The Vice President for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) established the Inclusive Excellence Ambassadors (IEA) initiative during Spring, 2019 to expand collaborative leadership in the implementation of Priority Two of Gallaudet University’s Strategic Plan.
Summary Description
The IE Ambassadors will serve as liaisons between the Division of Equity, Division and Inclusion (EDI) and their respective units and divisions. Their roles will include:
- Serving as EDI representatives/liaisons in their divisions
- Being available to answer questions related to EDI
- Infusing EDI policies, practices and procedures throughout the university
- Serving on the EDI Advisory Board
The Ambassadors will engage in professional development to strengthen and enhance their confidence for creating presentations (in classes, meetings and within their divisions).
The Ambassadors will receive support from their administrator/supervisor to serve in this role. They will also have the respect of their specific communities in relation to this work.
Ideal characteristics:
- Open-mindedness
- Flexibility
- Previous engagement in the work (possibly, but not exclusive of, being an MCTI/MOD Alum)
- Awareness of their own intersectional identities
- Commitment to strengthening their ability to engage with others around intersectionality
- Visionary and practical
- Team player
Accountability - Each IE Ambassador will be required to:
- Submit a monthly report of their activities and engagements to the VP for EDI and their immediate supervisor (ideally to be included in their annual evaluation/MBO)
- Attend all EDI professional development activities beginning with the Mindful Facilitation training, February, 2019
- Attend and be responsible for aspects of the EDI Advisory Board Meetings as directed by the VP for EDI
IE Ambassadors Team
| Name | Title | Department and Division |
|---|---|---|
| Katherine Bean | Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Success | Athletics Department Student Affairs |
| Lia Bengston | Teacher | Kendall Demonstration Elementary School Laurent Clerc National Education Center |
| Chrystal Harris | Assistant Director, Student Financial Services | Finance Office Administration and Finance |
| Glenn Lockhart | Board Liaison/Presidential Support Specialist | Office of the President |
| Lisa Montalvo | School Counselor | Model Secondary School for the Deaf Laurent Clerc National Education Center |
| Taiyabah Naeem | Project Manager | Planning, Development and Dissemination Laurent Clerc National Education Center |
| Rachel Pizzonia | Manager, Clinical Administrative Operations | Hearing and Speech Center Academic Affairs |
| Allison Polk | Coordinator, Foundation Relations and Grants | Office of Development Institutional Advancement |
| Darlene Prickett | Coordinator, Administrative Services | Gallaudet Technology Services |
| Andy Schewe | Coordinator, Training and Development | Human Resources Services Administration and Finance |
| Eyob Zerayesus | Assistant Dean, Student Experience and Engagement | Student Affairs |