Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

DEI logo

MATc's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Plan

The plan identifies four improvement areas or Pillars for Change to guide the college’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts for the next five years. The Pillars include Climate, Employee Experience, Student Experience and Institutional Commitment, with corresponding goals and objectives.

 

MATC's Equity & Inclusion Statement

MATC is breaking down barriers that stand between students and their academic and career success by providing a safe place where differences are valued and celebrated. We promote awareness, training, and crucial conversations to move beyond our individual biases, whether unconscious or implicit, to create an inclusive environment that welcomes, accepts, and respects all students and employees while serving the unique needs of each individual. This resonates through the attitudes and behaviors of all those who work and learn at the College.

Contact the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: diversity@matc.edu 

MATC EQUITY-BASED INITIATIVES: BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS!

President's Task Force on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Under the direction of the Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, the Task Force will work to gain a shared understanding of MATC’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion needs, explore short-term and long term solutions and make recommendations to the President. The Task Force will examine all current DEI activities, initiatives, and efforts in order to create a DEI plan that will advance racial equity, address barriers to equity, and ensure equitable and inclusive practices, policies, procedures and programs. Task force DEI recommendations and DEI Plan will be supported by a newly created DEI Steering Committee.

Task Force Charter and Membership (link)

Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employee Affinity Groups

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion supports several Employee Affinity Groups that are dedicated to promoting a culture of inclusion at MATC and in the community. As part of MATC’s Equity Strategic Priority, the primary function of affinity groups are to support the college’s equity and inclusion values by building community, promoting a sense of belonging, supporting student success, and assisting in the recruitment and retention of diverse talent. Each affinity group is connected to an executive sponsor that serves on MATC’s Cabinet or Council. Affinity groups are interest-based and identity-based employee groups inclusive of all who share and support their mission. They are officially chartered MATC organizations supported and sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Employees are welcome to join affinity groups.

Current Affinity Groups

Asian Affinity Group (AAG)
Provide a safe place for employees and students representing all of the Pan Asian cultures to connect and support one another.

Black Excellence Leadership Alliance (BELA)
The Black Excellence Leadership Alliance (BELA) at Milwaukee Area Technical College exists to empower, support and advocate for Black and Pan-African employees. We strive to create an inclusive and equitable environment where all members can thrive professionally and personally. BELA is dedicated to fostering a sense of community, providing mentorship and leadership development opportunities, and promoting social justice and cultural awareness within the MATC community.

Community of Administrative Assistants (C.A.P)
Be a collective voice of exemplary support to the college by embracing differences, promoting career development, and empowering employees.

Interfaith
We encourage and sustain a college environment that welcomes and values different religious beliefs. We counter hate, fear and misunderstanding while fostering interfaith dialogue, learning, tolerance and friendship. Where appropriate we stand up for local issues through interfaith advocacy.

Pride Alliance
Serves as the cornerstone and resource for MATC’s LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and administration, as well as their allies. We provide a safe space for support, community, advocacy and belonging.

Parents Employee Affinity Group
MATC Parents is committed to supporting the unique needs of MATC employees who are parents as they strive to balance work, parenting, and personal growth. We strive to connect, build a sense of community, and share resources with one another throughout the various stages of parenthood.

Interested in joining an affinity group?
Sign up online (link)

*Affinity group membership will be kept confidential and known only to those with a business need.

MAJOR PARTNERSHIPS

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

Establishing Equity as a Strategic Priority, Fall 2020

Hiring a DEI Executive, March 2021

Board Retreat with Equity Agenda, Spring 2021

Document & Webpage Translation, Fall 2020

Juneteenth Paid Holiday

Moon Shot for Equity

Acheiving the Dream

Spanish Language Website 

MAJOR STUDENT SUCCESS INITIATIVES

UNDER-RESOURCED STUDENTS INITIATIVES

Affordable Housing Options - Milwaukee area, November 2020

Affordable Housing Options - Mequon area

DACA Scholarships for Undocumented Students, Fall 2020

DACA Plus Scholarships

Dreamkeepers (Emergency Grant) Funds

Food Pantry & Student Resource Center, 2016

Health Insurance/ Health Care

Open Educational Resources / Textbook Alternatives

ReStart Debt Forgiveness for Returning Students

Right Path Program, April 2016

Start Fresh Program, 2019

Scholarship Partnership with HPGM, Fall 2019

RACIAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE SPEAKER SERIES

Wes Moore, Author - March 2013

Michelle Alexander, Author & Civil Rights Attorney - September 2014

Jimmy Santiago Baca, Chicano & Apache Poet - March 2015

Bryan Stevenson, Human Rights Attorney & Author - March 2016

Tavis Smiley, Television Host - April 2016

Daniel Karpowitz, Author and Higher Education in Prison Advocate - March 2018

Rob Johnstone, Equity and Guided Pathways expert - March 2019

Dr. Gina Garcia, HSI Expert - October 2019

Dr. Luke Wood, Dean's Distinguished Professor of Education at San Diego State University - July 2020

Dr. Ibram Kendi, Author and Antiracism Expert - March 2021

CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS

EMPLOYEE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Avoiding Bias in the Interviewing Process Training, Spring 2020

New Faculty Training Modules on Supporting Culturally Responsive Teaching in Required Courses for FQAS

Unlearning Racism/ Implicit Bias (YWCA), March 2019

Noel Levitz Quality Student Service Training for Counselors and Advisors, September 2020

Conference Travel Grants eCornell University Diversity & Inclusion Certification, 2020

Cultural Competence Training (M.A.I.N. Event), October 2020

M-Cubed Annual ELA, Math and Science Faculty Workshop, Spring 2018

ORGANIZATIONS

MEET OUR TEAM

MICHAEL ROGERS

michael-rogersMichael Rogers joined MATC in January 2024 to work on the college’s continuing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan, oversee the DEI Committee, and supervise MATC’s Office of Bilingual Education, Multicultural Services, Office of the Ombudsperson and Student Accommodation Services. Before coming to MATC, Rogers served as the Director of Advocacy and Engagement at the University of Milwaukee-Wisconsin. In this senior leadership role in Student Affairs, Rogers oversaw four advocacy/diversity centers on campus and led the overall DEI strategy. Previously, he served as the Director of Student Inclusion at Augustana College, where during this tenure, the college won two national diversity awards. Rogers is a trained facilitator with the American Association of Colleges and Universities Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Institute. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Augustana College and a master’s degree from Western Illinois University.

Office of Diversity, Education & Inclusion | Room M281

Michael Rogers, Interim VP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 
rogerm42@matc.edu

Will Smith III, Deputy Title IX Coordinator & Equity Officer
smithwo@matc.edu
414-297-7275

Zacharia Nchinda, DEI Coordinator
nchindaz@matc.edu
414-297-6513

Jolene Arnold, Executive Administrative Assistant
arnolj11@matc.edu
414-297-6491

 

Multicultural Services | ROOM M238

Annabel C. Chavez, Student Services Specialist
Hispanic Student Services Office
chavezac@matc.edu
414-297-6875

Der M Vang, Student Services Specialist
Asian American Student Services Office
vangde@matc.edu
414-297-8321

Tanya L. Torres, Student Services Specialist
American Indian Student Service Office
torretl1@matc.edu
414-297-7692

Floyd Griffin III, Student Services Specialist
African-American Student Services Office

Office of Bilingual Education | Room T248

Norma Florez, Bilingual Student Services Specialist
florezn@matc.edu
414-297-7329

Adelina Benavides, Bilingual Academic Advisor
benaviaa@matc.edu
414-297-7801

Cesar Cotrino, student worker
cotrinoc@gmatc.matc.edu
414-297-8882

Salvador Barba, Bilingual Student Services Specialist
barbas@matc.edu
414-297-6091

Yasamin Habibi, Administrative Assistant
habibiy@matc.edu
414-297-7474


Office of the Ombudsperson | Room M358

Yolanda Hodges, Student Ombudsperson
ombuds@matc.edu
414-297-6294

 

Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Initiatives

Dr. Patricia Torres Najera, Executive Director for Community Education, HSI, & Strategic Engagement
najerap1@matc.edu
414-297-6803

 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION : NEWS

2024

2023

2022

For more information about upcoming events and presentations, visit the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Project site