District Inclusivity Committee
The District's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee's purpose is to identify the offices and areas of the college responsible for implementing
the goals of the Diversity Task Force Plan and Student Equity Plan, set up timelines
for implementation, and determine the mechanisms by which we will evaluate the progress.
The members of the committee are composed primarily of employees in specified positions whose job duties provide them the ability to deal directly with major aspects of the Diversity Task Force and Student Equity Plans. This will ensure that the people on this committee have experience and engagement in diversity issues as well as the authority to implement the goals of the plan. The committee will also include two community members.
Committee Members
Tri-Chairs: Agatha Ramos Maher, Dr. Patricia van Leeuwaarde Moonsammy (Senior Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), Joshua Murillo
CONSTITUENT REPRESENTATIVE MEMBERS
4 Faculty Senate Members
- Dr. Eileene Tejada, Professor, Language and Development Studies
- Kristie Iwamoto, Instructor, English Department
- Ksenia Kitaeva, Professor, Mathematics
- Vacant
4 Administrative Senate Members
- Christopher Farmer, Director of Project RISE, Caminos Al ƒxito
- Cristine Tapia, Manager, Dual Enrollment and Educational Partnerships
- Melissa Datu, Nurse Practitioner, Director of Student Health Services
- Shawntel Ridgle, Director of Pathways
4 Classified Senate Members
- Dr. San Lu, Alternate Media Specialist, DSPS
- Joshua Murillo, Instructor, Physics and Astronomy
- Mario Plancarte, Facilities
- Omar Peña, Student Services Specialist
4 Associated Students of NVC Members
- Agatha Ramos Maher
- Keri Akem Hernández
- Lena Randall
- Trinity Tyson
4 Community Members
- Jose Hernandez, Former NVC MESA Director
- Vacant
- Vacant
- Vacant
RESOURCE MEMBERS
- Charo Albarran, Vice President, Human Resources, Training & Development
- Dr. Alejandro Guerrero, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President, Student Affairs
- Dr. Priscilla Mora, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Academic Affairs
- Dr. Robyn Wornall, Senior Dean, Research, Planning, & Institutional Effectiveness
- Dr. Torence Powell, Superintendent/President of Napa Valley College
- Rodd Aubrey, Director, Public Affairs & Communications
Mission Statement
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of Napa Valley College acknowledges that society is composed of many groups and individuals whose diverse social, physical and cultural backgrounds are the source of innovation and creative problem solving. As a result, the College has a responsibility to cultivate and sustain the richness of different perspectives and experiences for the growth of the community as learners and workers.
The committee fosters understanding and acceptance of groups and individuals composed of all cultures and identities, including but not limited to: economic status, disabilities, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, national origin, religion, race, age, sexual orientation, or veteran status. We recognize:
- the need to promote and sustain a culture of respect and safe environments on campus
- the connection between fostering diversity at the college and ongoing student success
- the value in raising awareness of historic or ongoing social and economic inequities and working towards a community rooted in mutual respect, equal opportunity and acceptance
Committee Charge
Approved by DEI Committee, November 2023
The district wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee’s charge is to support and advance the Napa Valley Community College District’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, access, anti-racism, and social justice through the following means:
- Provide recommendations to align institutional goals and priorities for enhancing student, faculty, and staff equity and achievement with institutional transformation efforts at the college;
- Inform and guide institutional planning and implementation so that all district strategic plans demonstrate a commitment to DEI goals and objectives and facilitate the successful attainment of the educational and professional goals of our diverse student body, faculty and staff.
- Consult on the writing and implementation of the district’s diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and social justice strategic plans, including the Student Equity Plan;
- In coordination with appropriate departments and centers, establish timelines for implementation of DEI strategic goals and determine the mechanisms by which the college will evaluate progress;
- Rigorously assess the impact of our short- and long-term DEI goals and our overall campus climate;
- Communicate and coordinate with other district committees and programs to leverage human, financial, and facilities resources to have a greater positive impact on student, faculty, and staff equity, achievement, and sense of belonging;
- Develop, review, recommend, and implement programs and services designed to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and access for students, faculty, and staff;
- Identify existing or emerging equal opportunity and equity trends, advise college leadership in the development of responsive policies, and analyze and recommend action based on relevant research and practices;
- Review the District’s EEO and diversity recruiting efforts, programs, policies, and progress at least once/semester;
- Work with the Academic Senate and Human Resources, Training, and Development to reimagine the hiring/selection process for faculty and staff, respectively and as appropriate;
- Monitor trends and best practices on issues within the committee’s scope and communicate them to the district;
- Make appropriate recommendations, as necessary, to the Board of Trustees, the District Superintendent/President, and the President’s Cabinet regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, and equal employment opportunity programs, policies, procedures, and trainings.