Chenthu Jayton

Executive Director

I am originally from Colombo, Sri Lanka and arrived in Denver by way of Wisconsin, Washington State, Iowa and New York. Growing up in the midst of an ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka meant that I was very quickly aware of what oppression and marginalization could do to a community. So my curiosities have always been about understanding and redressing systemic inequities.

Equity Labs represents an opportunity to both activate my curiosities and craft the necessary tools to re-imagine a world that is more equitable and more just.

What does an equitable world look like to you?

An equitable world is one where there are no negative consequences for one's authentic being and performance of self... only celebration.

What do participants take away from Equity Labs?

The diversity of our worlds, whether it is our living, learning or working spaces, is inevitable. That means the only viable choice is to figure out how to make those spaces inviting to all. We will all be better for it and Equity Labs can help.

Who is someone you admire and why?

Professionally the single most influential person in my life is bell hooks. Her work inspired me to imagine a world different than the one we walk in and then do the work necessary to create it. Personally, my life-partner Audrey is my constant... the one who always grounds me, lets me fly, sends me in to fight the necessary battles and heals me when I come home.

If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?

If you hike down Bright Angel Trail at the Grand Canyon there is a view point called Plateau Point... the sunset from there is breathtaking

Connect with Chenthu at chenthu.jayton@du.edu.

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