Foundational Leadership in DEIJ
My commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) has been a cornerstone of my professional journey, beginning with my role as a founding member of a departmental Anti-Racist Task Force during my doctoral studies. In this capacity, I spearheaded initiatives to address experiences of marginalization and partnered with faculty to successfully secure over $17,000 in grants to promote training on embedding equity within faculty-student mentoring relationships.
Current Leadership Impact at Tisch College
At Tufts University’s Tisch College of Civic Life, I serve as chair of the college-wide DEIJ committee, advocating for over 70 staff members through the framework of institutional inclusive excellence. A significant achievement has been securing and implementing a $70,000 training institute for managerial-level staff focused on leadership for inclusive excellence.
Strategic Committee Development
Under my leadership, the DEIJ Committee has undergone strategic expansion and restructuring through the recruitment and integration of eight new members, each bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to our work. I established focused subcommittees with clear focus areas, creating accountability structures that enable both targeted initiatives and cohesive progress. This restructuring included developing onboarding processes and ongoing support systems to ensure sustained engagement and impact.
Facilitation and Professional Growth
I foster a dynamic learning environment through carefully designed monthly committee meetings that balance community-building with strategic planning. Our annual retreats create dedicated space for celebration, reflection, and long-term visioning. Professional development remains central to our work, with opportunities ranging from training on facilitating difficult conversations to expert presentations on critical topics like affirmative action in higher education. These learning experiences are complemented by leadership development opportunities that strengthen our collective capacity for change.
Leadership Philosophy
My approach prioritizes developing the leadership capacities of all committee members, ensuring that diverse perspectives strengthen our collective impact. By combining strategic vision with practical implementation, we create lasting institutional change toward equity. This work has fostered meaningful transformations in our institutional culture and practices, demonstrating the tangible impact of our initiatives. Through intentional facilitation and strategic planning, we continue to advance our mission of creating a more equitable and inclusive environment at Tisch College.
Relevant publications:
The formation of scholars: Understanding graduate socialization through the lens of oppression
Sara Suzuki, Liza A. Talusan
August 2020