While Diaz didn't release the plan in full, she did cite some examples of its goals, such as plans for a culturally competent statewide business forum to be held this fall in conjunction with the Governor's Office of Economic Development. The forum, she said, would cover issues from labor laws to accessing loans for future and current business owners.

"It's all multi-ethnic. Now that's the whole focus," Diaz said.

Another goal is leadership training for those wanting to organize nonprofits or lobby their lawmakers. Diaz also oversees the state library and wants to ensure that's culturally competent, starting with steps such as ensuring Spanish language books are included in bookmobiles.

Edith Mitko, director of Asian affairs, said in the past, personnel from the four offices met separately to address many of the same issues.

"Part of the goal is to have all the ethnic communities working as a team," she said.

She said when former Gov. Mike Leavitt unveiled the old plan for ethnic affairs, it was couched in broad visions and ideas. Not so with the new plan, which she said will be focused on attainable goals.

"There will be measurable outcomes rather than nice philosophical feel-goods," she said.

Diaz and Mitko agreed that a major step forward is that the governor, cabinet members and executive directors of the agencies are supportive of their efforts and plan to meet with them frequently. That didn't happen before, Mitko said.

Diaz added that even though the ethnic directors may not be intricately involved in every community event, they're still encouraged to participate in their own ethnic communities. But, she said, the focus has shifted.

"The main charge is being able to execute the strategic plan," she said. "That's how we're going to bring about institutional change."

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com; dhinckley@desnews.com