ARCATA, Calif.—On April 11, Cal Poly Humboldt's Department of Athletics in conjunction with the department's Social Equity and Accountability (SEA) Committee participated in a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion workshop as presented by Dr. Elavie Ndura, Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion & Campus Diversity Officer at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt.

"The workshop opened a line of communication for myself and most of the student-athletes that we didn't have before.  Diversity, equity, and inclusion are all incredibly important things to talk about and learn and having a workshop planned out for us to be able to talk to each other and share our experiences was super beneficial.  It's important to learn you're not on your own and have people by your side, and having access to the rest of the athletics department was eye opening to similar experiences that were shared and we wouldn't have learned about otherwise.  Our strength is in the trusting and knowing each other and we took a big step in growing those skills here." – Kaela Dennert-Frederick, Student-Athlete

The mission of Cal Poly Humboldt's SEA Committee is to create and promote conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion within our department. To take feedback from many perspectives with the intent to improve our ability to support diversity, equity and inclusion. To create an environment that is welcoming and supportive of diverse identities that perpetuates and reflects the diversity of our University and community. To support introspection into policy and affect systemic change. You can read the committees full mission and vision statement here.  For more information on SEA, click here.
 

Ndura has more than 30 years of leadership, scholarship, and practice, blending passion and policy to create and implement effective programming and innovative Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs in diverse and complex academic settings.  During her time at Gallaudet University, she engaged 3,000 employees, students, alumni, and Board of Trustees members in diversity and implicit bias training, cross cultural conversations, mindful facilitation training, and culturally responsive curriculum development and teaching.  She also designed innovative Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training for more than 1,000 employees and students at George Mason University.

A Fulbright Scholar and Senior Specialist for education, peace education, and conflict prevention & transformation, Ndura is the recipient of many awards including the 2010-2011 Woodrow Wilson Fellowship at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and the Peace and Justice Studies Association's 2011 Peace Educator of the Year Award.

An Alumna of the American Academic Leadership Institute's Executive Leadership Academy, Ndura holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis in Bilingual and Multicultural Education from Northern Arizona University; a master's degree of Education in Teaching English for Specific Purposes from the University of Exeter, England; a bachelor's degree in Humanities and Social Sciences with emphasis in English Language and Literature from the University of Burundi, Africa; and a graduate certificate in Conflict Resolution Advanced Skills from George Mason University.

Quotes on Dr. Ndura's DEI workshop with the Cal Poly Humboldt Athletic Department's staff, coaches, and student-athletes
"The SEA (Social Equity and Accountability) Committee was created to foster an equitable and inclusive environment in Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics. Dr. Elavie Ndura's lived experiences along with her many years of dedication in studying diversity, equity and inclusion provided for an amazing workshop for not only our student-athletes but our coaching and administrative staff within Cal Poly Humboldt Intercollegiate Athletics. We look forward to continue working with
Dr. Ndura in the future to provide meaningful and transformative educational sessions for our students and staff." – Shannon Childs, Chair of SEA, Head Athletic Trainer

"As a transgender athlete, participating in the social, equity and accountability workshop made me feel seen and empowered.  Dr. Ndura emphasized the importance of empathetic thinking and helped to break down the barriers and stigmas around minority groups in the department.  I feel that after attending the workshop, student-athletes are better equipped to be an ally to marginalized peers." – Asher Kolden, Student-Athlete

"This workshop helped me realize that having a conversation can spark a long-term change whether you're of color or not." – Delaena Montes, Student-Athlete

"The workshop was a great way for student-athletes and coaches alike to interact and share our unique experiences and perspectives with each other.  In doing so, we were able to gain valuable interpersonal skills that help promote a more diverse and inclusive environment for everyone.  It also encouraged us to be more self-aware of how our own interactions and implicit biases can affect others around us.  Furthermore, workshops like this are essential in order to develop cultural competency that foster more productive conversations around diversity and acceptance." – Travis Allen, Student-Athlete