The City of Raleigh will welcome Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua as its Director of Equity and Inclusion, following a nationwide search for leadership of this critical department.
Veloz-Passalacqua brings more than a decade of experience to this role at the City. Most recently he led the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as the DEI Manager in the City of San Luis Obispo, California. Before that, he worked for the County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Department where he held the title of DEI Program Manager.
“Raleigh is committed to establishing and advancing an equitable community for all, and this position is the tip of the spear for those efforts,” City Manager Marchell Adams-David said. “We are looking forward to having someone with Nestor’s experience, vision, and enthusiasm to lead these efforts. Raleigh aspires to be a model for equity in local government, and we believe his leadership will move us toward that goal.”
As leader of the Equity and Inclusion Department, Veloz-Passalacqua will provide vision and strategic direction to guide City Council goals and policies and embed equity and inclusion throughout the organization. This includes working with various Boards, Commissions, and Committees supported by the Department of Equity and Inclusion to align their work with the priorities and goals of City staff, City Council and the community. Veloz-Passalacqua will also develop internal partnerships to strengthen organizational culture and elevate the City’s commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.
“Raleigh’s vision for meaningful change and progress resonates deeply with me, and I am eager to contribute to initiatives that amplify all voices and foster a stronger sense of belonging,” Veloz-Passalacqua said. “I look forward to being part of a trailblazing organization being at the forefront of change. I am excited to lead and help develop the policies and programs that create a truly inclusive community.”
Veloz-Passalacqua is originally from Peru and moved to California in 2004. He graduated from Cuesta Community College with two associate degrees, and then from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo with a bachelor's degree in Comparative Ethnic Studies in 2011. He earned his master's degree in Public Policy in 2016 from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and his second master's degree in Legal Studies in 2022 from the University of Arizona. Nestor's research and interests are in social justice, intersectional policy, and their applications and practices in government settings and communities.
He will begin his service with the City of Raleigh on Dec. 16.