Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is deeply committed to enhancing the success of diverse faculty, students, trainees, and staff, as part of our broader goal to enrich the educational experiences and success of all members of our university community. This division – led by Vice President Mary Ann Villarreal – is comprised of leaders, experts, and educators who drive the university’s effort to create a safe and welcoming campus climate.
With our new leadership, the Vice President for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion oversees the entities across the entire University of Utah including the American Indian Resource Center; Black Cultural Center; Center for Equity and Student Belonging; Dream Center; LGBT Resource Center; New Leadership Academy Fellows Progam; University of Utah Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; and Office for Inclusive Excellence. Additionally, the division partners with all colleges, departments and the broader community to help develop initiatives aimed at fostering more awareness, advocacy, and action.
Mary Ann Villarreal
VP for Equity, Diversity, & InclusionAs the inaugural vice president for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the University of Utah, Dr. Villarreal (she/her/they/them) provides leadership and strategic oversight of diversity and inclusion initiatives across the University’s academic and health sciences campuses.
Park 208
801-581-7569
VPEDI@utah.edu
José Rodríguez
AVP for Health Equity, Diversity, & InclusionDr. Rodríguez (he/him) has taken a strong role in advancing the institutional goals for health equity and inclusion through service on various diversity and recruitment committees and presenting at national conferences on our work and his research on diversity initiatives.
HSEB 5750B
801-585-1934
healthequity@hsc.utah.edu
Emma E. Houston
AVP for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion and Chief Diversity OfficerEmma E. Houston brings significant experience in working with teams to create inclusive spaces and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion to create a positive impact across the community. She is a longtime community advocate and volunteer who serves on several boards and commissions.
Park 120
emma.houston@utah.edu
Daniel K. Cairo
AVP for Equity, Diversity, & InclusionDr. Daniel K. Cairo (he/him/él) brings over 10 years of experience in leading programs that support diversity, equity, and inclusion. As an educator and organizational leader, he has developed successful equity and inclusion programs at multiple institutions.
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daniel.cairo@utah.edu
Keith Embray
Executive Director of Operations / Associate Athletic DirectorKeith Embray (he/him) holds a joint appointment in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and the Athletics Department as the first executive director of equity, diversity and inclusion operations and associate athletic director for EDI and student belonging. Keith is a former University of Utah student-athlete and professional football player, who is returning to the U with the responsibility of infusing student belonging and the values of equity, diversity and inclusion throughout Athletics.
Amy Fulton
Director of the New Leadership AcademyDr. Amy Fulton is the Director of the New Leadership Academy at the University of Utah. Her research interests include organizational leadership in higher education, student social movements, and issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education. Prior to her role as Director, Amy served for five years as a senior graduate student researcher for the New Leadership Academy, previously hosted by the National Forum on the Public Good at the University of Michigan.
801-581-8231
amy.fulton@utah.edu
Pamela Bishop
Director of Marketing & CommunicationsPamela (she/her) is an experienced marketing professional with a distinguished background in brand management, advertising and marketing. In her spare time, she serves the community as a board member and committee member for several nonprofit organizations and spends time with her husband and teenage son.
Maia Hightower
Senior Director for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion801-587-8977
maia.hightower@hsc.utah.edu
Victoria Cabal
Director of Research and AnalysisWith a focus on community building over competition, Victoria Cabal challenges the framing of diversity as market value and instead emphasizes the cultural value of diversity. In her position, she balances outcomes-driven expectations with community engagement to validate individuals’ cultural strength.
801-585-1751
victoria.cabal@eccles.utah.edu
Tricia Sugiyama
Director of EDI ProjectsTricia (she/her) is a fourth-generation Utahn and is passionate about working with students. Prior to working as the Director, she has been the First Year Experience Program Director, Academic Advisor and Asian American Programs Coordinator! Tricia loves all things geek and is a dedicated fur parent.
Jewel Poss
Administrative Assistant to the VP for EDIKeeping the VP’s schedule is top of Jewel’s (she/her) priorities. Outside of work, making our world a better place by spreading kindness to everything from people to our planet is Jewel’s passion. With her family and pets, she enjoys hiking, movies, and music.
Park 208
801-581-7569
jewel.poss@utah.edu
Nat Okey
Executive SecretaryNat (he/him) moved to Salt Lake City after many years in the Bay Area. He’s a passionate reproductive justice and LGBTQIA+ activist and is always looking to improve the lives of those in need. Nat graduated from Willamette University with a degree in Politics and Women’s Studies and enjoys long walks in the snow. Yes, really.
Park 120
801-585-0979
nat.okey@utah.edu
Loretta Müller
Executive AssistantEDI work is one of Loretta's passions. She loves what she does in UHEDI and the chance to learn something new every day. You will always find Loretta enjoying something sweet and jamming out to all types of music!
HSEB 5750B
801-585-1934
loretta.muller@hsc.utah.edu
Samantha Eldridge (Diné)
Interim Director, American Indian Resource CenterSamantha (she/her) is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and has over 10 years of experience in local, state, and tribal government and academia. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. where her research focuses on the historical and institutional structures that create inequitable policies, practices, and barriers that impede the success of Indigenous communities.
FDAIRC (Bldg 622)
801-581-7019
samantha.eldridge@utah.edu
Meligha Garfield
Director, Black Cultural CenterA native of Rochester, New York, Meligha (he/him) is an avid movie-goer; Marvel comic book enthusiast; and fan of hip-hop, neo-soul, and 80’s R&B. (According to him, the top 5 hip-hop artists are Nas, Tribe Called Quest, Common, Kanye West, and Rakim.) In his spare time, he uses his golden voice for radio, voiceover work, and podcasts. Don’t believe us? Come hear for yourself!
Bldg 603
801-213-1441
meligha.garfield@utah.edu
Jude McNeil
Director of Inclusive ExcellenceDeeply committed to make the best university climate and help students succeed, Jude (they/them) leads intercultural professional development, climate assessment, and bias incident report collection from the Office for Inclusive Excellence.
Union 70
801-587-7580
jude.mcneil@utah.edu
Clare Lemke
Director of the LGBT Resource CenterClare (she/her) is committed to fostering a university community that celebrates queer and trans histories, cultures, and lives. She is super qualified in this endeavor since she earned her Ph.D. by researching the history of sexuality, LGBTQ social movements, U.S. feminist movements, and queer femininities! Clare loves to cook, shop at thrift stores and farmer’s markets, watch movies, travel, and spend time with her magnificent bulldog.
Union 409
801-587-7973
lgbtrc@sa.utah.edu
Abdulkhaliq Barbaar
Director for Health Equity, Diversity, & InclusionAbdulkhaliq Barbaar (he/him) is particularly interested in building connections and enriching lives, facilitating collaborative and authentic relationships, and leading sustainable partnerships. As director, Abdulkhaliq's goal is to create a learning and workplace environment that accepts everyone's values and enriches the learning experiences for all through a sense of belonging.
EHSEB 5750B
barbaar@hsc.utah.edu
Cassie Zamora-Cathcart
Interim Director, CESBOriginally from Colorado, Cassie (she, her, hers, ella) has lived in 4 other states, but is happy to now call Utah home. She is passionate about connecting with, giving back to, amplifying the voices of, and celebrating her community and all BIPOC communities. In her free time, you can find her at the pulga (flea market) with her partner, out in nature with her pups Oreo and Demi, or curled up listening to/reading her latest book of the month.
Union 235
801-581-8151
cassie.cathcart@utah.edu
Eunice Contreras
Event ManagerEunice (she/her) is passionate about planning memorable events where attendees feel welcome, engaged, and connected. Originally from Guatemala, Eunice calls Utah her home and strives to help others as often as possible and seize each day by traveling, reading, going to the movies, or having a good cup of coffee with friends.
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eunice.contreras@utah.edu
Jen Wilson
Programs ManagerA transplant from Maryland, Jen (she/her) has made Utah her home for nearly a decade now. She loves to connect people with each other, and is passionate about social justice and continuously seeking out knowledge to learn how she can best use her privilege to provide platforms and opportunity for others. Two of her life dreams are to be on Jeopardy (she loves trivia) and walk amongst the penguins (her favorite animal) in Patagonia!
HSEB 5750B
801-585-1934
jen.wilson@hsc.utah.edu
Guillermo Cuevas
Programs ManagerBorn and raised in the Dominican Republic, Guillermo (he, him, el) has been part of the U of U family since 2019 and is pursuing a Master of Science in Finance. Guillermo is an adventurer and explorer and when he has some free time, you can find him traveling with his family to new places.
HSEB 5750B
801-585-1934
guillermo.cuevas@hsc.utah.edu
Ilana Israel
Program ManagerIlana Israel is a native of Ann Arbor, Michigan whose interests include working with non-profit organizations, leadership development, furthering her education, and advocating for social justice and equality. Ilana is an avid animal lover and in her spare time she shows her two Portuguese Water Dogs, Lago and Rio, and enjoys riding her retired show horse Willie.
734-478-2395
ilana.israel@utah.edu
Kaya Aman
Web & Brand ManagerKaya (no pronoun preference) is a brilliant designer with a ridiculously sweet personality. Add in that she's also learning all about the web world, and pretty soon she will be totally unstoppable! With her talents, I wouldn't be surprised if a madman in a blue box recruited her to help him save the world... again.
David (Ti) Kinikini
Scholarship Program Coordinator“Ti” (he/him) was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. His passion is education and providing support to student’s success. He is known for his smile, laughter and genuine care. If you stop by his office, he always has something he would love to share with you. If you would really like to know him, ask about his days as a student at East High School.
Union 235
801-587-9570
d.kinikini@utah.edu
Giulia Soto
Second Year Experience Program CoordinatorGiulia (she/her) supports students explore major and career paths and develop a plan to achieve your goals. As a Diversity Scholar alumna, she can connect you with alumni. She loves to dance, especially Peruvian Folklore. Passionate about providing equitable education in Latin America, she interned in Honduras & Peru and got an M.S.Ed in International Educational Development at UPenn.
Union 235
801-581-8151
giulia.soto@utah.edu
Raquel Cetz Tamayo
Interim Director, Dream CenterRaquel takes pride in her indigenous family background and admires all of her family's sacrifices. She hopes to ensure bringing about programming that increases the visibility, retention, and access to higher education to historically underrepresented students, specifically to serve the immigrant student population and their families.
Union 80
raquel.cetz@utah.edu
Martha Hernandez
Transfer Program CoordinatorAs the transfer coordinator, Martha (she/her) is here to support prospective and current transfer students navigate the University of Utah, connect with campus resources, and engage with the campus community. Martha is a history teacher by training and a cat-lover by heart. When she is not reading, gardening, or watching documentary films, you can find her visiting a national park.
Union 235
801-581-4378
martha.hernandez@utah.edu
Sara Cody
BCC Program CoordinatorSara (she/her) moved to Salt Lake on a whim after trying a particularly delicious donut from a truck. She is passionate about serving others and developing her “why”. She works with agencies serving transracial adoptees, women of color in education, and our neighbors experiencing homelessness. If not tending to one of her passion projects, you will find her organizing her rock babies, parenting her dog named Aggie or caring for one of her many plant children.
Bldg 603
801-213-1442
sara.cody@utah.edu
Shelby Hearn
Coordinator of Education & OutreachShelby (they/them) is from Chicago where they got their M.Ed from Loyola University Chicago. They are a lifelong activist and advocate for social justice causes, particularly around LGBTQIA+ education. Shelby is also a cat parent, avid gamer, home cook, and is already in love with Utah pastime pickleball.
Union 409
801-587-7973
lgbtrc@sa.utah.edu
Flo Glynn
Coordinator of Community Development and EngagementFlorence (Flo) Glynn (she/her) believes in creating empowered community spaces where people on the margins can find belonging. In her free time, Flo loves to go on walks in nature, read books, paint, travel, and play with her loved ones' dogs and cats.
MiKo Nielson
Marketing & Communications CoordinatorMiKo (no pronoun preference) is a Utah native who is proud to call the U of U her alma mater. With a flair for marketing, MiKo likes getting people excited about what she is excited about. Her passions of photography, art, and sewing give her great perspective and insight into the world around her and help her connect with people.
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miko.neilson@utah.edu
Anna Nguyen
AASA Advisor & Asian/Asian American Student EngagementAnna Nguyen (she/her) is heavily involved in Salt Lake's Asian American communities and advocates for the social, political, and economic well-being of all APIs in the state. When she's not out volunteering, you can find her supporting Asian-owned restaurants #foodie, (struggling with) hiking, or bundled up binge-watching Netflix, anime, k-drama, and Hayao Miyazaki.
Union 235
801-581-8151
anna.nguyen@utah.edu
Kyri Duncan
ITSA Advisor & Native/Indigenous Student EngagementBeing a member of the Ute Indian Tribe, Kyri Duncan (he/him) understands the importance of maintaining cultural upbringings and the power of community voice. Kyri aspires to advocate and progress the connection of Native American/Indigenous students and higher education. You can catch him watching anime, trying different foods, or doing something art-related in his free time.
Union 235
801-581-8151
kyri.duncan@utah.edu
Thaiss del Rio
Advising AssistantThaiss' (she/her) biggest strength is her empathy; she has a golden personality and can make anyone feel seen and heard in a crowded room. She is currently a student double majoring in Sociology and Political Science with a minor in Ethnic Studies and envisions herself pursuing a career in public policy in an effort to make the world a more equitable and just place for all.
Union 60
801-213-3697
thaiss.delrio@utah.edu
Franscine Anmontha
PISA Advisor & Pacific Islander Student EngagementFranscine just joined as our Pacific Islander Student Association (PISA) advisor to assist students in identifying direction, engaging with high-impact activities/services, and accomplishing goals. A bio will be coming soon!
Union 235
franscine.anmontha@utah.edu
Jasmin Clardy
BSU Advisor & African American/Black Student EngagementJasmin just started as the new Black Student Union advisor! A bio and contact information will be provided shortly.
Sujey Rodriguez
Graduate AssistantLuisa, Sujey, or Su (she/her) is an avid traveler and festival go-er -- she’s gone to Coachella three times (she saw Beyonce one year so WINNING) and Wifey to a local musician, you can always find Su attending the most epic concerts (pre-COVID) and jamming out to the smoothest beats. Sujey prides herself on being a first-generation DACA recipient scholar and hopes to make an impact in her community through her work.
Union 60
801-213-3697
sujey.rodriguez@utah.edu
Beatriz Trejo
Graduate AssistantBeatriz Trejo is one of the most caring and passionate person you will ever meet. When she is not working on her Ph.D., she loves spending time with her partner and beautiful German Shepherd (Brave), listening to reggaetón (bad bunny come on!), watching reality TV (for research purposes), cooking meals, and filling up countless online shopping carts. Ama su vida, su familia y su comunidad.
Union 60
801-213-3697
Gustavo Da Silva
Graduate Student LeaderGustavo, aka “Guga,” (he/him) is the actual definition of a “90s kid” loving everything from the original Ninja Turtles to the Nintendo 64. Aside from being a huge nerd, he is a true hip-hop head, a sports fan, and loves riding his bike…that one time. Guga is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.
Union 60
801-213-3697
Gustavo.DaSilva@utah.edu
Olga Rodriguez
Coordinator of QTSOC InitiativesOlga (she/they) came to the US in 2002 from Mexico. Fluent in Spanish and English, she loves reading in both languages. Olga can be known as Dora the Destroyer when she is on the track playing roller derby. Her big three are Capricorn sun, Cancer rising, and an Aries moon. In her free time, you can find Olga roller skating at the skate park or trying to cook/bake.
Union 409
801-587-7973
lgbtrc@sa.utah.edu
Mykie Valenzuela
Student Staff - Marketing & Communications LeadMykie is part of the LGBT Resource Center undergraduate staff and focuses on design and communications. Outside of finishing their B.S. in Philosophy with minors in Psychology and Animation. You can find them enjoying themselves reading Queer fantasy, oogling at cute animals, and playing Dungeons and Dragons. They also enjoy animating, rock climbing, snowboarding, a good breath of ocean air, and hexing the patriarchy.
Union 409
801-587-7973
lgbtrc@sa.utah.edu
Justin Ravago
Student Staff - Community LeadJustin (he/him) is a 3rd year student in Business Economics (QAMO) and hopes to be a data analyst or econometrician. He is passionate about the arts, particularly musical theatre and contemporary a cappella; He’s currently the president of Business Casual A Cappella Utah. In his free time, he enjoys reading graphic novels and making friendship bracelets. When he’s not at the LGBT RC, you can spot him on campus at the Crimson View. Make sure to say hi!
Union 409
801-587-7973
lgbtrc@sa.utah.edu
Sol Coronado
Student Staff - Education LeadSol Coronado leads the educational programming about identities, experiences, histories, and other topics surrounding LGBTQ+ issues. Sol loves to water and talk to their pretty plants, spend time with friends and loved ones, and play Pokémon Go around campus!
Union 409
801-587-7973
lgbtrc@sa.utah.edu
Tyra Imbico
Office AssistantTyra is a third year student studying Mathematics with hopes of working in the tech industry and possibly becoming a teacher later on in life. She loves playing "Breath of the Wild," boogie boarding at the beach, going to concerts, and studying astrology. Her New Year’s resolution is to read more and make new friends!
Union 409
801-587-7973
lgbtrc@sa.utah.edu
Lienne Cupal
New Leadership Academy Research AssistantLienne is a senior at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah. As a psychology major and sociology minor, she is mainly interested in examining identity within organizational contexts with a focus on hierarchies as a means of distributing social capital. When not focused on academia, Lienne enjoys both competitive and outdoor rock climbing. In addition to working as a research assistant, Lienne has had the privilege of putting her competitive experience to good use by coaching for Momentum (one of the top competitive rock-climbing teams in the country).