Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Announces Carla Kupe as Chief Equity Officer
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced the appointment of Carla Kupe as the Chief Equity Officer of the Mayor's Office of Equity and Racial Justice (OERJ). The announcement was made during the City of Chicago's 4th Annual Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony in Daley Plaza.

Kupe, an attorney and longtime public servant, brings a wealth of experience in driving systemic change and promoting anti-racism, equity, and inclusion. In her new role, she will be responsible for developing an implementation and oversight framework to advance equity across city departments.

Mayor Johnson praised Kupe's diverse background and experience in the fields of equity and diversity. He stated that her personal story embodies one of the best parts of Chicago – its diversity. He also expressed his confidence in her ability to lead a city that provides for all its people.

Kupe's previous roles include contributing to the work of OERJ, where she assisted city departments in designing their Racial Equity Action Plans. She also served as a community partner facilitator for the Together We Heal initiative, which aims to promote racial healing. Her innovative vision and experience will be instrumental in building on OERJ's foundational work.

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In addition to her role at OERJ, Kupe has served as the first Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Compliance at the City of Chicago Office of Inspector General. She is also the founder and CEO of The Impact Alliance LLC, a consulting enterprise focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism/colonialism. Furthermore, she is the co-founder of CZL P.C., a Black-Women led and owned law firm.

The Equity Advisory Council commended Kupe's ties to Chicago communities and her work in promoting equity and inclusion. They stated that her understanding of the community's role in racial equity work makes her well-suited for this position. They also highlighted her ability to navigate different spaces and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Kupe's personal background as the daughter of immigrant Congolese parents and her experience living in both Luxemburg and Chicago for the past 20 years have shaped her drive to cultivate community and advocate for social justice awareness in governance.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Psychology from Kalamazoo College in Michigan, as well as a Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Kupe also serves on various boards, including Women of Color in the Workplace and the Chicago Southside Birth Center.

In her new role as Chief Equity Officer, Kupe is committed to further advancing Chicago as a role model for equitable cities. She stated that there is no better time than now to empower Chicagoans and promote equity for all. Mayor Johnson and the Equity Advisory Council have expressed their excitement to work with Kupe and are confident that she will help transform the work of OERJ.

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