Introduction to Diversity Equity and Inclusion Efforts
My commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is central to my teaching, scholarship, and service. I strive for an inclusive environment through structured DEI goals and actionable initiatives. My focus is on supporting diverse populations and addressing systemic inequities. These principles shape my teaching philosophy, curriculum development, and community advocacy. I desire to make my work have a meaningful and lasting impact.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Goals and Achievements
I set clear goals and take actionable steps to make my teaching, scholarship, and service more inclusive. My work fosters equitable access, builds cultural humility, and advocates for diverse populations.
DEI Goals
For 2022, I focused on fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and respectful environment by demonstrating DEI principles in the workplace. Through professional training and reflective practices, I engaged in cultural humility, supported diversity initiatives within the Department of Speech, Hearing, and Rehabilitation Services, and ensured materials and policies were ADA-compliant and inclusive. I revised course materials to promote equity and accessibility, addressing students' diverse needs while embracing the ongoing process of understanding cultural perspectives.
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In 2023-2024, I committed to reading Inclusive College Classrooms: Teaching Methods for Diverse Learners (Click for Description) and implementing three new strategies per course to enhance inclusivity, as measured by post-course surveys. I also prioritized integrating DEI-focused materials in coursework and refining pedagogical practices to better support diverse learners. These efforts reflect my commitment to embedding DEI principles across teaching, curriculum design, and professional development.
Key DEI Commitments and Achievements
Program Advocacy
My key DEI commitments include developing and leading Camp Silver-Tongue!, a program that provides equitable resources and support to children who stutter. As Co-Chair of the Disability Alliance Affinity Group, I organized events aligned with Equity 2030, advocating for disability rights and fostering inclusion among students and faculty. My advocacy extended through participation in the Disability Advocacy Caucus, where I contributed to creating a disability-focused book club and partnered with the Center for Rural Behavioral Health to support justice for individuals with disabilities.
Teaching and Curriculum
I integrated DEI-focused materials into courses such as CDIS 617 (Stuttering), 615 (Seminar in Speech Sound Disorders), and 614 (Early Childhood Assessment and Treatment) by incorporating recent research on diverse populations and culturally sensitive scenarios. Additionally, I revised assignments and syllabi for CDIS 402/403 (Child Language Disorders) and CDIS 312 (Speech-Language Development) to include culturally responsive teaching strategies and encourage discussions on equity in language development and intervention practices.
I attended DEI-focused events, including DEI Day (2022) and anti-racism and cultural competency training, to enhance inclusive practices in teaching and outreach. I also presented at the Minnesota Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MNSHA) convention on Parent Perceptions, Special Education Processes, Ethical Practice, and Our Profession, advocating for equity in special education systems.
Professional Development and Continuing Education
Additional Achievements and Practices
I integrated multiple strategies in my courses to support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles, including:
Diversity and Equity in Teaching Materials.
I revised the syllabi for CDIS 614, 615, and 617 to address anti-racist and DEI initiatives explicitly. Each syllabus includes objectives and course descriptions that reflect culturally sensitive approaches to assessment and intervention, fostering students’ understanding of multicultural perspectives and individual variability in service delivery.
For CDIS 614 (Early Childhood Assessment and Intervention), I emphasized the principles of cultural humility and responsiveness in evaluating and treating preschool-aged children.​
Classroom Statements.
I incorporated a Diversity Statement and a Dignity and Respect Statement into all course syllabi, setting a tone of inclusion and respect for diverse perspectives. These statements explicitly recognize the value of diverse experiences and identities, creating a collaborative and equitable learning environment.​
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Land Acknowledgment.
I included a Land Acknowledgement developed by Minnesota State Equity 2030 Chancellor's Fellows to promote awareness and critical reflection on historical and ongoing colonialism.
Disability and Inclusion Advocacy.
I implemented an Accessibility Statement, ensuring students with disabilities could access resources and accommodations. I also encouraged open communication to address additional needs related to the ongoing pandemic and fluctuating safety protocols​.
Social and Cultural Awareness.
I urged students to be aware of stability and hunger challenges affecting students’ academic performance and offered direct support through campus resources.
SafeZone.
I maintained a Safe Zone Ally designation to provide confidential support for LGBTQ+ students, emphasizing a safe and inclusive campus environment.​
These updates reflect my ongoing efforts to integrate DEI values into every facet of my teaching, scholarship, and service.
Future Directions
Program Advocacy
Looking ahead, I plan to continue integrating DEI goals into all aspects of teaching, with a focus on fostering cultural and linguistic diversity in speech-language pathology. Expanding interdisciplinary collaborations remains a priority as I work to undue systemic inequities by advocating for systemic equity and underserved communities. Furthermore, I aim to develop additional inclusive teaching strategies informed by ongoing professional development and research, ensuring that my work has a meaningful and lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the broader community.