JJC’s Diversity and Inclusion Council, Partnership Committee Hold Dinner

Nearly 70 people attended a community dinner presented by Joliet Junior College President Dr. Judy Mitchell’s Diversity and Inclusion Council and the College-Community Partnership on May 22.

Guided by the theme of Diversity, Unity, and Community, guests provided input to inform the development of JJC’s upcoming diversity and inclusion and strategic plans.

“When I first entered my role as president in 2016, one of my priorities was to reestablish and support growth in our diversity and inclusion initiatives,” Dr. Judy Mitchell, JJC president, said. “Since then, we have launched a new and reconfigured President’s Diversity and Inclusion Council with representatives, including students, from across our campus, as well as completing an updated diversity plan to formalize our efforts.”

Mitchell added that diversity and inclusion are integral to the positive growth of the college and its relationships within the community.

“Your collective voice will provide valuable input and support to our institutional efforts, and I see this event as a continuum as we enhance our long and fruitful partnerships,” she said.

Dinner guests also heard an update on the 2020-2023 Strategic Plan from Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Randy Fletcher. Information on the College-Community Partnership was presented by Vice President for Student Development Dr. Yolanda Farmer and community member Burneva McCullum.

The College-Community Partnership is comprised of JJC, the Harvey Brooks Foundation, The Noah Center, The Spanish Community Center, and the African American Business Association. Together, they’re focused on enriching the lives of community members through respectful collaboration, community engagement and by implementing change.

“The partners are working together to impact the educational and workforce needs of the diverse district we serve,” said Farmer. “This is achieved through the mobilization of providing global support and access to resources.”

Early successes of the partnership include the creation of seven internships, hosting an education symposium, coordinating job readiness and workforce education trainings, and participation in local job fairs.

For media inquiries, contact Communications and Media Coordinator Scott Harvey at 815-280-2844 or sharvey@jjc.edu.