City Welcomes Erika Mascorro as Kirkland's First DEIB Manager

Published on June 23, 2022

erika mascorro headshot.jpg

Media Contact: 
David Wolbrecht
Communications Program Manager
dwolbrecht@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 587-3021

The City of Kirkland announces the hiring of Erika Mascorro as the City’s first Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Manager.  Mascorro’s position is intended to support the City’s various efforts around DEIB, including implementing the City’s soon-to-be-adopted DEIB 5-Year Roadmap.

“We are very excited that Erika has come on board to support the City in this critical work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging,” said Councilmember Amy Falcone.  “Having an expert like Erika on staff provides the City with the leadership and guidance we need to take serious steps to dismantle structural racism and create a Kirkland where everyone is welcome and belongs.”

Mascorro comes to Kirkland from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, where she had been the program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion, tribal liaison, Target Zero Manager network and distracted driving.  She authored the first multicultural engagement section within the 2019 Washington State Traffic Safety Strategic Plan and draft of the agency's first diversity, equity, and inclusion roadmap.  Mascorro also served as an Obama White House Appointee to the U.S. General Services Administration, Northwest/Arctic Region.  As an appointee, she had a responsibility to ensure that the President's executive orders on diversity were implemented and communicated throughout the federal agency. There she was also nominated and selected to participate on the National Federal Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice.

“The path to reach equality, belonging and social justice is a long path we all have a responsibility to walk.” said Mascorro. “The City of Kirkland and the community are very committed and passionate about continuing to build a City that is a safe, welcoming place for everyone. I look forward to working with everyone on this journey of transformation.”  

Mascorro is certified in NEPA Title VI Environmental Justice public involvement and has done extensive grassroots outreach to minority communities including language access.  She is fluently bilingual and has been the Spanish media spokesperson for previous agencies.  Mascorro participated in the Washington Latino Leadership Network, Washington Immigration Network, and participated in the employees’ Washington's Office of Equity Task Force/Governor's Interagency Council.

Erika Mascorro will be hosting a meet and greet for the community in the near future. If you are interested in participating please contact her at emascorro@kirklandwa.gov.