Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program

Creating a Culture of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Valley Water is committed to the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within Valley Water and the community we serve.  DEI supports the diversity of our workforce, our community and enriches our perspectives, critical to delivering quality products and services that meet the needs of our customers.

Advancing Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Efforts

In Summer of 2020, under the direction of newly appointed CEO, Rick Callender, and the support of the Board of Directors, Valley Water established the Office of Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (REDI), a clear signal of the organization’s commitment to fostering, promoting and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and intent to actively work towards dismantling systematic inequities. 

Current Priorities:

• Development of a comprehensive DEI Master Plan and Equity Action Plans to address structural and institutional policies, practices and norms that may knowingly or unknowingly perpetuate inequities. 
• Guide agency alignment with and integration of environmental justice practices in all Valley Water projects, products and activities to ensure equitable distribution of benefits and meaningful engagements of impacted communities in the decision-making process.
• Intentional engagement and consultation with tribal communities to foster partnerships and collaboration in the protection of ancestral lands and cultural resources. 

Partnering with employees to build an inclusive workforce

Valley Water is deeply invested in hiring, retaining and advancing a workforce that represents the rich diversity of the Santa Clara County community. To help build community within and among our diverse workforce, Valley Water supports Employee Resource Groups (ERG) as a critical part of our workplace DEI strategy. 

ERGs are employee-led groups that unite under a shared vision to enhance awareness and create opportunities for people of a common identity, particular life stage or similar professional aspirations. 

Membership to chartered Valley Water ERGs is free and open to all regular employees. 

Current ERGs include:

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Performance Goal

We make Diversity & Inclusion an important part of every district employee’s development. As part of the annual Employee Development and Performance Plan (EDPP), employees must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, increasing employee morale and employee engagement.

Contact Us

Questions about the D&I Program? Email [email protected]