With more than 300 employees across multiple locations and work schedules, the Port of San Francisco set out to build a more equitable internal culture — one that genuinely reflected the diverse communities it serves. The challenge wasn’t just programming. It was creating space for authentic dialogue, centering historically marginalized voices, and making DEI feel real and relevant to Port staff day to day.

D&A developed and led two complementary initiatives rooted in storytelling and community. Clued into Culture was a year-long internal communications strategy that championed the history and significance of diverse communities through 21 original content pieces — working in concert with the Port’s Racial Equity Action Plan. Through compelling speakers and relevant topics related to culture, history, art, and technology, the CHAT Speaker Series brought those conversations to life through facilitated in-person and hybrid events featuring community voices on lowriding culture, racial justice, neurodiversity, and Hispanic heritage — creating shared space for dialogue, reflection, and connection across Port teams.