Daring to Build a Better Workplace
What is IDARE?
IDARE stands for Institutional Development, Accountability and Responsible Engagement and reflects our commitment to be daring in how we work together. IDARE asks us to be bold, to strive for better ways of working, and to create an environment where everyone belongs. This work is essential because we know that diversity leads to innovation. When we bring together different perspectives, ideas and experience, we create space for new ways of thinking that push our work forward in creative and impactful ways.
- Dare to Listen: We are committed to actively listening to one another’s experiences with openness and respect, creating space for meaningful conversations that help us grow.
- Dare to Grow: We embrace each other's experiences with curiosity and openness, daring to grow together by learning, challenging ourselves and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Dare to Act: We are committed to taking thoughtful steps towards positive change, recognizing that progress comes from consistent, mindful actions.
- Dare to Challenge: We question outdated policies and practices, seeking new approaches that promote equity and inclusion for everyone.
- Dare to Support: We uplift one another, fostering a culture of encouragement and shared responsibility for our collective success.
Why it Matters
At FOA, we are proud to lead the way in this effort. We know that when people feel they belong, they do their best work. Our commitment to IDARE helps us build a positive environment where every person’s aspirations and contributions are valued. FOA’s leadership in this work sets a strong example for how we can drive progress while supporting the people who make it happen.
Dare to listen, grow, act, challenge and support each other to create a workplace where everyone feels that they belong.
The History of IDARE at UC Davis
The IDARE initiative aims to promote a culture of opportunity and belonging. Following its success at UC Davis Health, the initiative expanded across all of UC Davis, with a strong focus on institutional accountability and leadership to promote the university's Principles of Community.
IDARE is guided by committees that bring together leaders and team members to advance this work. Accountability requires commitment, and FOA is committed to monitoring our progress and aligning with IDARE’s mission. To support this, we are forming a committee with representatives from each unit to share ideas, set goals and ensure both university-wide and unit-specific efforts to promote inclusive excellence are moving forward. This includes regular reporting on our progress to keep ourselves accountable.
Through collaboration, shared responsibility and a commitment to ongoing improvement, we aim to build a culture where everyone feels respected, valued and empowered.
FOA IDARE Committee
Executive Sponsors
Clare Shinnerl, Tammy Kenber, Blair StephensonAdministrative Innovation and Technology, Radhika Prabhu
Budget and Institutional Analysis, Sarah Mangum
Design and Construction, Julie Nola, Ashley McClure
Divisional Resources, Blair Stephenson, Nancy Hernandez
Facilities, Clint Lord, Christina Blackman
Finance, Matt Okamoto
Fire Dept., Nate Hartinger
Human Resources, Tammy Kenber
Police Dept., Joe Farrow, Kate Folker
Safety Services, Eric Kvigne
Special leadership from Human Resources — Lisa Sharp, Elizabeth Delo and Lyndon Huling — who play a key role in driving this work forward.
Recent Articles
Starting the Conversation in Your Department
If your team is just beginning or looking for ways to engage more deeply, here are some practical steps you can take:

Create a Safe Space for Dialogue
Schedule regular team check-ins that foster psychological safety, where everyone feels comfortable sharing experiences and ideas openly, with a focus on respect and active listening.

Highlight Small Wins
Share examples of what’s working well in your team—small actions that make people feel included or supported can be great motivators.

Make Resources Visible
Point out resources, workshops or reading materials that are available to your team. Encourage team members to explore these together or discuss how they can be applied to your day-to-day work.

Invite Participation
Encourage colleagues to bring their ideas for fostering a more inclusive environment.
Get Involved
Whether you’re new to these conversations or already active, we invite you to connect with your IDARE committee representative. Share your feedback, learn from ongoing projects or find ways to get involved. By working together, we can create a workplace where everyone belongs.