Liji Thomas, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer of The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Ms. Thomas is responsible for creating new policies and driving reforms to existing policies and practices that foster and institutionalize a culture of equity and inclusion at Metropolitan. She directs strategies aimed at attracting diverse candidates who enhance the workplace culture and uses a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens to address disparities in Metropolitan’s contracting and economic development operations. Thomas leads Metropolitan’s approach to effectively engage underserved communities and direct community engagement.