Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Growing up, I had bought into the narrative that I had experienced hardship because of my parent's working-class background. Being a first-generation student in college, the challenges I faced I believed to be equally incomparable and insurmountable. Especially going to predominately white, rural institutions my entire life, I was unaware of the experiences faced by historically minoritized groups within the country.

I am grateful to have enrolled in a higher education program that challenges these previously held notions to make me reflect on my privileged identities through a curriculum based on social justice and equity. I have had the honor of working with a community of professionals and supervising undergraduate students from all different backgrounds. Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of listening to others and understanding how to make others feel supported within the spaces I occupy. Through my professional organization of ACPA, I have participated in the 2022 convention in St. Louis that has helped me realize ways I can support individuals with minoritized identities and how to challenge the systems that continue to oppress them.

In an institution of higher education, the very structure was based in the echo chamber of whiteness that actively oppressed those with different experiences. To combat the active oppression that underrepresented groups experience today, it is a personal priority of mine to ensure that I confront my own implicit bias to create a space that makes others feel heard and valued. I believe that my identity as a white woman uniquely places me in a position to support and advocate for underrepresented groups within the population.

To be authentic in a community, individuals need to feel safe, respected, and cared for. It means valuing each member in this community because they have unique lived experiences and backgrounds that make us global stewards of education and social justice efforts. While I have learned much within the past few years, I am dedicated to creating a diverse, equitable, and socially just campus focused on all campus community members on how to break down barriers to success that students, faculty, and staff face.