December ’24 DEI Digest
The light is coming…
The darkest days of the year are upon us, and soon we will begin to see more light. We also have a choice to see more light in ourselves and in the spirit of our community, as imperfect as it is.
We have made it. We have made it through Fall Quarter and for many of us, there will be days of rest and time to reflect. What did we accomplish in 2024 that causes a smile today? Where did we miss the mark this year, which points to a next time opportunity in the New Year?
Speaking of light, in this December Digest, you will read about the ways our teams bring inclusion and belonging from the First-Generation Fireside Chat to a Brave Spaces Workshop. And let us not forget the post-election quiet space, the arts and crafts gathering, and the petting zoo!
Please enjoy reading the good news about inclusion, diversity, and belonging here at Foster.
We are together,
Michelle Purnell-Hepburn
Associate Dean for Inclusion & Diversity
Pause for Paws
The day after the general Election, Dr. Elba Moise and Emma Buchanan hosted a “Pause for Paws” stress relief event featuring goats, chickens, and more. Dean Frank Hodge was among those getting up close and personal with animal friends. A Gratitude Wall in the Founders Hall Commons to offer everyone a chance to connect and reflect on a day when it was especially important to remember Foster’s motto of “Better Together. Better Tomorrow.”
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion 2024 Report
Dean Frank Hodge and Associate Dean for Inclusion & Diversity Michelle Purnell-Hepburn issued the annual Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Report, designed to call attention to the equity work that Foster continues to uplift. The report serves to hold us accountable to all members of the Foster community, elevating the work that is being done while also giving us direction on unaddressed needs. It is a chronicle of the committed work of our community. Read the report.
First Generation Fireside chat
An esteemed panel of Foster faculty and business professionals, including Foster Inclusion & Community Program Manager Elba Moise, Lula Samuel, Managing Director at Accenture, Jesse Rhodes, an Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Leader & Head of Risk and Internal Control at Amazon, Associate Dean Dan Turner, and Zeidy Jaime, Contracts Procurement Agent at Boeing Commercial Airplanes convened to discuss the challenges and opportunities of being the first generation of their family to be a business leader. Over one-third of UW students are first-generation students.
Inclusive Climate Survey
Students will soon be invited to complete Foster’s Inclusive Climate Survey. This is an important opportunity for the community to provide their feelings on psychological safety, capability to participate in classes, faculty satisfaction, and other key metrics. Results will be benchmarked against a similar survey conducted in 2022.
Brave Spaces workshops
Dr. Elba Moise and Emma Buchanan of the UW Counseling Center prepared a Resource Guide for faculty to lead conversations during emotionally charged societal events as part of a “Brave Space” workshop designed to help teachers navigate such discussions in the classroom. See the guide.
Celebration of Black Achievement
Mark your calendars! This year’s Celebration of Black Alumni Achievement will be held on February 27. This event is a highlight of every year, bringing together the community in a joyous celebration and honoring Black Foster alumni for their accomplishments. Detailed event information will follow in the new year.
Happy Holidays
December is a month of celebration for many communities. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Festivus, or in your own way, may your season be merry, peaceful, and bright.
