NASAA has named Ayanna Lalia Kiburi, deputy director of the California Arts Council, the recipient of its 2024 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Individual Award. This award recognizes an individual who serves as a catalyst for change, exhibiting outstanding leadership and tireless efforts in addressing and raising awareness about issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in their state or region.
A self-proclaimed "artivist," Ayanna Kiburi is known for her transformative leadership in the arts and public health sectors. In her 20+ year career in public service, Kiburi has created more equitable and inclusive work environments, advanced policies that promote progressive institutional change, and championed creativity as the way to build and nurture sustainable systems. As a public health expert, she has advocated for addressing health disparities within historically disinvested communities. Her approach to DEI is grounded in a deep understanding of systemic inequities and a commitment to fostering practices that result in individuals and communities thriving—living unencumbered by entrenched systemic racial inequities.
For the past eight years, Kiburi has overseen several complex DEI and operational initiatives at the California Arts Council (CAC), including implementation of CAC's 2020-2027 Strategic Framework. The framework is grounded in addressing racial inequity root causes, establishing policy, and using the Decision Support Tool (DST), which has been shared statewide and nationally. Kiburi led a change management initiative called Ways of Working that centers workplace psychological safety and belonging and facilitates a process that counters standard work practices grounded in White supremacy. She established the first race equity manager and equity measures and evaluation manager positions at the agency. Her appointment to Gov. Gavin Newsom's San Quentin Transformational Advisory Council in 2023 was thanks to her exceptional leadership in the CAC Arts in Corrections Program.
Kiburi has an M.A. in public health and a B.A. in sociology and African American studies. She is the creative director of a reader's theatre ensemble called Authentic Voices that explores racial trauma, healing and belonging through personal stories and music. She enjoys exploring life and art with her wife, son and fur baby in Sacramento.
"Ayanna Kiburi is a singular force who has set an exceptional example making inclusivity, learning and belonging a lived reality within the California Arts Council," said NASAA President and CEO Pam Breaux. "Her relentless efforts and deep commitment to address and advance diversity, equity and inclusion have reshaped California's policies and practices and brought about meaningful change. Ayanna's ability to balance strategic innovation with everyday equity work, all while fostering a culture of joy and connection, exemplifies the true spirit of leadership and public service. NASAA is truly honored to recognize her as a recipient of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award, and to celebrate her many accomplishments and contributions."
NASAA established the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards to recognize the policies, practices and programs of state arts agencies that embrace and advance diversity, equity and inclusion in their states. NASAA celebrates the diversity that enriches and strengthens our nation, and through this award aims to support and elevate state arts agencies in their efforts to lead in this area. The award for individuals includes $1,000 to be used in support of the recipient's diversity, equity and inclusion work.
