Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has announced new organization-wide goals to increase diversity and inclusion in all areas of its work. Selby Gardens’ Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce will guide the organization's effort to ensure that all in the community —regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, or financial status—feel welcome. As part of the initiative, Selby Gardens commits to increasing racial and ethnic diversity in employee, volunteer, and board representation; continuing to provide opportunities for those in underserved populations to access the Gardens; and expanding its diverse cultural offerings through exhibits and programming.

Selby's Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce includes Jennifer O. Rominiecki, Selby Gardens president and CEO; Wendy Deming, COO; Walter Gilbert, Selby Gardens’ community engagement manager and former president of the Sarasota County NAACP; Vickie Oldham, founder of Newtown Alive and president of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition; John McCarthy, vice-president for Selby's Historic Spanish Point campus; and Jeannie Perales, vice-president for museum exhibits, learning and engagement.

By the end of 2022, Selby Gardens aims for 15 percent of its trustees, employees, and volunteers to be racially and ethnically diverse. By the end of 2025, Selby Gardens aims for 20 percent of its trustees, employees, and volunteers to be racially and ethnically diverse. For more information, visit selbygardens.org.