Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee

APA KY’s inaugural DEI Committee was launched in January 2022. The mission of the committee is: ​

To promote the facilitation, education and practice of more inclusive, diverse, and equitable communities in Kentucky through the planning profession. ​

The committee has established goals and tactics (PDF format) that promote its mission. ​

Division Scholarships
Four $25 division scholarships per year will be offered to APA KY members to cover membership costs to the following APA divisions:

• Latinos & Planning
• LGBTQ & Planning
• Planning & the Black Community
• Women & Planning

If you wish to apply for one or more of these scholarships, please send your request and why you should qualify to Tom West at twest@covingtonky.gov with the subject: APA-KY DEI Scholarship.

Committee Members

• Sharmili Reddy (Co-Chair)
  Executive Director, PDS of Kenton County
• Tom West (Co-Chair)
  Director of Economic Development, City of Covington
• Joshua Sumner
  Senior Planner, City of Paducah
• Ryan Holmes
  Principal/Planner, EHI Consultants
• Samantha Castro
  Senior Planner, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
• Kareem Simpson
  ​Planning Commissioner, Kenton County Planning Commission

If you are interested in helping with this effort, please contact us (attn: Sharmili Reddy or Tom West).