Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Inclusive Excellence and Diversity Student Group Award recipient is the Gay Straight Alliance.

The Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) has created a safe and supportive environment for students to express their gender identity and sexuality authentically. Through information sessions, social events, and solidarity, the GSA has fostered a sense of community and family, making the campus a safer place for the LGBTQIA+ community. Their efforts in addressing issues like dead-naming and microaggressions highlight their essential role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus and make them deserving recipients for The Inclusive Excellence and Diversity Student Group Award.

The Student for Diversity Award is being awarded to both Carlos Contreras and Ahmad Griffin.

Carlos Contreras has made a significant impact at King's College by founding La Raza Association to support Hispanic students and promote cultural awareness. His leadership extended to running the McGowan Center for Hispanic Outreach during a staff vacancy, mentoring peers, and collaborating with various campus organizations. Carlos's dedication and professionalism will leave a lasting legacy, making him a deserving recipient of the Student for Diversity Award.

Ahmad Griffin has demonstrated exceptional leadership both on and off the football field. As President of the Black Student Union, he spearheaded initiatives like fundraisers, game nights, and a talent showcase for Black History Month. His positive presence and unwavering enthusiasm have created a welcoming environment for all. Ahmad's dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with his mentorship and advocacy, make him a deserving recipient of the Student for Diversity Award.

The Faculty Diversity Advocate Award recipient is Dr. Ayesha Ray.

Dr. Ayesha Ray, as the Chair of the DEI Committee, has been a steadfast advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion at King's College. She organized the Disabilities Event in March, promoting acceptance and understanding of disabilities within the DEI framework. Dr. Ray's dedication to her students is evident through her supportive and caring approach, helping them overcome personal and academic challenges. Her leadership and commitment to DEI initiatives make her a deserving recipient of The Faculty Diversity Advocate Award.

The Leading Leo Staff Award recipient is Martin Lacayo.

Martin Lacayo has made a significant impact in just over a year at King's College. His selflessness and dedication to serving students, particularly through his leadership in moving and renaming the HALE office, have provided comfort and support to many. Martin's visibility, engagement, and ability to relate to diverse groups, including veterans and underserved communities, highlight his exceptional mentorship and commitment to the College's mission and make him a deserving recipient of The Leading Leo Staff Award.

The Inclusive Excellence and Diversity Student Group Award recipient is La Raza Association led by Carlos Contreras for their great programming and continued efforts to educate the King’s College community on the various Hispanic / Latino Cultures.

The Student for Diversity Award recipient is Bukun Modebe for being a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion, serving as the president of the Black Student Union while actively promoting cultural education and inclusivity on campus. Her exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and unwavering commitment to social justice make her a truly deserving recipient of the Student for Diversity Award.

The Faculty Diversity Advocate Award recipient is Dave Reynolds for being a dedicated educator and leader who creates a safe and inclusive environment in his classroom and the theater, ensuring that everyone feels seen and heard. Through his deliberate choice of diverse stories, he encourages empathy and understanding by presenting the world from various perspectives.

The Inclusive Excellence and Diversity Student Group Award was awarded to The King's Players, Advised by Jahmeel.

• Committed to including all student in the arts, run by a minority student
• Storytelling minorities tales as it's core. Committed to hearing different voices. Miss You Like Hell was a beautiful show about immigrant struggles.
• King's Players is a student organization dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in their creative and artistic endeavors.
• Led by a bi-racial president this year, there has been a willingness to create a safe and inclusive space for any/all students of all backgrounds. In fact, many of the prominent roles in the productions are often filled with non-theatre students who have a range of performance experiences: from seasoned singers/dancers and actors in the community to those who are looking to try performing for the first time.
• This academic year in particular has seen an increase in opportunities to promote and perform in more culturally and societally diverse plays and musicals such as Miss You Like Hell, which told a beautiful and heartbreaking story of a young Mexican American woman and her battle against strict immigration policies to save her undocumented mother (played by a first-time actress).
• The King's players and its affiliate theatre department continue to promote a space where non-typical voices can be heard and expressed and strive to provide the most accurate and respectful representation of those voices onstage by any means necessary.
• There is such an inclusive/ sense of belonging atmosphere that is felt the minute you work within this department

The Student for Diversity Award was awarded to Alvin Abraham.

• Alvin works with DEI and Multicultural Club. He is president of SASA and has hosted events such as Diwali and Holi. He is involved in BSU and a member of the Volleyball Team. He is a very kind person and makes everyone feel welcomed and comfortable and encourages them to be involved as well. I believe he is the best candidate because of how involved he is in all of the diversity events on campus.
• Alvin is always willing to help another person.
• Alvin is not afraid to speak up even when others don't. Alvin showed me in a situation that he will be a voice even when others are not around. He will speak up about things that are unjust, even if everyone else is staying silent.
• He goes above and beyond to give of his time and encourages others to get involved.
• Society is on the cusp of great change and it will be people like Alvin leading that change....The future will be in good hands with people like Alvin Abraham.

The Multifarious Faculty Award was awarded to Dr. Jennifer McClinton-Temple.

• Jennifer McClinton Temple has done a really nice job in supporting our LGBTQIA+ students on campus, by advising GSA, and by becoming certified as a Safe Zone trainer, so she can continue to educate our campus community. She's a consistent voice for equity and equality on campus and supports students across the board.
• Jennifer has been working with NetVue Grant where it is looking at who are the sons of coal miners today.
• Jennifer is a face that students trust to speak to about problems outside of the classroom.
• She uses her voice to help those who may seem like they may not have one and I appreciate all the work she does behind the scenes that may go unnoticed.

The Leading Leo Staff Award was awarded to Kelly Lettieri.

• Kelly makes sure students are recognized, valued and celebrated.
• She has initiatives for 1st Gen Students, collaborates with many different offices and is overseeing international students and the KC Pathways Programs
• In her hands... things GET DONE. I want to continue to encourage her as she encourages others!
• Kelly Lettieri has worked hard in many roles in order to promote DEI initiatives at King's.
• She is concerned with supporting students at all levels, and she works hard to make resources available.
• She has been part of the DEI committee and attends all of the events.
• She is an excellent mentor and resource for our students.
• She has continually provided a welcoming environment for all students on campus, doing whatever she could to make their transition to King's friendly and hospitable.
• KC Pathways includes students from various backgrounds, including financial need, college readiness, and ethnicity.
• Kelly helped with the organization of the First Gen Celebration activities and encouraged students to embrace being a first-generation student

The Multifarious Faculty Award: Jennifer Darrell

This award recognizes a faculty member who encourages the King's Community to learn about issues of oppression of marginalized members of society and engages the community to create a more just world. This can be done directly in the classroom, working with clubs and student organizations, and/or through mentorship of students.

• Dr. Darrell uses her language courses to educate students on many different aspects of Spanish-speaking cultures.
• She creates a new awareness of the struggles that minority groups in developing countries face.
• She helps her classes conduct projects that help those that are oppressed and less fortunate in other areas of the world.

The Leading Leo Staff Award: Jasmine Giddings

This award recognizes the leadership and efforts of a staff member in advancing and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion. This can be done by taking the lead in creating awareness events to create a welcoming environment for all, initiating an action plan to remove barriers that go against the DEI mission statement, or demonstrating a great interest in the mission by collaborating with dedicating their efforts towards working with the DEI Committee and its various subgroups.

• Jasmine has been acting as the voice for so many different students of color. From encouraging us to speak up about various issues of oppression to being a listening ear, Jasmine has been there since day one.
• Jasmine is THE driving force for bringing so many of our students and employees together to celebrate our diverse community. She's been a driving force for a long time, and her passion shines through in her work. She's tireless, and her dedication to our campus community is evident.
• Jasmine has been a champion of DEI since her first day at King's. Through her programming, advocacy, and relationship building she has created a space for students to be less alone and more empowered at King's.
• Jasmine works collaboratively across many offices and student groups and has had an outsized impact on our community's commitment to DEI.
• I have stood by her side as she walks into HCE classrooms and helps students get involved in diversity talks.
• I think her leadership and enthusiasm to help this campus outshines everything else that she does because when I see her, I see a better, more diverse, future for King's College.

The Inclusive Excellence and Diversity Student Group Award: Diversity and Inclusion Student Committee (Student Government)

This award recognizes a student club or organization that strives to impact the King's College community through emphasizing, prioritizing, and expanding inclusivity, equity, and diversity. This can be done by collaborating with the DEI committee and its various subgroups.

• Having a student-led group that just formed this year, and within a few months were able to organize a great Diversity and Inclusion Fashion Show!
• Many of them being seniors still found time to have meetings and commit to something that is not an easy to do.
• The individual groups: South Asian Student Association, Black Student Union, Multicultural and International Club, Gay Straight Alliance, and La Raza Association came together and showed inclusivity by working together to show what collaboration and diversity can do!

The Student for Diversity Award: Paige Gould

This award recognizes a student for their achievement in raising awareness about diversity on campus. This student demonstrates their contribution through involvement in diversity programs and events on campus. The student has also collaborated with the Office of MISP and other diverse student organizations on campus to create inclusive events and programs regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Paige Gould has been an integral part of the GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) here at King's. She has gone out of her way to connect with incoming first-year students to let them know they are welcome at King's College.
• Paige continually puts herself out there to stand for others, make them feel wanted here at King's, and is always respectful and well-spoken.
• She has coordinated events with Campus Ministry, such as vigils for LBGTQ+ students who have lost their lives to suicide.
• Paige should be recognized for her continued efforts to stand up for a marginalized community.
• Paige is one of the most incredible people I have ever met. She helps students find a place to be their authentic selves.
• She has done so much to ensure the safety of LGBTQ+ students on campus and takes every step she can to make both club members on non-members feel heard and seen on campus.
• I only hope I can follow her example and help at least one student feel loved, accepted, and safe on campus and help provide a safe space to be their true selves too.
• She is open-minded, tries to hear all sides of an argument, and is extremely professional and caring.
• She has gone out of her way so many times to accommodate everyone's schedule even though she is extremely busy as a fourth-year Physician Assistant major.