by David Escobar
The most recent census showed a couple of trends in the Adirondack Park: a steady decline in population and a continued lack of diversity.
Roughly 95% of the 123,300 full-time Adirondack residents are white, a statistic that has guided the mission of the Adirondack Diversity Initiative (ADI) since its founding in 2015.
A branch of the Adirondack North Country Association, ADI works to foster a more inclusive Adirondacks through diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Tiffany Rea-Fisher, who splits her time between the Adirondacks and New York City, became the initiative’s second executive director in February 2023.
As a professional dancer, the 43-year-old has been involved with the Adirondack community for over two decades.
Alongside her roles as an artist and leader, she also balances the demands of a third job — motherhood.
As she approaches her first full year at the helm of ADI, Rea-Fisher sat down with David Escobar to discuss her vision for a more sustainable, inclusive future in the region.