President’s Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

In an effort to build on the college’s strength of diversity and our strategic goal of becoming a “vibrant and inclusive community, Manhattanville College announced the formation of the Presidential Task Force on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. The task force, now Council, is charged with reviewing and assessing campus climate, developing a comprehensive strategic plan, and recommend initiatives, policies, and procedures that will increase equity and inclusion at the College. These might include recommendations related to recruitment and retention practices, curriculum, and community outreach efforts.

Diversity is the presence of difference within a given setting

Inclusion is about valuing and welcoming individuals from different identities

Equity is about ensuring everyone has access to the same opportunities with recognition that advantages and barriers exist

Click here to view the 2021-2022 Midyear Report

Membership

Dr. Cindy Porter (She, Her, Hers)

Chief Diversity Officer / Vice President for Student Affairs

"Having spent much of my life being the only, the first, or the other, I understand the importance of creating inclusive communities, removing barriers, and providing a space where individuals can thrive. I am committed to this work as a member of the DEI Council and chief diversity officer."

Loren Ciardullo (She/Her/Hers)

Chair, DEI Council / Special Assistant to the President / Title IX Coordinator

I, myself, was a first-generation College student and Latin-x student who initially struggled at a predominantly white institution as an undergraduate. I am dedicated to working with my Cabinet colleagues, the DEI Council and all community members in an effort to make Manhattanville a more inclusive and equitable institution and fully live the mission of the College.

Maria Moreno (She/Her/Hers)

Assistant Director for Student Leadership/Adjunct Instructor

DEI is important to me because as a woman of color myself representing Latinx population, we need to continue to break barriers and to make sure we are represented and heard everywhere we go. I am committed to this work to ensure we are inclusive, equal, and foster support to our people of color

Christine Farrugia

Director of Institutional Research, Planning and Assessment

DEI is important to me because: When everyone is valued for their unique talents, experiences, and perspectives, our communities and workplaces are stronger.

Ken Scupp, M.Ed. (He/Him/His)

Director of Health Sciences and Transfer Admissions, Graduate & Undergraduate Admissions

I believe that all students should have equitable access to education and the support to achieve their goals. All students should feel represented and valued on their college campuses as well as be able to see themselves reflected in everything from the faculty to the curriculum and student body. Many institutions have histories of injustice and inequality and it is our duty as the inheritors of that legacy to acknowledge past wrongdoing and do everything in our power to bring about an equitable, inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

Jessica Cox

Program Specialist Counselor, Admissions

DEI is important to me because in my role in admissions, I work with an extremely diverse population of prospective students and as Chair of Staff Council, I sometimes represent the staff as a whole so I want to make sure I am not only educated in the area of DEI but connected to the DEI initiatives of the college to advocate for the students and staff as decisions are made.

Samantha White (She/Her/Hers)

Assistant Professor, Sports Studies

DEI work is important to me because I understand the importance of identifying and challenging systemic oppression in educational spaces. As a Black woman in academia and as a member of the DEI council, I am committed to creating equitable spaces for students, staff, and faculty.

Susan V. Iverson (She/Her)

Professor and Director of Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership

"The system is working exactly as designed" and that produces and sustains inequity. I am committed to disrupting systemic ~isms in an effort to achieve equity as a result

Paula Moskowitz (She, Her, Hers)

Head, Library Instruction and Diverse Populations

As a Librarian, I believe that it is of utmost importance that Libraries are inclusive and supportive to the needs of the entire community for which they serve. Libraries must provide equal and equitable access to information and service to all users no matter who they are, what they believe, what their sexual orientation is, religion, color, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or ability. I also think that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion includes being respectful to others and to appreciate our differences.

Dakota Pinon (He/Him/His)

Class of 2023, Major: Psychology

"DEI is important to me because as someone who represents the transgender community, I believe we need to further educate society on how to treat the TGNCNB community with respect. I am dedicated to making sure that people in my community aren’t being dismissed due to their identity, and that there is more inclusivity."

Mary Coakley-Fields, Ed.D (She/Her)

Assistant Professor, Department of Literacy and English Education

I believe that every person deserves policies, school- and workplace-opportunities that support and empower them to thrive individually and in community.

Not Pictured:

Anthony Wilder, Director of Diversity Education and Inclusion Programs

Joseph Gaines, Director of Center for Student Accessibility

Carleigh Brower, Director, Center for Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship

Nayma Qayum, Faculty, School of Arts & Sciences

Lisa Rafanelli, Faculty, School of Arts & Sciences

Zoraima Rosario-Rolon, Doctoral Student representative

Ava Lantiere, Alumna

Angelina Cavallo-Nunez, Student representative

Ernest Boateng, Student representative

Jamal Keith, Student representative