Summit and Diversity Awards Mark a Decade of Advancing Equity and Belonging
The campus community marked a milestone in its commitment to inclusion April 9 and 10, convening for the 10th Annual Diversity Summit. The event opened with the presentation of the 2026 Diversity Awards, recognizing individuals whose leadership and advocacy have contributed to a more inclusive campus environment.
Under the theme United in Diversity: Strengthening Our Shared Future Through Fostering a Compassionate Campus Community, the two-day summit brought together students, faculty, classified professionals, and administrators. The program combined interactive professional development with the formal recognition of five campus leaders whose efforts have shaped institutional practices and student experiences.
Honoring Champions of Inclusion
The 2026 Diversity Awards recognized individuals across the college for their impact on campus climate:
- Student Honoree: Monique Cruz, Associated Students vice president, was recognized for elevating student voices and strengthening student representation in campus governance through consistent engagement across committees and events.
- Classified Professional Honoree: Denita Moore, administrative specialist, was recognized for advancing student-centered support across programs including TRiO, EOPS, CalWORKs, and the Dreamers Resource Center, as well as her contributions to initiatives serving diverse student populations.
- Associate Faculty Honoree: Sharrisse Jones, counselor, was recognized for more than 20 years of service focused on student empowerment and creating inclusive learning environments.
- Administrator Honoree: Lisa Yates, director of the Accessibility Resource Center, was recognized for her leadership in advancing access for students with disabilities and addressing barriers related to stigma.
- Full-time Faculty Honoree: Gabriela Florido, associate professor of mathematics, was recognized for fostering inclusive classroom environments through culturally responsive teaching and community-centered learning practices.
A Platform for Dialogue and Practice
Summit sessions focused on examining institutional practices that shape campus climate, with programming centered on community, compassion, and belonging. Sessions included discussions on LGBTQ+ inclusion, equitable systems, and strategies to support student success. A student panel provided participants with perspectives on navigating and experiencing the campus environment.
The second day, held virtually, focused on emerging approaches to teaching and learning, including the use of artificial intelligence to support neurodivergent students and enhance instructional practices. Keynote speaker Dion Jordan offered a personal perspective on equity work, highlighting how it can impact practitioners and emphasizing that building bridges of belonging often begins with small, intentional acts of recognition and compassion.
The summit also served as a FLEX professional development opportunity, supporting continued learning and collaboration across campus.