UC Davis College of Engineering Announces Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

In March 2021, Interim Dean Jeffery C. Gibeling announced the formation of the College of Engineering Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee for staff and faculty. The mission of the college DEI committee is to advise the dean and college leadership team on issues of equity, diversity and inclusion as they relate to faculty, staff and students within the college.

Specific goals include providing a safe environment by reviewing relevant campus and college policies; promoting an inclusive campus climate; reducing implicit bias in hiring, merit and promotional decisions; ensuring students have equitable access to learning and education; and highlighting the College of Engineering as a beacon of diversity, equity and inclusion where all students, faculty and staff are equipped to succeed.

The committee is made up of 24 members—14 faculty and 10 staff—from the College of Engineering. Members serve one- to two-year terms and meet monthly during the academic year. Cindy Rubio-González, Alex Villanueva and Lamia Hajani Braun will serve as the committee’s initial co-chairs.

Cindy Rubio-González, associate professor in computer science, was appointed the College of Engineering’s first faculty assistant to the dean for diversity and inclusion in March 2020.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion to me means that everyone can bring their authentic self to work and reach their true potential,” said Rubio-González. “Promoting DEI requires input from all stakeholders of the college. Thus, there was a need to form a committee bringing together staff and faculty to achieve a shared vision.”

Alex Villanueva, communications associate in the dean’s office, hopes to ensure that everyone in the college feels respected, fairly treated and a sense of belonging.

“It is important to create an environment where people are given the tools, knowledge and support to become a more diverse, equitable and inclusive campus,” says Villanueva. “With that, we can create a better and healthier work place.”

Lamia Braun, development assistant in the dean’s office, has been involved in DEI efforts around the UC Davis campus. Braun serves as chair in the Staff Diversity Administrative Advisory Committee, vice chair of the Development and Alumni Relations DEI Committee and member of the Staff Diversity Ambassadors Program.

“DEI is a huge part of a good work culture and has been a (rightfully) pivotal point of conversation in recent years,” says Braun. “Investing in it ensures a higher retention rate and an overall improved organization that we can all be proud of.”

More information about the committee and members can be found at: https://intranet.engineering.ucdavis.edu/dei-committee