About Us
Our Origin
Former First Lady Michelle Obama talks often about her “kitchen table” that she relies upon, her circle of trusted friends who serve as her own cabinet of sorts, both personally and professionally. Well, I too have my own kitchen table full of friends that I turn to for advice and support. And when our local City Council decided to dismantle the Rowlett Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission, I turned my kitchen table into a conference table and moved us into the boardroom where we formed this nonprofit corporation to fill the void left behind in the community. - Kellie McKee
Directors
Kellie McKee, President
Kellie has been a resident of Rowlett for over 18 years. She is married to Joe and between them they have six children, one daughter-in-law, two bonus daughters, and one brilliant and beautiful granddaughter.
Kellie’s family is as diverse as the community which this organization represents. She grew up in a space where she was shown that our differences are beautiful and should be celebrated.
Throughout her life, Kellie has always invested her time and energy volunteering with organizations that matter to her. In the past decade her volunteer efforts have been focused mainly in Rowlett, serving on many of its boards and commissions. Once she was appointed to the Rowlett Diversity Equity and Inclusion Commission, she knew she had found where she belonged. So, when the RDEIC was disbanded in early 2024, it was almost reflexive for her to gather her dear friends and get back to the work of helping Rowlett be a safer and more inclusive, welcoming and equitable place for everyone.
Kellie is a graduate of Southern Methodist University - Dedman School of Law. During law school, she clerked for the Chief Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and she also worked in the SMU Civil Law Clinic. Kellie also holds a bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. Kellie is admitted to the Texas State Bar, U.S. District Court for the Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas.
Susan Urrutia, VP & Secretary
Susan is excited to help found the DEI Community Project together with good friends and fellow advocates who are ready to move forward to keep DEI initiatives alive and well in the City of Rowlett following the City Council’s decision to disband the Rowlett DEI Commission.
Susan is passionate about all issues related to DEI, but as a fierce Mama Bear, encouraging parenting of healthy and happy LGBTQ+ kids who live openly and authentically is a special priority for her. As an RN, health equity is another important area of focus for Susan.
Susan and her husband, Peter, have been married for 26 years and are the proud parents to two amazing young adults. They share their home with four very spoiled furry friends - two dogs and two cats.
Susan began volunteering as a DEI Advocate in a public role in 2020 when she was appointed to the City of Rowlett Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission. She served as Chairperson of the Commission from 2023 until 2024. Previously, Susan served on several other volunteer boards including The Oak Cliff YMCA, The Oak Cliff Lions Club, The Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce, the Miss Oak Cliff Scholarship Foundation, the Dallas Zoo Special Events Committee, and The Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico.
Missy Tidwell, Treasurer
Missy is a Dallas native and a local Realtor who does not hesitate to go above and beyond in everything she does, both personally and professionally. A bit of a perfectionist by nature, you’ll often find her with 27 browser tabs open, intensely researching a topic until she is satisfied that she has the most accurate data to rely on.
She is an ally to many who might feel marginalized and is often the most outspoken defender of the underdog. Her dearest friends will tell you that it is her calling to lend her voice to others that may not always be heard, and that is exactly what she does.
Volunteering, sharing her voice, standing up for others, and not shying away from getting into good trouble makes her a perfect fit for the DEI Community Project, and her unapologetic love of receipts and reconciling the facts made Missy the perfect fit for Treasurer!
“Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for yourself and then stand up for somebody else.” —Maya Angelou
Committees
Executive Committee
Communications Committee
Communications Committee
We facilitate, coordinate, and drive the DEICP toward fulfilling its mission to sustain the DEICP’s presence in Rowlett to ensure our community members feel safe and welcome.
Communications Committee
Communications Committee
Communications Committee
We work to promote cultural awareness and inclusivity for all through communication.
Development Committee
Communications Committee
Community Outreach Committee
We work to develop and implement the Development (Fundraising) Plan and identify external sources of support, e.g. sponsors, grants, donations.
Community Outreach Committee
Government, Programs and Processes Committee
Community Outreach Committee
We work to connect with our community and emphasize that Rowlett values inclusivity, safety, and transparency for all.
Government, Programs and Processes Committee
Government, Programs and Processes Committee
Government, Programs and Processes Committee
We work to ensure your local government, programs and processes reflect your community.
Community Health Committee
Government, Programs and Processes Committee
Government, Programs and Processes Committee
We work to ensure that needs related to underrepresented populations are integrated into DEICP supported activities, and promoting health disparities awareness and health equity initiatives within the community.
Our Partners
Grants and Awards
Our Memberships
