I believe that to make a real impact in the world, we must bring one another along on our journey. This central tenet motivates me to work on diversity, equity, and inclusion, but it is also my approach to leadership as I strive to make tangible changes to culture and policy within the academy. To do so, I take the time to stand back, assess, and observe before I create effective, evidence-based strategies for lasting change.

Within my department, I served as diversity liaison (2013-2017) and Associate Chair for Diversity (2015-2017) where I focused on improving department climate and increasing diversity through representation and retention. To increase diversity among our faculty, I created an efficient and effective system for equitable practices in faculty searches, expanded our participation in UNC’s targeted hiring program and the Carolina Postdoctoral Program for Faculty Diversity. The result has been a tangible increase in faculty diversity that continues to improve. To promote diversity through retention, I have developed a course for graduate students, postdocs, and faculty based on the curriculum of the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity. The curriculum emphasizes skills that enable academics from all backgrounds to establish fulfilling academic careers that balance work and personal goals. Further, by learning these skills in peer groups that provide support and accountability, we bring one another along on our journey.

As Director of Faculty Diversity Initiatives with the College of Arts & Sciences (2017-2021), I expanded my impact to the 40+ departments and programs that are the home to the majority of the undergraduates on campus. During my tenure, I expanded the use of evidence-based hiring practices across the College, transforming how new faculty are selected. In addition, I supported and facilitate the work of diversity liaisons in the College by organizing meetings, identifying resources, and funding their work. I served on the University Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council and co-led the University’s Build our Community Together Strategic Initiative that is aimed at prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring, evaluation, and retention of underrepresented faculty and staff.