DENVER - Timniyha Owens-Staples (they/them/theirs), an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist at the Governor’s Office of Information Technology (OIT), was recently honored by the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce as one of its 2023 40 Under 40 Business Leaders.
Founded in 1992, the chamber champions “the success and economic impact of the LGBTQ+ business community to promote, connect and advance commerce, diversity and equality for all.” In its second year, the awards program highlights LGBTQ+ business owners, professionals and community leaders who inspire everyone around them while innovating and working to create a brighter future.
Owens-Staples has been at the state since 2014 and in 2022 received a Public Service Recognition Award for their modeling of inclusion and facilitation of EDI work at OIT. They make a difference daily in positively impacting OIT’s culture by leading critical discussions, workshops and training around EDI, and assisting the employee-led EDI Action Alliance and three newly formed employee resource groups.
“Timniyha elevates OIT’s culture by developing EDI programs that are inviting and welcoming to everyone,” said Bob Nogueira, Chief People Officer. “Their leadership in shaping the conversation around how we all can be better teammates and in the process increase employee engagement not only makes OIT a better place to work, but informs how we all can better serve all Coloradans.”
In addition to their impactful work at the state, Owens-Staples recently wrote, produced and played the main role in a scripted poetry experience titled “Death of the Duchess” and earned a certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental, Social and Governance Strategy from the University of Colorado Boulder Leeds School of Business.