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

• Samantha Castro, AICP, LEED-ND (Co-Chair)
  Senior Planner, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
• Joshua P. Sommer, AICP (Co-Chair)
  Planner III, City of Paducah
• Ryan Holmes, AICP
  Principal/Planner, EHI Consultants
• Sharmili Reddy, AICP
  Executive Director, PDS of Kenton County
• Kareem Simpson
  Northern KY Community Action Council
• Tom West 
  Director of Economic Development, City of Covington

If you are interested in helping with this effort, please contact us (Attn: DEI Committee).