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