How to Center Equity in All That We Do — Episode 076

With NRPA’s 2021-2023 Strategic Plan, we made a commitment to
centering equity in all that we do. And we talked
about this with our president and CEO, Kristine
Stratton, on episode 70. The vital importance of focusing
on equity has been put into the spotlight,
as this year has underscored the many systemic
inequities that exist in our world. Whether through the lens of
public health, criminal justice, climate change or who has safe,
reliable access to a park in their community, equity is
essential. And because it is so essential,
NRPA established a leadership role central to this work
and our efforts as an organization, and we’re so glad our guest
today is officially part of the team. 


Autumn Saxton-Ross joined NRPA as the vice president of education
and chief equity officer in early September of this year. She is
a true park and rec kid, and before coming on board at NRPA, she
served as the mid-Atlantic regional director and equity,
inclusion and diversity lead for NatureBridge, the largest
residential environmental education partner of the National Park
Service.


Autumn’s role at NRPA will increase our capacity and enable us to
partner more holistically across the field, promote and scale up
equity-centered practices, and ensure that our member engagement
and educational programs are aligned and support our park and
recreation professionals.


Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Autumn and
her vision for NRPA and the field of parks and recreation, as
well as:


How her past experience working with park and recreation
professionals will help in this role.

What plans she has for park and recreation professionals who
want to share information and support for others in the field who
want to start addressing equity, inclusion and diversity issues.

How she plans to advance conversations that can lead to
agencies implementing practices and policies that are centered in
equity.

What NRPA Virtual attendees can look forward to in her Coffee
Talk conversation with NRPA Virtual keynote speaker, Glenn
Harris, on the evening of October 27 at 5:45 p.m. EDT, and more!