DHS Welcomes Consuelo Hernandez as New Culture & Wellbeing Officer

DHS Welcomes Consuelo Hernandez as New Culture & Wellbeing Officer

Published on September 16, 2024

Denver Human Services (DHS) is excited to announce that Consuelo Hernandez (She, Hers, Ella) will be joining DHS as its new culture and wellbeing officer, starting on Wednesday, October 23.

In her new position, Hernandez will oversee our departmentwide Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives, helping to enhance a welcoming culture that supports the wellbeing of all DHS team members and customers. She will also combine EDI efforts with wellness and communications team oversight. As part of the Executive Management Team, Consuelo will report to DHS Executive Director Anne-Marie Braga to lead initiatives that align with DHS and city goals.

"We are thrilled to have Consuelo join the DHS team," Braga said. "Her experience and passion for supporting the Denver community and fostering an inclusive environment will be invaluable as we continue to nurture our staff and the communities we serve. And what a bonus that she grew up in Denver's Northside neighborhood."

Hernandez has developed EDI initiatives for the past 15 years. With experience at state, local and national government levels, she brings expertise in inclusive leadership, training, policy development, community engagement, messaging, program evaluation, and group facilitation. Hernandez approaches EDI with a passion for self-care, collective healing, and trauma-informed approaches.

Over the course of 13 years, Hernandez pioneered EDI initiatives in Colorado state government, including at the Colorado Governor's Office of Information Technology and at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Office of Health Equity. She founded the Colorado Equity Alliance and was instrumental in drafting the EDI Executive Order signed into law by Governor Polis in 2020.

Hernandez holds a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Community and Behavioral Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. She is a certified yoga instructor through the Satya Yoga Cooperative, the nation's first yoga cooperative led by and for people of color. Recently, she earned a somatic coaching certification. To maintain her own mental, emotional and physical wellness, Consuelo salsa dances, rock climbs, sings to 90's R&B, and spends time in fresh air.

With deep roots in Denver, Hernandez grew up in the Northside neighborhood. She is elated to partner with and serve the communities where she was born and raised.

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About Denver Human Services
Denver Human Services provides assistance, benefits and protection and prevention services to one in three Denver residents. DHS envisions a healthy and connected community where all people are safe, supported and well. For more information, visit www.denvergov.org/humanservices.

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