MEDIA RELEASE: Cascadia College renews commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
For immediate release | September 14, 2022
Cascadia College renews commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Bothell, WA – Cascadia College values the rich diversity of its students, staff, and faculty. The college endeavors to provide equity and social justice-oriented education to everyone by centering the experience of all of the historically marginalized members of its community. To this end, Cascadia has several programs, courses, and events to increase equity outcomes for its students and increase student success.
The foremost among them is the Office Equity & Inclusion’s Cascadia Scholars program that pairs students from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color), marginalized, and underrepresented groups, to a faculty and/or staff member who offers support and resources to assist students on their academic and career journeys. The program offers mentoring, scholarships, and support for students.
In addition to the Scholars program, Cascadia is working with local school districts like Lake Washington and Northshore School Districts to organize students of color conferences with high-school students on the Cascadia College campus. The conference themes include identity, collaboration, education, leadership, and social justice.
Chari Davenport, Executive Director of Equity and Inclusion at Cascadia College said, “I am thrilled with the continued growth within the Office of Equity and Inclusion. Our focus on supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion for everyone within the Cascadia community has truly been expanded in all of the work that we do.”
Also available is the Diversity and Equity Center (The Center) which presents a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive environment that promotes strong social connections and encourages students to be social change agents. The Center strives to include all voices and create a safe space for marginalized and underrepresented students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Cascadia recently hired Dr. Victor Begay, an educator and scholar from the Navajo Nation, as its first American Indian and Indigenous Studies professor and Tribal Liaison. Cascadia College is one of two current colleges in partnership with the University of Washington to offer new American Indian and Indigenous Studies (AIIS) courses this fall that directly transfer into the UW’s AIIS degree program.
Cascadia’s Dean for Student Learning, Kristina Young said, “Students will engage with concepts such as the cultural and socio-political foundations of Tribal Sovereignty, Indigenous identity, critical significance of native foodways, and highlight the nuanced experiences of Indigenous peoples in the PNW. Dr. Begay is also one of the first Tribal Liaisons in the CTC (Community and Technical Colleges) system, working to build and strengthen intergovernmental relationships in our area.”
Individuals can contribute to a sense of belonging by helping validate the lived experiences of faculty, staff, and students of color. Be a part of our DEI journey by engaging in a continuous cycle of learning, evolution, and empowerment with a focus on student success, representation, and growth-minded practices. Cascadia College is enrolling now for Fall 2022. Fall Quarter starts on September 28!
Digital image: Cascadia College students and staff outside the Mobius Hall.
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About Cascadia College: Cascadia College is a comprehensive community college that specializes in university transfer education. It is nationally recognized for its high transfer rate and for its emphasis on collaborative and active learning across disciplines. It was established by the legislature to serve the higher education needs of Northeast King and South Snohomish counties.
For information, please contact Satarupa Joardar at Cascadia College at sjoardar@cascadia.edu.