SOWELA’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
SOWELA Technical Community College recognizes, respects, and honors diversity existing in society due to an individual’s age, ethnicity, national origin, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, marital status, familial status, religious beliefs, creeds, and socioeconomic status.
The College is committed, through programs and policies, to create and sustain an environment that empowers individuals to live and work productively by embracing diversity, fostering inclusiveness, and advancing equity through dynamic, welcoming work and educational spaces in an ever-changing global society.
SOWELA’s commitment to diversity compels it to confront prejudicial, discriminatory behaviors and policies. The College supports steps and programs intended to remedy the historical under-representation of persons of color, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities in the workforce, and in ensuring a learning environment that is inclusive and equitable for all.
SOWELA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
The purpose of the DEI Committee is to help guide the integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion at SOWELA Technical Community College. The committee is tasked with implementing actionable steps related to the College’s diversity initiatives and goals for pursuing equitability for students, staff, and faculty. Committee members have committed themselves to honoring SOWELA’s diverse population, celebrating the College’s expansive culture and that of its students, faculty, & staff, and lifting the voices of the underrepresented.
Committee Officers
| Name | Committee Role | Job Title | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Ryder | Committee Chair | Dual Enrollment Coordinator | jeremy.ryder@sowela.edu |
| Adrienne Abel | Committee Co-Vice Chair | Site Coordinator, Morgan Smith Instructional Site | adrienne.abel@sowela.edu |
| Romona Thomas | Committee Co-Vice Chair | Manager of Instructional Technology | romona.thomas@sowela.edu |
Committee Members
| Name | Job Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Tammy Abraham | Executive Assistant to Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs | tammy.abraham@sowela.edu |
| Melvin Caesar | Welding Instructor | melvin.caesar@sowela.edu |
| Denise Cloud-Miller | Adult Education, Oakdale | denise.cloudmiller@sowela.edu |
| Ana Denison | Business Developer | ana.denison@sowela.edu |
| Allison Dering | Interim Executive Director, Enrollment Management & Student Affairs | allison.dering@sowela.edu |
| Amanda Guthrie | Nursing Instructor | amanda.guthrie@sowela.edu |
| Nicole Hutto | SOWELA Student | |
| Geralyn Janice | Site Coordinator, Lamar Salter Instructional Site | geralyn.janice@sowela.edu |
| Joseph Lavergne | Director, Student Recruitment & Career Services | joseph.lavergne@sowela.edu |
| Candy Parker | Director, Human Resources | candy.parker@sowela.edu |
| Chase Walling | Student Success Counselor | chase.walling@sowela.edu |
| Carl Wilkerson | Facilities and Security Manager | carl.wilkerson@sowela.edu |
| Libbie Williams | Enrollment Specialist | libbie.williams@sowela.edu |
| Marialisa Wyatt | Faculty, Workforce Solutions | marialisa.wyatt@sowela.edu |
Employee Training
Employee Training will be provided by NAPE (The National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity).
DEI Fall 2023 Session
Presentation topic: Micromessaging to Reach and Teach Every Student
Training session will include curriculum concepts including but not limited to:
- Interrupting bias
- Micromessages
- The accumulation of (dis)advantage
- Student self-efficacycand behavior
- Establishing a peer learning community through guided breakouts and foundational learning tools
This is an in person session only.
Registration is required. Refreshments will be provided.
Training Dates
- August 10, 2023
- Thursday
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Regional Training Center, Multipurpose Room