City launching 'Embrace Naperville' initiative

City officials are launching an "Embrace Naperville" initiative to foster diversity, equity and inclusion in the community.

The first roundtable discussion, titled "The Power of Inclusion," is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the council chambers of the municipal center at 400 S. Eagle St.

The event will include a keynote speech from Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, and a breakout session led by Nader Najjar, executive director of educational equity for Indian Prairie Unit District 204. While the event is free, registration is required and can be done at naperville.il.us/embracenaperville.

Geneace Williams, the city's DEI manager, is leading the "Embrace Naperville" initiative. The event follows the city council's direction to add "creating an inclusive community that values diversity" to the city's mission statement.