ROANOKE, Va. – Roanoke’s Diversity Center recently had to lay off its staff, including Bernard Alvarez, who has been with the organization since its beginning. This difficult decision came as Virginia’s new governor prepares to appoint a new director of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Bernard Alvarez, former facilities director at the center, shared his feelings about the layoffs. “It is heartbreaking. I’ve been with the center since 2012. In one capacity or another, I do consider it my baby,” he said.
Alvarez explained that federal funding cuts forced the center to make tough choices, including letting go of staff. He has been deeply involved with the center from the start — first serving on the board, then as president, and most recently managing the facilities…