Diversity & Inclusion

• Mission & Vision

  Mission

  The President's Diversity & Inclusion Council advocates and champions diversity, equity and inclusion efforts that prioritize our commitment to the core values of respect and inclusion. The council will ensure the college community is a place where everyone feels welcomed, empowered and safe.

  Vision

  Provide an environment that inspires acceptance, inclusion and mutual respect.

• Meet Our Staff

  
  Dr. Escortina Ervin, Chief Equity Officer

  Phone: 815.280.2737
  Email: eervin@jjc.edu
  
  In this role, Dr. Escortina Ervin helps JJC meet its strategic goals and challenges resulting from demographic changes. Dr. Ervin also manages the college's Diversity Office and oversees the President's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council.

  
  Hector Young, Program Manager, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

  Phone: 815.280.6694
  Email: hector.young@jjc.edu

  In this role, Hector Young serves as the program manager to the Chief Equity Officer by overseeing and leading functions, assignments, and projects that support successful operation of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and influence achievement of the mission and strategic goals of the College.
   

  
  Monique Clayborne, DEI Administrative and Programming Support Specialist

  Phone: 815.280.2801
  Email: mclaybor@jjc.edu

  In this role, Monique Clayborne supports the Chief Equity Officer and program manager to promote and engage students, staff and faculty in diversity efforts.
   

  

  Aminah Mujahid, Strategic Analyst Program Manager

  Phone: 815.280.2704
  Email: aminah.mujahid@jjc.edu

  In this role, Aminah Mujahid is responsible for researching and implementing best practices aligning with campus initiatives and the equity plan. Aminah manages various programs such as the book club, peace circles, and other special projects, such as the future wolves summer camp.
   

   

  Tricia Rosado, Manager, Hispanic - Serving Institution (HSI) Refugee & Immigration

  Phone: 815.280.6607
  Email: tricia.rosado@jjc.edu

  In this role, Tricia Rosado collaborates on initiatives that support JJC and the various communities. Tricia prioritizes relationship-building and collaborations to leverage the strengths of multiple departments and staff to incorporate equitable enrollment and retention practices for diverse students who are often first-in-their-family to enroll in higher education. 
   

   

  Martha Aparicio, Office Assistant I

  Phone: 815.280.2807
  Email: martha.aparicio@jjc.edu

  In this role, Martha Aparicio assists the program managers with event planning, promotion, execution, office organization and digital content for the department. 

Upcoming Events

• Upcoming Events

  Table Talk: Creating space for inclusive conversation, civil discourse and constructive dialogue.

  Dr. Ervin, Chief Equity Officer, will be hosting a table talk to discuss attacks on DEI, the change in legislation for higher education and what means for JJC.

  Date: Thursday, January 23.
  Time: 2-3pm.
  Location: Main Campus - Veterans Center Conference Room (C-1043)

Our Programs and Initiatives

• Book Club

  

  Book Club

  JJC's DEI Book Club gives employees a chance to have meaningful conversations about race. Members discuss current issues via important books and learn from others' experiences. The book club is:

  • Offered to employees every fall semester; book, reading guide and additional resources provided
  • Made up of small groups that include two co-facilitators and no more than eight participants
     

  "I met some really great people across campus through the DEI Book Club. I love to broaden my knowledge about DEI so that I can help my work environment and personal life to be more open and accepting."
  -Book Club Participant

• Professional Development

  Diversity Education / Cultural Competency Workshops

  JJC offers workshops to increase awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion. They are essential to employees so that they build their skills to create an inclusive campus culture.

  Cultural Competency Workshop

  The cultural competency workshop was designed by the Kaleidoscope Group. It is delivered by internal JJC employees who have been trained to facilitate the workshop.

  The workshop provides a safe and open environment that encourages real dialogue. The goal is to help build cultural competence and consciously inclusive employees.

• Peace Circles

  

  Peace Circles

  Peace circles bring together individuals to engage in honest communication, relationship development and community building. Peace circles can be used for:

  • Restorative justice
  • Racial healing
  • Conflict resolution
  • Decision-making 
  • Supporting one another
  • Providing a sense of belonging

  
  Benefits of peace circles include:

  • intentionally creating spaces that lift barriers between people
  • open possibilities for connection, collaboration and mutual understanding

• Table Talks

  Table Talks

  • Open to the entire campus
  • A place to discuss important topics suggested by employees and college leadership
  • Leaders share key information and engage with all employees

• Employee Resource Groups

  

  Employee Resource Groups

  Employee Resource Groups offer a welcoming place for staff and faculty and help promote diversity, understanding, belonging, and psychological safety on campus.

• Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)

  Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)

  The HSI designation allows JJC to access additional funding and grants, which can enhance support programs, academic quality, and resources for first-generation, socioeconomically marginalized, and Latinx students. JJC aims to go beyond meeting the 25% Latinx enrollment threshold by fostering trusting relationships and addressing equity gaps to better serve Latinx students.

• Future Wolves

  Future Wolves

  An institutional design thinking effort to plant the seeds of educational aspirations early by exposing K-5 students to college opportunities. Through diverse learning initiatives and parental support networks, we nurture these seeds, fostering the roots and branches of future academic success.

• CED Summer Internships

  CED Summer Internships

  In collaboration with Will County Center for Economic Development, the DEI department offers a unique opportunity for high school students in Will County to gain valuable work experience, develop essential skills, explore potential career paths, contribute to the community through projects and provides professional relationship-building opportunities.

Additional Information

• Supporting Others

  Additional Initiatives

  • Title IX
  • FOIA

  JJC's DEI team also supports other departments, committees and clubs that share the same mission, vision and values. These include but are not limited to:

  • Employee and Student Interest Groups
  • Center for Multicultural Access & Support
  • Disability Services Office
  • LGBTQIA+ Safe Zone Training

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