Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is deeply committed to enhancing the success of diverse faculty, students, 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 Ethnic Student Affairs; Dream Center; LGBT Resource Center; Office for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; and Office for Inclusive Excellence. Additionally, the office 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, & Inclusion
Park 208
801-581-7569
VPEDI@utah.edu
Mary Ann Villarreal (she/her/they/them) is fueled by an unwavering commitment to ensure the doors to receiving a degree remain open and the table is set for everyone to participate. As the inaugural vice president for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the University of Utah, she provides leadership and strategic oversight of diversity and inclusion initiatives across the University’s academic and health sciences campuses.
José Rodríguez
AVP for Health Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
HSEB 5750B
801-585-1934
healthequity@hsc.utah.edu
Dr. Rodríguez (he/him) has taken a strong role in advancing the institutional goals for health equity and inclusion. He has served on various diversity and recruitment committees supporting focused recruitment of underrepresented ethnic and racial minority (URM) faculty and residents. He has represented the university presenting at national conferences on our work and his research on diversity initiatives.
Emma E. Houston
Special Assistant - Engagement & Program Development
Park 120
emma.houston@utah.edu
Emma E. Houston (no pronoun preference) 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.
Daniel K. Cairo
Special Assistant - Strategy and Operations
Park 120
daniel.cairo@utah.edu
Dr. Daniel K. Cairo (he/him/el) 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.
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
Teshia Koffi
Administrative Programs CoordinatorPark 120
801-585-6136
teshia.koffi@utah.edu
Feleti Matagi
Director of DevelopmentFeleti (he/him) loves meeting new people from different backgrounds and life experiences, which is why he’s a huge YouTube and movie enthusiast. Stop by to geek-out on Malcolm Reed cooking videos or his favorite movie genre: sci-fi!
Park 120
801-581-5640
f.matagi@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 including The Junior League of Salt Lake City and spends time with her husband and teenage son.
Park 120
801-585-1044
pamela.bishop@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.
Park 120
kaya.aman@utah.edu
Emily Pantoja
Graphic DesignerEmily’s (she/her) most cherished pastime and deepest love are video games. Her dream job is to become a video game concept artist, and she could go on for hours celebrating truly revolutionary concepts in the industry. When she’s not dissecting plots and critiquing gameplay, Emily enjoys singing and playing her ukulele as often as she can!
Park 120
801-581-4250
emily.pantoja@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
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
Franci Taylor
Director of the American Indian Resource CenterAs a mother of two, grandmother of five, and auntie to many, Franci (Choctaw, she/her) has always wanted the best for others. She has dedicated the last 25 years towards increasing access for all under-represented students and American Indian education. She’s definitely an asset to our team!
AIRC
801-581-7019
franci.taylor@utah.edu
Meligha Garfield
Director of the 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
Tricia Sugiyama
Director of the Center for Ethnic Student AffairsTricia (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! In addition, she spent 5 years at the State Office of Asian Affairs, started her own business, loves all things geek and is a dedicated fur parent.
Union 235
801-587-9568
t.sugiyama@utah.edu
Paul Fisk
Transfer Coordinator & AdvisorOur very own Super Saiyan advises current and potential transfer students from SLCC, Snow College, and the U. [Power-up Intensifies] On top of that, Paul (he/him) co-advises the transfer honor society, Tau Sigma, and AASA and assists in events, workshops, and classes related to transfer students throughout the year! [Power-up level and number of transfer students grow] It’s over 9,000!
Union 235
801-581-3328
paul.fisk@utah.edu
David (Tevita) Kinikini
Retention Programs Coordinator & Advisor“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
801-581-8151
d.kinikini@utah.edu
Anthony Shirley
Scholarship & Financial Resources CoordinatorAnthony (no pronoun preference) can do and loves everything. Really. From operating as the outreach representative, taking adventures (boating, four-wheeling, hiking, etc.), teaching Navajo language and culture, adding to his 100+ Barbie doll collection (film editions only, of course!), co-advising the ITSA, tending his salsa and mint garden, and advising students like you. Aren’t you lucky?!
Union 235
801-585-6458
a.shirley@utah.edu
Giulia Soto
Second Year Program Coordinator & AdvisorGiulia (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 a M.S.Ed in International Educational Development at UPenn.
Union 235
801-581-8151
giulia.soto@utah.edu
Martha Hernandez
Outreach Program Coordinator & AdvisorAs outreach coordinator, Martha (she/her) is here to help students connect with the great advisors and programs in CESA, and other resources on campus. 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
Shavauna Munster
Black Student Union AdvisorHistory nerd, hiker, fur parent, and green-thumb-in-training, Shavauna (she/her) enjoys learning new things and is often found in cozy corners of local coffee shops. She recently earned her Masters from the University of Utah in medieval European history and has studied abroad in Sienna, Italy. As the Black Student Union Advisor, she is focused on empowering and advocating for students across the diaspora.
Union 235
shavauna.munster@utah.edu
Diana Chacón
M.E.Ch.A. AdvisorAs the M.E.Ch.A. advisor, Diana (she/her/ella) is committed to the leadership development of students and to provide a place for connection and advocacy. She is dedicated to student support, success, and guidance. Diana thrives in community, enjoys reading, loves southern home cooking, and appreciates Tarahumara art. Her outlook was informed by her experiences living in Carhichi, Mexico and Memphis,Tennessee.
Union 235
801-581-8151
diana.chacon@utah.edu
Chelsea Estrella
Transfer Program Graduate AssistantUnion 235
801-581-8151
chelsea.manza@gmail.com
Julia Kingsdale
First Year Experience Graduate AssistantJulia (she/her) is excited to live in Salt Lake City after six years in NYC as an elementary school teacher and diversity trainer. She loves living in and exploring new places (she previously lived and taught in Israel, Palestine, and the Republic of Georgia), and she is looking forward to new adventures here in Utah. Julia also loves cephalopods, and she dreams about holding a real live octopus one day!
Union 235
801-581-8151
j.kingsdale@utah.edu
Kenny Taboada
Engagement & Retention Graduate AssistantUnion 235
KTaboada@sa.utah.edu
Wendy Vazquez
Office AssistantUnion 235
801-581-8151
u1116261@utah.edu
Kathryn Browning-Hawes
Programs Manager - StudentsRaised in Utah, Kathryn (she/her) left on the first thing smoking when she joined the US Army after high school. She's driven by the ripple effect education can have on a person’s future and utilizes her ability to circumvent red tape - a skill honed in the military - to empower and advocate for underrepresented students as they navigate academia. Outside of work, she geeks out over genealogy research and spending time with her family.
HSEB 5750B
801-585-1934
kathryn.browning@hsc.utah.edu
Mauricio Laguan
Programs Manager - Faculty & StaffMauricio “Mo” Laguan (he/him) passionately works towards closing social inequities through informed policy implementation, culturally competent management, and leadership development. In his role, he continues to practice program implementation, focusing on recruitment/retention of underrepresented faculty in health science education.
HSEB 5750B
801-585-0847
mo.laguan@hsc.utah.edu
Jen Wilson
Programs Manager - CommunityA 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
Administrative AssistantHSEB 5750B
801-585-1934
guillermo.cuevas@hsc.utah.edu
Jude McNeil
Director of Inclusive ExcellenceAnnex 171
801-587-7580
JMcNeil@sa.utah.edu
Gabriella Blanchard
Assistant Director of Inclusive ExcellenceAnnex 170
801-585-5994
gblanchard@sa.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.
Shelby Hearn
Coordinator of Education & OutreachShelby (she/her/they/them) is from Chicago where they got their M.Ed from Loyola University Chicago. She is 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.
Bree Peacock
Executive SecretaryBree (she/her) is the Executive Secretary here at the University of Utah LGBT Resource Center. She graduated from Indiana University with a B.A. in studio art with concentrations in photography and graphic design. She is passionate about LGBTQ activism, hiking, traveling, and doing photography whenever she can.
Union 409
801-587-7973
BPeacock@sa.utah.edu
Jessica Hernandez
Graduate AssistantJessica (she/her) is working towards a Master's of Education with an Emphasis in Student Affairs. She is passionate about social justice and equity in the U.S. and higher education, specifically involving LGBTQIA+ students, students of color, non-traditional, and undocumented student populations. In Jessica’s free time she enjoys discovering new music, finding great coffee shops and singing like no one is around.
Union 409
801-587-7973
jhernandez@sa.utah.edu
Moani Tuitupou
Student StaffMoani (they/their) is a third-year undergraduate student studying Applied Mathematics. They love hanging out with their two dogs, learning new songs on the ukulele, playing sports, and adventuring out into the world. They want to create a more inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community, both in general and in STEM fields, while also connecting with a more diverse population on campus.
Union 409
801-587-7973
MTuitupou@sa.utah.edu
Trey McEuen
Student StaffTrey (he/him) is a fourth year student majoring in Interdisciplinary Performance Studies. Originally from a small mountain town in Utah, he enjoys spending his time outdoors. Trey has a passion for understanding how the performances within fine arts, gender and sexuality studies, and communications intersect and can inform contemporary research. He is also a proud cactus dad and plant enthusiast in his free time.
Union 409
801-587-7973
tmceuen@sa.utah.edu
Xris Macias
Director of the Dream CenterXris (he/him) is fluent in Espanol and Portugues and enjoys listening to all kinds of music, playing the ukulele, training Capoeira, riding bikes, cruising his Lowrider on the weekends, and spending time with his wife and two sons.
Union 60
801-213-3697
xris.macias@utah.edu
Sujey Rodriguez
Graduate AssistantUnion 60
801-213-3697
sujey.rodriguez@utah.edu