HARTFORD, Conn. — Gov. Ned Lamont has appointed Mariana Monteiro as Connecticut's first-ever chief equity and opportunity officer.
This new position, created through an executive order earlier this year, is part of an effort to ensure that state government is a leader in promoting equity and inclusion.
Monteiro will oversee the Connecticut Office of Equity and Opportunity. Her position aims to eliminate institutional and systemic barriers while creating opportunities for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or socioeconomic background.
"Government is accountable to the public, and as such it should actively seek out and engage with individuals and opinions beyond those who typically have access and opportunity because doing so will create a stronger workforce within government offices while also implementing more effective and representative policies that benefit the public,” said Lamont.
Lamont added that in serving as Connecticut’s first chief equity and opportunity officer, Monteiro will lead the efforts of state government offices to ensure they are doing everything possible to create a fair, equitable and inclusive environment representative of the people who live in the state.
"By doing so. [Monteiro] will help in our overall goals of addressing historical and ongoing disparities and promoting social justice," said Lamont.
Monteiro said she is proud of the ongoing commitment to make Connecticut the place of choice to live, work and conduct successful business.
“Equity, as a guiding lens, expands access to talent, enhances competition without compromising merit and creates opportunities for all," Monteiro said. "Through state services, it means listening to the different voices and needs of the communities we represent and meeting them where they are. I am deeply honored and grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to this critical endeavor.”
Monteiro brings extensive experience in diversity, equity and inclusion. She previously worked in leadership roles at companies like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies and Otis Elevator Company. Her background in human resources and her expertise in promoting inclusive practices will support her efforts to integrate equity into state operations and services. Earlier this year, she was recognized as one of the “Top 50 Women Leaders of Connecticut for 2024.”
As chief equity and opportunity officer, Monteiro’s responsibilities include coordinating the state’s diversity strategy, assessing policies for disparities, developing equity plans for state agencies and promoting equitable contracting practices. She will also lead training efforts for state employees on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
This appointment reflects Connecticut’s ongoing commitment to addressing historical disparities and promoting social justice.
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