State of Colorado - Health Care Policy & Financing

Health Disparities and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Officer

About

Aaron has over 15 years of professional experience in the field of social work. With a background in child welfare and healthcare systems, Aaron understands the significance of cross-system involvement. As an architect of innovation, he is dedicated to reimagining and creating antiracist systems by accelerating equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility strategies into the walls of organizations. He is a certified masters-level social work leader, educator, and practitioner who has facilitated, trained, and provided consultation with grassroot organizations, universities and government institutions working with Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC). Aaron is well known for his work developing the frameworks of the ETHOS Model (Equity, Transparency, Humility, Opportunity & Storytelling), The AORTA Health Equity Framework (Awareness, Opportunity, Reconciliation, Trust-Building, and Action) and The 5 I’s of EDIA (Innovation, Intent, Impact, Interaction and Implementation) to affect equity-based interventions. He is also on The State of Colorado’s EDI Cabinet, Equity Alliance, Health Equity Commission, Chair of the Data Advisory Group, HCPF’s Statewide Health Equity Task Force Chair, The Board of Directors for the Cherry Creek Schools Foundation, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. Aaron has written extensively on a number of issues including power, privilege, and oppression, and is the author of The Color Code: 10 Essential Antiracist Tools and Strategies for Social Work Practitioners and Invisible: The Black & Blues of Child Welfare. Aaron holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, with a minor in Ethnic Studies, and dual masters degrees in social work and management from the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, and Colorado State University - Fort Collins. He has won several awards including the 2022 Office of Community Living Allyship Award, and was recognized as a 2022 Faculty Career Champion Nominee at the University of Denver.