Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Awards
Affiliations
Websites
References
Work Availability
Work Preference
Languages
Timeline
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Christopher James Peguero

Christopher James Peguero

Fitchburg,USA

Summary

Program and people leader specializing in equity-focused initiatives with over 20 years of experience. Demonstrated success in driving community engagement and environmental justice programs across various sectors. Skilled in developing inclusive co-created strategies and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Committed to effective project management and impactful program delivery.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Community Engagement

Type One Energy
Madison, WI
01.2023 - Current
  • Founded and led a cross-functional internal DEIA Committee, fostering collaboration and driving organization-wide alignment on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility goals.
  • Developed and implemented the company’s first DEIA & Energy Justice Policy and a Community Benefits, Anti-Displacement, and Gentrification Policy, embedding equity into fusion development practices.
  • Authored and launched a company-wide DEIA newsletter to serve as a centralized internal communication hub, amplifying employee voices and DEIA initiatives.
  • Created a diverse supplier program, expanding equitable procurement practices and increasing access to business opportunities for underrepresented vendors.
  • Led Type One Energy’s presence at national STEM career fairs and industry conferences, building pathways into the fusion energy sector for underrepresented students and professionals.
  • Designed a K–12 STEM engagement strategy tailored to the communities surrounding Type One’s key locations (Boston, Madison, Knoxville, Vancouver), with a focus on equity, access, and early exposure to fusion science careers.
  • Developed a global Indigenous engagement strategy, establishing principles and frameworks for early partnership with Indigenous communities around the world in fusion deployment.
  • Built and maintained relationships with local community leaders, non-profits, and environmental justice organizations to ensure the company's projects align with regional DEIA and sustainability goals.
  • Represented the company in high-visibility external forums and energy industry events, sharing best practices and lessons learned in equitable energy innovation.
  • Worked in close collaboration with HR and executive leadership to audit existing practices and develop DEIA training, performance metrics, and inclusive hiring strategies.

Equity Consultant and Lead Facilitator

InLakEch Consulting and Step Up for Equity Consulting
01.2023 - 12.2023
  • Conducted training and webinars on diversity and inclusion for large national organizations.
  • Provided strategic guidance to companies to enhance cultural inclusivity during transitions.
  • Facilitated discussions on best practices for fostering inclusive workplace environments.
  • Advised organizations on implementing effective diversity initiatives and policies.

Head of Global DEI Program

Promega
Madison, Wisconsin
01.2021 - 01.2023
  • Managed company-wide efforts to build a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace.
  • Collaborated across human resources, recruitment, and training to embed inclusive practices throughout the organization.
  • Built strategic partnerships with organizations serving historically excluded communities to reflect the company’s values.
  • Designed and evaluated inclusion initiatives in collaboration with employee groups, listening sessions, and external advisors.
  • Created mentoring and volunteer opportunities with community organizations led by or serving historically marginalized groups.
  • Initiated the company’s first supplier diversity contracting program.
  • Led education and training for all new and current employees, including sessions on bias awareness, inclusive language, and microaggressions.
  • Organized and facilitated events such as manager roundtables, employee forums, and leadership conversations focused on equity and inclusion.
  • Directed internal and external communication strategies, including an internal webpage, messaging channels, and newsletters.
  • Supported five employee groups and led a team of 19 staff advancing workplace equity.
  • Provided coaching and support across departments to help teams address equity-related challenges and implement solutions.
  • Partnered with recruiters to make the organization a destination employer for people from underrepresented backgrounds.
  • Authored a five-year strategic plan outlining accountability measures and long-term actions to advance equity.

Assistant Superintendent – Community Services

City of Madison Parks Division
Madison, Wisconsin
01.2021 - 01.2022
  • Held senior leadership role overseeing public-facing programs in the city’s parks department.
  • Supervised 12 staff directly and oversaw operations affecting over 50 permanent and seasonal employees.
  • Directed communication, events, and community engagement services, including management of a large neighborhood recreation center.
  • Led planning and improvement efforts for policies, systems, and department-wide operations.
  • Served as sponsor of the parks department’s racial equity team and equity action plan.
  • Built meaningful partnerships with communities often excluded from the planning and use of public spaces.
  • Promoted equity and justice as part of the city’s broader efforts to ensure public spaces serve everyone.
  • Designed and led efforts to improve access to parks and recreation for Black, Indigenous, immigrant, low-income, and non-English-speaking residents.

Environmental Equity Program Manager

Seattle City Light
Seattle, Washington
01.2015 - 01.2021
  • Created a new program to align utility operations with the city’s environmental and equity goals.
  • Worked across city government to increase engagement with communities experiencing environmental injustice.
  • Advised senior leadership on environmental equity issues and developed strategies for equitable policy implementation.
  • Supported communication planning for outreach to residents and community partners.
  • Assessed racial and environmental impacts on infrastructure and capital projects.
  • Led interdepartmental work to improve how city agencies address environmental inequities.
  • Partnered with grassroots organizations to co-create programs and policies that reflect community needs.
  • Conducted research on environmental workforce pipelines and apprenticeships.
  • Expanded utility services and discounts for non-English-speaking households.
  • Directed $2 million in public funds toward projects led by community-based environmental organizations.

Racial Equity and Social Justice Team Member

City of Seattle
Seattle, Washington
01.2011 - 01.2021
  • Supported citywide efforts to promote racial and social equity in public services and internal operations.
  • Evaluated policies and programs to identify and reduce systemic barriers.
  • Trained employees to increase awareness and skills in advancing equity.
  • Created opportunities for community input and engagement in city decisions.

Division Administration Lead / Executive Assistant

Seattle City Light
Seattle, Washington
01.2007 - 01.2015
  • Managed budgeting, human resources, and operations for the division overseeing real estate and environmental affairs.
  • Coordinated a $17 million budget and over $1 million in consultant contracts.
  • Led the division’s efforts to increase spending with women- and minority-owned businesses.
  • Provided guidance on hiring, training, evaluations, and compensation for staff.
  • Supervised five administrative staff and supported five department managers.
  • Participated in citywide efforts to develop racial equity analysis tools.
  • Led tracking of internal training and events focused on inclusive community engagement.
  • Coordinated division-level outreach and public events to gather community input.

Federal Programs Manager

Environmental Careers Organization
Seattle, Washington
01.2004 - 01.2006
  • Managed internship programs for federal agencies, generating $5.5 million annually.
  • Negotiated contracts with federal departments including land management and parks.
  • Recruited students from historically underrepresented backgrounds through partnerships with colleges and professional organizations.
  • Expanded internship programs to new agencies and improved service delivery.
  • Supervised a team of five staff members.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Sociology

University of Wisconsin
Stevens Point, WI

Skills

  • Policy development
  • Community engagement
  • Supplier diversity
  • Equity assessments
  • Project management
  • Strategic planning
  • Stakeholder collaboration
  • Cultural competency
  • Public speaking
  • Team leadership
  • Communication strategies
  • Training & Development
  • Problem resolution
  • Research
  • Active listening
  • Self-Directed
  • Project planning
  • Critical thinking
  • Attention to detail
  • Analytical

Accomplishments

  • Co-led YMCA Global Excellence social justice/ youth with disabilities education trip to Madurai, India July 2018
  • Co-led YMCA Global Excellence Youth Leaders at the United Nations trip to New York City, July 2017
  • YMCA Land Bank and Women and Youth program development trip, Managua, Nicaragua 2015
  • Co-led a three-week YMCA post tsunami relief and community rebuilding projects to Miyako and Sendei, Japan 2011
  • Participated in a 2-week YMCA service project to Northern Thailand to build an elementary school library with 30 other people from 4 countries 2005
  • Seattle community member interview panelist for Seattle Office of Professional Accountability Civilian Deputy Director
  • Multiple presenter and panelist experiences for the Rainier Valley Historic Society’s “Dismantling Racism” series
  • 2019 City of Seattle City Council Candidate for Council District 2

Awards

2024 Madison 365 Wisconsin Most Influential Native American

2019 Seattle City Light Value Ambassador – Customer Care Award

2017 City of Seattle – Seattle Management Association Awardee for Excellence in Leadership for Environmental Stewardship – Individual 

2016 Seattle City Light: Light, Power and Pride Nominee for Race and Social Justice

2015 Seattle City Light: Light, Power and Pride Awardee for Race and Social Justice

2002 The Environmental Careers Organization: Susan W. Hunnewell Awardee for Excellence in Leadership for Seattle Office

Affiliations

  • Verona Area School District Board Member – Elected 2025
  • 2024-Currently - City of Fitchburg Community Equity Committee
  • 2023-Currently - Society for the Advancement of Chicanos, Native Americans in STEM (SACNAS) Professional Member
  • 2023-2025 – Sustain Dane Executive Board Member
  • 2023-Currently – Wisconsin Conservation Voters Executive Board Member
  • 2023-Currently – City of Fitchburg Parks Commission Mayoral Appointment
  • 2017-2024 – Seattle Metro YMCA Camping and Outdoor Leadership Executive Board Member
  • 2018-2021 – Sustainable Seattle Executive Board Co-Chair
  • 2018-2021 – City of Seattle City Council Racial Equity Task Force for Seattle Office of Civil Rights and Race and Social Justice Initiative Implementation Member
  • 2017-2021 – City of Seattle Duwamish Valley Action Team Member
  • 2017-2021 – Seattle Metro YMCA Camping and Outdoor Leadership Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chair
  • 2011-2021 - Seattle City Lights Race and Social Justice Initiative Change Team Member
  • 2007-2021 - SEqual – City of Seattle LGBTQ Employees for Racial Equality; Founder, Advisor and Chair
  • 2011-2021 - City of Seattle Race and Social Justice Initiative CORE Team IV Member
  • 2007-2021 - Co-coordinator for Building Bridges; conversation cafes for City of Seattle employees to discuss the intersectional social justice work around race, gender and sexual orientation in the workplace and in policy development
  • 2012-2016 - Gay City Community Center Executive Board Co-Chair
  • 2012-2014 - National Rockwood LGBTQ Leadership Fellow – Rockwood Leadership Institute
  • 2007-2009 - City of Seattle LGBTQ Citizen’s Advisory Commission – Seattle Office of Civil Rights, Co-chair
  • 2000-Currently - American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Professional Member

References

References available upon request.

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
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friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference

Work Type

Full Time

Work Location

On-SiteHybridRemote

Important To Me

Work-life balanceCompany CulturePersonal development programsPaid sick leaveHealthcare benefitsCareer advancement

Languages

English
Native language
Spanish
Beginner
A1

Timeline

Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Community Engagement

Type One Energy
01.2023 - Current

Equity Consultant and Lead Facilitator

InLakEch Consulting and Step Up for Equity Consulting
01.2023 - 12.2023

Head of Global DEI Program

Promega
01.2021 - 01.2023

Assistant Superintendent – Community Services

City of Madison Parks Division
01.2021 - 01.2022

Environmental Equity Program Manager

Seattle City Light
01.2015 - 01.2021

Racial Equity and Social Justice Team Member

City of Seattle
01.2011 - 01.2021

Division Administration Lead / Executive Assistant

Seattle City Light
01.2007 - 01.2015

Federal Programs Manager

Environmental Careers Organization
01.2004 - 01.2006

Bachelor of Science - Sociology

University of Wisconsin

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