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 Program; 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.
Park 120
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.
Pamela Bishop
Senior 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.
Amy Fulton
Director, 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
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.
Rodney Cohen
HBCU Partnership ManagerRodney T. Cohen, EdD is the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Partnership Manager for the University of Utah and one of the first to hold this position nationwide. In this role, Dr. Cohen will partner across the university in the planning, programming, design, and maintenance of partnerships with HBCUs in an effort to recruit, retain, and promote diverse talent at the University of Utah and across our local community.
FD 603 (BCC)
rodney.cohen@utah.edu
Paméla Cappas-Toro
Latinx Initiatives ManagerDr. Pamela Cappas-Toro is a trained language, literature, and culture scholar who applies social justice praxis for community engagement. She firmly believes in the importance of opening multilingual channels of communication to ignite internationalist solidarity intellectual and political projects, in our quest to challenge institutions of governance that are empowered to use violence —particularly through criminalization, detention, and incarceration.
Jewel Poss
Executive 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
Christina Bryant
Data AnalystSamantha Eldridge (Diné)
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
Tashina Barber (Diné)
Program ManagerTashina Barber is a citizen of the Diné Nation and a descendant of the Hopi and Ute Mountain Ute Nations who finds comfort in sharing her cultural identity through higher education work. Tashina is passionate about amplifying Native, First Nations, and Aboriginal experiences to share stories of past, present, and future to foster belonging on college campuses.
FDAIRC (Bldg 622)
Hailee Roberts (Diné)
Program CoordinatorAs the American Indian Resource Center's program coordinator, Hailee supports the social integration and academic skills development of Native students and guides students’ personal and cultural assets to ensure a rich college experience all while setting them up for post-graduation success.
FDAIRC (Bldg 622)
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
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
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
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!
FD 603 (BCC)
801-213-1441
meligha.garfield@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.
FD 603 (BCC)
801-213-1442
sara.cody@utah.edu
Ephraim Kum
Program CoordinatorBorn in Ghana, Ephraim (he/him) immigrated to the United States with his parents when he was one year old. From an early age, Ephraim discovered a passion for serving his community, which led to numerous opportunities including experience with the SLC Mayor’s Office, Salt Lake County’s Council on Diversity of Affairs, NAACP, and Utah State Legislature. He even served as the student body president at the U! As program coordinator, Ephraim is excited to continue working closely with his U of U and SLC community.
FD 603 (BCC)
ephraim.kum@utah.edu
Cassie Zamora-Cathcart
Interim Director, CESBOriginally from Colorado, Cassie (she/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
801-587-9568
cassie.cathcart@utah.edu
Joseline Sanchez
Early Contact Program CoordinatorJoseline Sanchez (she/ella) just started as the Early Contact Program Coordinator! A bio will be shared soon.
Union 235
801-581-5198
joseline.sanchez@utah.edu
Vanessa Ruelas
First-Year Experience Program CoordinatorVanessa Ruelas (she/her) is a U of U Alumna who is returning as the First-Year Experience Coordinator. In this position, Vanessa assists students transitioning from high school to college and plans on utilizing her student activism experience to develop student empowerment, leadership, and growth.
Union 235
801-581-5039
v.ruelas@utah.edu
Giulia Soto
Second Year Experience Program CoordinatorGiulia (she/ella) 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
801-587-9567
giulia.soto@utah.edu
Martha Hernandez
Transfer Program CoordinatorAs the transfer coordinator, Martha (she/ella) 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
Nicole Puertas Sanchez
EDI Embedded Mental Health SpecialistAs an EDI embedded therapist, Nicole (she/her) is passionate about working with students and aims to be an ever-present community support and mental health advocate for diverse individuals at the University of Utah. Being a first-generation Peruvian-American, Nicole strives to honor lived experiences and embrace cultural traditions. Outside of work, Nicole is an avid traveler and lover of house plants. She's also obsessed with her dog, Remy!
SSB 426
801-581-6826
npuertassanchez@sa.utah.edu
Fabi Madrigal
EDI Embedded Mental Health SpecialistFabi (she/her/ella) is passionate about making mental health care accessible for historically underserved communities, both through the increase of services and resources, but also by incorporating healing practices from diverse cultures and liberation practices. She is an immigrant, first-generation, Mexicana who loves plantitas, baking, books and building community. Fabi hopes to create an authentic and affirming therapeutic space for students navigating higher education.
SSB 426
801-581-8721
bmadrigal@sa.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
801-581-3328
anna.nguyen@utah.edu
Jasmin Clardy
BSU Advisor & African American/Black Student EngagementJasmin (she/her) enjoys dancing, hosting events, interviewing, great music, painting, bowling, playing games, roller skating and getting her nails done. Among her personal hobbies, she is also an advocate for women’s empowerment and the empowerment of Black people, which is what enticed her about this position. She is an advocate for generational wealth within the Black community and would like to see them thrive.
Union 235
801-587-9569
jasmin.clardy@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
801-581-4174
kyri.duncan@utah.edu
Franscine Anmontha Malieitulua
PISA Advisor & Pacific Islander Student EngagementFranscine Anmontha Malieitulua (she/her) was born and raised in Salt Lake City. She aspires to advocate and advance the community of Pacific Islander students in higher education. Franscine is passionate about her culture and nuclear justice issues in the Marshall Islands. Outside of work, Franscine is typically listening to music, playing sports, or spending time with her family in her free time.
Union 235
801-581-4834
franscine.anmontha@utah.edu
Rosa Salamanca
Director, Dream CenterRosa Salamanca has extensive leadership experience in higher education and community organizations serving undocumented students and their families. She finds joy in trees, bodies of water, camping, and therapy. She loves cooking for her family and friends, dancing cumbias, and going on adventures with her dog Luna.
Rosa will be starting Oct 17!
Raquel Cetz Tamayo
Program ManagerRaquel 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
Salvador Oregon-Torres
Program CoordinatorSalvador enjoys working with diverse populations and empowering them to thrive and make change in whatever space they occupy. When Salvador is not catching invisible monsters on Pokémon Go, he’s scrolling through TikTok or playing the Digimon Trading Card game. Currently, Salvador is obsessed with the Real Housewives of Salt lake City, and to quote his favorite housewife, “I love Taco Bell! And I also love fine dining.”
Union 80
salvador.oregon-torres@utah.edu
Jasmine Girgenti
Program Support Graduate AssistantOriginally from Northern Marianas Island, Jasmine (she/hers) moved to Utah 5 years ago. She is currently working on completing a dual master's in Social Work and Public Administration. Her goal is to work with underrepresented communities and provide guidance and connections to their needs.
Union 235
801-581-8151
jasmine.girgenti@hsc.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.
Union 409
fglynn@sa.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
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
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.
Park 120
eunice.contreras@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.
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.
Park 120
miko.neilson@utah.edu
Jen Rosio
Graphic DesignerJen (she/her) graduated from Weber State University in Design for Digital Media and Illustration. She integrates social justice, accessibility, and inclusion into her practice for empathetic design thinking. When not downloading too many typefaces from Adobe and Google Fonts, Jen has a passion for finding the best coffee downtown, collecting vinyl records, and listening to KEXP with her cat, Luv.
Park 120
jen.rosio@utah.edu
Ilana Israel
Program Manager, New Leadership AcademyIlana 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
Paton Roden
Post-Doctoral Research Associate, New Leadership AcademyPaton has a rooted interest in leadership development and continuous learning, which she discovered while earning her bachelor’s degrees in Business Management and Spanish at Berry College. Paton continued her studies to earn a master’s degree in Higher Education- Student Affairs from the University of Virginia and completed her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration at The University of Alabama where her dissertation research focused on the experiences of faculty mothers at research universities.
Cierra Szalony
Program Coordinator, New Leadership AcademyCierra is a Michigan native and completed her bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Marketing at Ball State University. She is currently attending the University of Utah for her Master's in Education, Culture, and Society. Her area of research interest is how to improve sports to be more inclusive for LGBTQIA+ fans, athletes, staff, and faculty. In her free time, Cierra enjoys watching hockey, talking about all things Marvel, and trying new restaurants.
Ja’net Baide
Administrative Assistant, New Leadership AcademyJa'net (ja-nay) Baide is a Chicana from Texas (who misses their frijoles charros). She is a Ph.D. student in the anthropology department at the University of Utah. Her research focus is on the impacts of disease/health on mobility and reproductive strategies. She is always looking for outreach efforts that align with her values in minority student retention in the sciences, science literacy, and mentorship.
Caroline deLannoy
Program Assistant, New Leadership AcademyCaroline deLannoy, NLA Program Assistant Caroline is a graduate at the University of Utah in International Politics and Leadership Studies. She has previous experience working with non-profits, and the Utah State Legislature. In her time at the U, she engaged with the Political Science Department as a member of the Poli Sci Advisory Committee and was part of the MUSS Board which was awarded the Live Mas Taco Bell Student Section Award. Caroline aspires to work in a field that combines her passion for DEI, Foreign Policy, and Law.
Lienne Cupal
Research AssistantAs a psychology major and sociology minor, Lienne 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).
Shilpi Kharidia
Research Assistant, New Leadership AcademyShilpi is a fourth-year student at the University of Utah and is majoring in Biology, following a Pre-med track, with minors in Political Science and Chemistry. Once she graduates this fall, her goal is to apply to medical school, in hopes to start medical school in 2024. Shilpi is working with NLA as a Research Assistant, and she is excited to become more involved with NLA and EDI as a whole!
Andrew Koenig
Research & Administrative Assistant, New Leadership AcademyAndrew is a freshman at the University of Utah pursuing his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering with an Aerospace emphasis. In high school, he enjoyed working in the tech side of theatre and continues his love for tech by building at the Lassonde workshop on campus. In his free time, he loves to hike, read, and listen to and learn about music. He hopes to promote and learn more about diversity and equity in this position.