An Exploration of AANHPI Month, DEI, & Public Defense

The DEIJ Meetup is happy to present its May 2025 webinar in honor of AANHPI Heritage Month. This presentation aims to raise awareness, foster cultural understanding, and explore ways to improve fairness in the public defense system for AANHPI groups.

Arlene Anderson (she/her), a Trainer with the Office of the Public Defender in Maricopa County, Arizona, combines a robust background in corporate America with a deep passion for criminology. After earning a Magna Cum Laude Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Arizona State University, she is graduating with a Master’s Degree in the same field. Her previous role as a Business Analyst honed her skills in analyzing data and collaborating with software engineers, which were further demonstrated when she successfully established and trained a First Notice of Loss team. Outside of work, Arlene is dedicated to community engagement. Her enthusiasm for learning and teaching, coupled with her warm approach, creates a positive and effective work environment.

Arlene is no stranger to NAPD and has been a speaker at various conferences and the DEIJ Meetup. She also is a member of the Racial Justice+ Committee and was a Get Rooted Roundtable Lead at the 2024 Racial Justice Conference.  Arlene is also a newly inducted member of our Board of Directors.