District DEI Committee

Committee Charge

The District Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee’s charge is to support and advance the Napa Valley Community College District’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, access, anti-racism, and social justice through the following means:

  • Provide recommendations to align institutional goals and priorities for enhancing student, faculty, and staff equity and achievement with institutional transformation efforts at the college;
  • Inform and guide institutional planning and implementation so that all district strategic plans demonstrate a commitment to DEI goals and objectives and facilitate the successful attainment of the educational and professional goals of our diverse student body, faculty and staff.
  • Consult on the writing and implementation of the district’s diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and social justice strategic plans, including the Student Equity Plan;
  • In coordination with appropriate departments and centers, establish timelines for implementation of DEI strategic goals and determine the mechanisms by which the college will evaluate progress;
  • Rigorously assess the impact of our short- and long-term DEI goals and our overall campus climate;
  • Communicate and coordinate with other district committees and programs to leverage human, financial, and facilities resources to have a greater positive impact on student, faculty, and staff equity, achievement, and sense of belonging;
  • Develop, review, recommend, and implement programs and services designed to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and access for students, faculty, and staff;
  • Identify existing or emerging equal opportunity and equity trends, advise college leadership in the development of responsive policies, and analyze and recommend action based on relevant research and practices;
  • Review the District’s EEO and diversity recruiting efforts, programs, policies, and progress at least once/semester;
  • Work with the Academic Senate and Human Resources, Training, and Development to reimagine the hiring/selection process for faculty and staff, respectively and as appropriate;
  • Monitor trends and best practices on issues within the committee’s scope and communicate them to the district;
  • Make appropriate recommendations, as necessary, to the Board of Trustees, the District Superintendent/President, and the President’s Cabinet regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, and equal employment opportunity programs, policies, procedures, and trainings.

Approved by DEI Committee, November 2023

 

Committee Members

Tri-Chairs: Dr. Patricia van Leeuwaarde Moonsammy (Senior Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), Joshua Murillo, Vacant.

CONSTITUENT REPRESENTATIVE MEMBERS

4 Faculty Senate Members

  • Kristie Iwamoto, Instructor, English
  • Jaime Huston, SSSP Counselor, Counseling
  • Ksenia Kitaeva, Professor, Mathematics
  • Megan McWilliams, Instructor, Nursing

4 Administrative/Confidential Senate Members

  • Melissa Datu, Nurse Practitioner, Director of Student Health Services
  • Christopher Farmer, Dean, Science, Engineering, and Library Services
  • Shawntel Ridgle, Director, Continuing Education and Community Partnerships, Career Education
  • Cristine Tapia, Manager, Dual Enrollment and Educational Partnerships

4 Classified Senate Members

  • Roman Chavez-Sosa, Office Assistant, Business and Finance 
  • Joshua Murillo, Instructor, Physics and Astronomy
  • Mario Plancarte, Custodian, Facilities
  • Vacant

4 Student Representatives, Including ASNVC Members

  • Sofia Ortiz
  • Trinity Tyson
  • Vacant
  • Vacant

4 Community Members

  • Gracie Mendoza, Associate Trade Marketing Manager, Vinattieri, 1385
  • Dr. Sherry Tennyson, Director, American Canyon Family Resource Center and Career Consultant, NVC Career Center
  • Vacant
  • Vacant

RESOURCE MEMBERS

  • Dr. Alejandro Guerrero, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President, Student Affairs
  • Dr. Priscilla Mora, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Academic Affairs
  • Dr. Torence Powell, Superintendent/President of Napa Valley College
  • Jenna Sanders, Director, Communications Public Affairs & Communications
  • Enoch Shully, Manager, Winery Hospitality, and Culinary Operations
  • Dr. Ryan Smith, Senior Dean, Counseling Services
  • Kelly Tomlinson, Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance Manager, Human Resources
  • Dr. Robyn Wornall, Senior Dean, Research, Planning, & Institutional Effectiveness

 

Mission Statement

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of Napa Valley College acknowledges that society is composed of many groups and individuals whose diverse social, physical and cultural backgrounds are the source of innovation and creative problem solving.   As a result, the College has a responsibility to cultivate and sustain the richness of different perspectives and experiences for the growth of the community as learners and workers.

The committee fosters understanding and acceptance of groups and individuals composed of all cultures and identities, including but not limited to: age, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, diversabilitite, economic status, or veteran status. We recognize:

  • the need to promote and sustain a culture of respect and safety for all on campus
  • the connection between fostering diversity at the college and ongoing student success
  • the value in raising awareness of historic or ongoing social and economic inequities and working towards a community working collaboratively to advance social justice
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