The Work Continues
A Message from Dr. D’Artagnan Scorza
Over the last five years, it has been one of the greatest honors of my career to help lead the Chief Executive Office’s (CEO) Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI) Initiative for Los Angeles County. During that time, ARDI has worked alongside County departments, community organizations, advocates, and residents to strengthen collaboration across government, improve service delivery, and support long-term efforts focused on community well-being, opportunity, and institutional accountability.
Bridging Amidst Conflict The Power of Belonging with john a. powell on October 30, 2024.
I am deeply proud of what ARDI has helped build since its founding and remain grateful to the many public servants, community leaders, partners, and residents who have contributed to this work along the way. With that in mind, I want to share that I am transitioning from my role as Executive Director of ARDI to serve as Chief of Staff to Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell. Supervisor Mitchell has long demonstrated thoughtful leadership, deep care for communities across Los Angeles County, and a strong commitment to equity, public service, and systems change. I am grateful for the opportunity to support her vision and continue contributing to this work in a new capacity.
Transitioning from ARDI is not easy because this work, and the people behind it, have meant a great deal to me personally and professionally. At the same time, I remain incredibly optimistic about the future of the Initiative and confident in the strength, talent, and commitment of the team and partners who will continue moving the work forward.
ARDI has helped advance initiatives centered on prevention, cross-sector partnership, data-informed decision-making, workforce culture transformation, and building systems that are more responsive to the communities we serve. We have also seen the importance of collaborative public leadership during moments of challenge, recovery, and change, while remaining focused on improving outcomes for residents across Los Angeles County.
You will see much of this progress in ARDI’s forthcoming annual report as the work continues to evolve alongside the County’s needs. The report will highlight important progress made over the last two years and reinforces the importance of partnership, innovation, operational coordination, and sustained public service moving forward.
As ARDI moves through this transition period, Dr. Carrie Miller will lead on an interim basis while CEO launches an executive search for ARDI’s next Executive Director. Carrie’s experience, operational leadership, and deep understanding of County systems will help ensure continuity across ARDI’s critical workstreams during this period. ARDI’s team will continue advancing the initiative’s work in coordination with CEO leadership and County partners.
Throughout this journey, I have been repeatedly reminded that meaningful progress takes time. It requires listening, collaboration, persistence, and a shared commitment to improving the lived experiences of the people we serve. I look forward to continuing to listen, to serve Los Angeles County, and to support efforts that strengthen communities, expand opportunity, and help build a stronger future for all residents.
The work continues.
D’Artagnan Scorza, Ph.D.