Spring 2018: SDCE Diversity & Inclusion Events
Submitted by: Laurie Cozzolino, SDCE Flex Coordinator
SDCE recently hosted two very special events that support diversity and inclusion efforts across our institution. On Monday April 30th, the second meeting of the Spring 2018 SDCE Diversity Book Club was held, where a group of more than 30 faculty and classified professional staff met at NCC to discuss the book ‘Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family,’ by Amy Ellis-Nutt. This is the inspiring true story of a transgender girl, her identical twin brother, and an ordinary American family’s extraordinary journey to understand, nurture, and celebrate the uniqueness in us all, from the Pulitzer Prize–winning science reporter for The Washington Post.
Laurel Slater, ESL Faculty/Miramar Chair, led the small group discussions where we shared how deeply moved we were by the courage of this family, and we discussed ways we can better support our students and each other in any way we may present ourselves, always with respect and care.
As part of this ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion at SDCE, a nationally recognized training, ‘LGBTQ Safe Zones’ offered on May 1, also at NCC. This interactive workshop/ discussion aims to educate and equip SDCE employees to establish LGBTQ Safe Zones, and provides tools and resources to create safe, welcoming spaces for speaking and listening in our community.
The workshop was presented by SDCE Counseling Faculty Lisa Carulli and Community Member Noreen Cabrera. Both are Safe Zone trainers who are certified by the Gay Alliance, a national organization that advocates for all of our social systems to become inclusive and welcoming to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) and allied individuals. As a special addition, we were happy to include Cristy Mereles, LCSW/Former SDCE Student and Mati Mereles, her young daughter, as our special guests.
Keep your eyes open for the 2018-2019 SDCE Diversity Book Club invitation in September as well as more LGBTQ Safe Zones trainings in 2018-2019. Special thanks to the SDCE Diversity Committee Chair/Parent Ed Faculty Linda Osborn; Laurel Slater, ESL Faculty/Miramar Chair and Sol Madrid, ECC Bookstore Manage, for their support.