CT’S NEWLY CREATED OFFICE OF EQUITY AND DIVERSITY NAMES MARIANA ALVARO AS FIRST CHIEF

 

Mariana Alvaro, Chief of Equity and Opportunity Officer, speaking during her presentation at the Connecticut Capitol. Photo, Boceto Media

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Hartford, CT.- The newly created position focused on advancing equity and inclusion within state government has Mariana Alvaro as Connecticut’s first Chief Opportunity Officer. Governor Ned Lamont said the role is part of a broader effort to increase diversity and ensure greater opportunities for underrepresented communities in state agencies. The appointment was announced on Tuesday. 

Lamont framed the role as crucial for Connecticut to remain competitive and equitable, especially amid the growing national debate over DEI initiatives. 

“We’re in a time where many places are scaling back on DEI efforts, but Connecticut is doubling down,” Lamont said. “It’s about making sure everyone, regardless of background, knows there’s a place for them in government and the workforce. This isn’t just about meeting quotas, it’s about outreach and opportunity.” 

Alvaro, a former executive in corporate diversity programs, will oversee the state’s Equal Opportunity Commission and lead efforts to ensure that Connecticut’s government workforce better reflects the diversity of its population. 

 “With awareness, with education, with really the intention to do good, there is hope, and that's why I take this role with a lot of pride,” Alvaro said. “ I'm honored, I'm grateful, I'm humbled to have the opportunity to be part of this path.” 

Alvaro, began her career as a prosecutor in Argentina before transitioning to the private sector. She brings two decades of experience working in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roles at major companies like Otis Elevators, Raytheon, and Lockheed Martin. 

The Chief Opportunity Officer role is part of a broader effort to diversify state employment. Connecticut already requires agencies with 25 or more employees to submit affirmative action plans.

Connecticut law, under General Assembly Statute Sec. 4-9b, mandates that the composition of the state's boards, commissions, committees, and councils reflect the most recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates by January 1, 2026. 

A state report indicates that Connecticut's boards and commissions are becoming more racially diverse, with white appointees no longer being overrepresented, Hispanic and Latino appointees are still the most underrepresented group. 

The data also shows that opportunities are not balanced when it comes to gender equality in Connecticut’s boards and commissions. Of the 640 women appointed in 2023, about 65% were white, with Black or African American women making up about 17% and Hispanic/Latina women just 6%. Among the 740 men appointed, 75% were white, 8% were Black or African American, nearly 5% were Hispanic/Latino, and about 2% were Asian. 

Cheryl A. Sharp, Connecticut's Chief Human Resources Officer. Photo, Boceto Media

Cheryl A. Sharp, Connecticut's Chief Human Resources Officer, said that while some state agencies have made progress in diversifying their workforces, there is still a lot of work to do. She added that state agencies will keep improving their practices and work closely with Alvaro’s office to make sure outreach programs reach communities that have been underrepresented in public service.

 “Equity, giving people what they need to succeed, equality, treating people the same, so that everyone has equal opportunity, is so important," she said. "We are so happy to have you join us as a collaborator and a partner in this state.” 

 As public sentiment questions whether the push for diversity and opportunity has faded in the years since George Floyd’s death, Governor Lamont said Alvaro’s appointment underscores the state’s commitment to addressing a "gap" in opportunities, especially for residents from underrepresented communities. 

“There’s always going to be noise around these issues,” Lamont said. “But the fact is, we want Connecticut to be the employer of choice for everyone, and we’re not going to let anyone get left behind.” 

Alvaro’s appointment comes at a time when efforts for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are facing growing opposition across the country. Some corporations and government agencies have scaled back their diversity programs in response to criticism from certain conservative groups, who argue that DEI initiatives give preferential treatment and undermine merit-based hiring. 

El gobernador Lamont presenta a Alvaro como la nueva directora de la Oficina de Equidad y Oportunidades. Foto, Boceto Media

“The challenge is not to back down,” she said. “The challenge is to be a change agent and make sure we keep moving forward, no matter what.” 

Alvaro’s first major task will be to assess the current state of diversity across Connecticut’s state agencies and identify areas for improvement. 

Governor Lamont said has already met with Alvaro and other officials to begin mapping out a strategy for the coming year, with a focus on expanding opportunities for historically marginalized groups.

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