Congratulations to State Water Resources Control Board Racial Equity Training Manager Brittani Evans, our 2025 CalPERS Spotlight on Excellence Award honoree.
Strengthening Equity
Behind Evans’ duties as the board’s racial equity and training manager is a commitment to ensuring every Californian has access to safe and affordable water and that underserved communities have a voice in the board’s public process.
With equity at the forefront, she designs and leads trainings and educational sessions, collaborates with internal and external groups, and creates environmental justice-based change for all who depend on the State Water Board’s services.
“My job is to provide tools and resources to employees and leadership that assists us in making the best decisions possible for the people of California,” she said. “More than anything, I spread awareness and consideration, and I provide support every day to people who just want to be heard, respected, valued, and appreciated.”
Evans’ Accomplishments
Evans’ accomplishments include contributing to the development of the State Water Board’s Racial Equity Resolution (PDF) and the related Racial Equity Action Plan (PDF), which acknowledge the historic inequities created by racism that led to a lack of affordability and access to clean and safe water, and commit to regularly evaluating data and centering Black, Indigenous, and people of color’s expertise and experiences in decision-making processes that affect vulnerable and marginalized communities the board serves.
Evans’ contribution to the development of these touchstone documents included traveling to and meeting with board-served communities and stakeholders, conducting public and employee listening sessions, collecting and incorporating community member and staff feedback, analyzing and generating data about the progress towards these goals, and presenting regular updates to the board and agencies.
These formal commitments are meant to examine the impacts of the board’s decisions, policies, and procedures on California communities and State Water Board employees.
She also established the board’s Racial Equity Training Competencies and its Racial Equity Training Advisory Committee, and continues to lead and support affinity groups throughout the California Environmental Protection Agency, the State Water Board’s parent agency.
And for more than four years, Evans continues to organize and facilitate the board’s popular Racial Equity Support Lunch: a virtual lunch featuring guest speakers, engaging programs, candid conversations, and resources for navigating inclusion and normalizing conversations about race and culture in the workplace.
Community Change Agent
But Evans’ Spotlight recognition isn’t limited to her public-service work. She also was honored for her many community activities, such as:
- Serving as a certified mental health advocate with the California Black Women’s Health Project.
- Participating as an active member with the Government Alliance on Race and Equity.
- Creating a workplace clothing exchange and meal-sharing program.
- Donating food and clothing for unhoused people.
- Volunteering in jail ministries.
- Mentoring individuals interested in public service careers or promotions.
- Inspiring students as an art docent and parent volunteer for local public-school districts.
- Assisting students in exploring future careers in sociology and the environment.
“I serve people because it brings me joy,” she said. “Just watching the way that people react when you are actually considering them and putting them and their needs in the forefront — it’s a feeling you can’t really get anywhere else, for them and for us. “I definitely believe in what we can do, not what we can’t do.”
Making a Difference
Dedicated public employees like Brittani Evans make a difference for California. The CalPERS Spotlight on Excellence Award is our opportunity to celebrate them.
Presented as part of the annual CalPERS Educational Forum, the peer-nominated award shines a light on outstanding public employees serving with CalPERS employers.
Nominations for 2026’s award will open next summer, but it’s never too early to be thinking of amazing public employees to be considered for this honor — watch for your nomination opportunity in June.