PRESS RELEASE (WHTC-AM/FM) —Esther Fifelski, the City of Holland’s human relations director, has been named Ottawa County’s 2020 Excellence in Equity Award recipient.
Typically the award is a highlight of the Ottawa County Diversity Forum, which this year was held virtually, so the award committee surprised Fifelski with the Monday, Oct. 12, 2020.
The Excellence in Equity Award recognizes individuals in the public sector who influence and elevate equity through their practices, programs, policies and decision making.
“We are very proud of Esther and the work she does in our organization on behalf of the residents of Holland,” said Keith Van Beek, Holland’s city manager. “Esther personifies so well the city commitment to equity and inclusion work; being approachable and kind to citizens and yet committed and persistent in pursuing work to make our community a great place for everyone.”
Fifelski’s been the city’s human relations director for seven years, leading and participating in a variety of cross-cultural activities promoting awareness of the Hispanic and Latinx people, heritage and culture, working on civil rights and fair housing matters, along with diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and education.
All communities should plan and pay attention to the local and national landscape, Fifelski said, with an eye toward both minimizing the chances of a racial or bias incident and having a response plan for when one happens — and look for better ways to serve their community. She is working on a racial equity toolkit for the city now, aimed at helping city officials factor racial equity into decision-making processes.
Fifelski advocates for the underserved by finding ways to make conversations about race, equity, and inclusion normal, and conveys community concerns to city officials.
For details on Ottawa County’s annual Excellence in Equity Award, visit miottawa.org/Departments/Diversity/equity.htm.
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