on the impact of diverse management and teams over the last decade have... Continue Reading

Date posted07/9/2024


Company I&D Spotlight: Santee Metal Works, LLC
Company I&D Spotlight: Santee Metal Works, LLC

Like many AAMD Members, Santee Metal Works owners Tonya and Travis Storovich bring a unique approach and perspective to being inclusive in the industry. How do you define inclusion & diversity? Embracing all persons to better our company, our work environment, and keeping an inclusive... Continue Reading

Postedby Tonya Storovich
Date posted11/24/2023


Getting Started with your Inclusion & Diversity Initiative
Getting Started with your Inclusion & Diversity Initiative

Practical Initiatives to Get Started On Here are four practical ideas to implement change that has a staying, powerful and longterm impact at your company: 1. Review Company Materials Your handbook, onboarding policies, websites/digital media, career development, hiring practices -... Continue Reading

Date posted11/4/2022