College Celebrates Champions of Diversity at 9th Annual Diversity Summit

The College Development and Engagement Committee (CDEC) at Moreno Valley College hosted the 9th Annual Diversity Summit on March 6 and 7, focusing on “Visualizing and Creating an Inclusive College.” This year’s summit gathered a diverse group of Mountain Lions for meaningful discussions and workshops aimed at fostering a more inclusive academic environment.

A highlight of the summit was the 9th Annual Diversity Awards, which recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion at MVC. Over 66 nominations were submitted, demonstrating the college community’s commitment to promoting positive change.

“We are thrilled to see the return of the Diversity Awards after a hiatus due to COVID-19,” said Tom Vitzelio, dean of student success and academic support. “The nominees this year truly represent the spirit of inclusivity that defines our college.”

The following individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions:

• Administrator Award: Donnell Layne, director of the iMake Innovation Center, for his leadership in creating an inclusive space that supports diverse initiatives.
• Classified Professional Award: Natalie Madero, academic evaluations coordinator, for her exceptional service and dedication to student success.
• Full-Time Faculty Award: Rikki Tremblay, assistant professor of communication studies, for her compassionate teaching and efforts to create a welcoming space for all.
• Part-Time Faculty Award: Angela Thomas, associate faculty of library services, for her work reducing student financial barriers through OER initiatives and supporting student clubs.
• Student Award: Veronica Harris for her leadership and advocacy of underrepresented groups, especially in cybersecurity.

“We are inspired by the dedication and passion of this year’s awardees,” said Arlene Serrato, academic evaluations coordinator. “Their efforts advance equity and inclusion, making a lasting impact on our community.”

The summit also featured a keynote address by Jennifer R. Nájera, associate professor of ethnic studies at UC Riverside, on “Creating Culturally Relevant Space for Undocumented Students on Campus,” which provided invaluable insights into better supporting these students.

The summit concluded with a call to continue working toward actionable change in the pursuit of equity and inclusion across MVC.

More information on the College Development and Engagement Committee is available on the College's website.