At NOVA, Diversity and Inclusion Enrich Experience for All

January 17, 2023 / Tuesday Topics

Today’s topic is NOVA’s commitment to inclusive excellence.

With the start of the new year, our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has a full calendar of engaging, impactful programming that supports our recently updated mission:

Northern Virginia Community College provides equitable access to affordable and exceptional higher education and workforce programs, transforming the lives of our students and advancing opportunity in our community.

and values:

Care, Excellence, Inclusion, Integrity and Respect

These events begin today at noon with a webinar in recognition of the seventh annual National Day of Racial Healing, and each month this semester includes a DEI Spotlight Event:

  • January: Intersectional Allyship with and within Queer Communities, featuring local activist Nexus (he/him)
  • February: Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas, executive producer, host and creator of the PBS syndicated show–co-sponsored by Micron Technology
  • March: Keep Accelerating: One Woman’s Unconventional Journey to Success, featuring NOVA alum and NEA Excellence in Teaching Awardee Dr. Kellie Blair Hardt 
  • April: A Survivor’s Perspective, featuring sexual violence prevention expert and healing coach Brittany Piper
  • May: Caring for your Mental Health as an Asian American, featuring Sandhya Oaks, ministry leader and co-founder of The Adoption Triad

The full calendar and links to register are available on the DEI Website. Look for additional events throughout the semester sponsored by campus DEI councils and student organizations, as well as collegewide student life and leadership.

This programming is an example of the vibrant cultural, personal development and educational experiences available at NOVA. Each month, across our six campuses, you’ll find concerts, gallery exhibits, academic and author talks, topical speakers, athletic events, wellness workshops and more—not to mention the many opportunities to connect with colleagues in book, networking and study groups. You’ll find all “advertised” in the Daily Flyer and/or in the NOVA Events Calendar.

My thanks go out to the dedicated faculty, staff and students who bring these enriching activities to NOVA and to all who make the time to attend!