Overview. A Welcoming Environment® is a sense of belonging and connectedness that allows individuals to be authentic and feel respected and supported in opportunities and interactions. The WE Committee turns that principle into action—empowering the association community to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); fostering safe and brave spaces through advisory groups; providing leading education and resources; and advocating for DEI champions. The committee’s charge holds us accountable to support and grow the communities we serve.
The Committee
- Develop and provide leading DEI education and resources via the Welcoming Environment Resource Center.
- Gather and organize industry‑specific resources (medical and non‑medical, operational and strategic).
- Lead DEI conversations and initiatives across the association community.
- Equip staff to effectively champion DEI initiatives within their associations.
- Integrate DEI principles into AF events and member engagement activities.
- Create and maintain safe and brave spaces through the work of WE advisory groups.
- Share insights from WE Organizational Award nominees with the AF community and beyond.
- Support and promote DEI champions within and beyond the association community.
Recommended for Members Who
- Have training or background in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Are passionate about increasing diversity and inclusion within Association Forum.
Time Commitment
Monthly committee meetings; participation in conference calls and sub‑committee meetings as necessary; serve as WE Ambassadors at programs and events when available.
2025–26 Members
Chair: Cassie Martel, CAE
Board Liaison: Kim Kocian, MBA, CAE, CMP
Staff Liaisons: Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE — executiveoffice@associationforum.org
Carrie Dellamano, CPRP — dellamano@associationforum.org
- Anjali Potdar
- Cody Czmyr
- Debbie Trueblood, MSW, FASAE, IOM, CAE
- Gonzo Schexnayder, CAE, UXMC
- Jonathan Adams, CAE
- Jose Marroquin
- Maisha Mou, Student
- Nicola Mohan, MSW
- Samantha Mazzola, MBA
- Samyuktha Neeraja, MPH, CAE
- Sharifa Akter Nisheta, Master’s Student
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