iii Equity in Action DEI Fellows & Subcommittees
"Through collaboration & input from all levels of our Integrated Innovation Institute community, our iii Equity in Action committee strives to combat the barriers of inequity that exist in higher education. Each person's contributions are not only a testament of dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion -- they are also a commitment to doing truly meaningful work with an impact that spans beyond our day-to-day duties. I am excited to be a part of a team that is committed to working together to create an environment of respect and to ultimately contribute to a future that is better for all."
Leia Delabahan, Senior Academic & Student Services AdvisorDEI Fellows & Responsibilities
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fellowship is awarded to two iii students (located in Silicon Valley & Pittsburgh) who are passionate advocates for social justice & equity.
Fellows collaborate with iii staff on subcommittees to implement specific DEI initiatives as outlined on the College of Engineering DEI Strategic Plan and serve as representatives for the iii student population across both campuses on matters related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
2023 - 2024 Fellows
Nitya Mathur
MIIPS '24
Nitya completed her undergraduate degree in computer science engineering from New Delhi, India. Innovations that have the potential to change the world intrigue her, and she is committed to take on the challenge of playing an influential role in state-of-the-art technologies, especially in the field of Natural Language Processing, while welcoming the flexibility of her future career path.
Vulnerability is power, hence Nitya strives to be unapologetically herself while asking the right questions to encourage others to share their perspectives. She is an ardent advocate for mental health and loves going to therapy. To rejuvenate, she reads, swims and watches Formula 1.
Neha Suresh Kumar
MSSM '24
Neha Suresh is an MSSM student from Chennai, India. She has over 5 years of software engineering experience in a SaaS company and was part of a small NGO, called Mritsa, which promoted clean and green living in the local neighborhood.
Fellowships are awarded for three semesters, with specific responsibilities assigned to fellows each semester:
2023 - 2024 Fellowship Overview
Fall
- Begin iii Equity in Action Subcommittee work
- Establish bi-weekly coffee chats
- Participate in Bystander Intervention Training
- Fall iii community event
Spring
- Continue iii Equity in Action subcommittee work & bi-weekly coffeee chats
- Plan & facilitate International Student Panel (admitted students)
- Spring iii community event
Summer
- Summer Project in Collaboration with Peer Mentors
- Onboarding incoming DEI Fellow
(2024 - 2025 year)
Subcommittee Members & Responsibilities
Transparency Subcommittee
Goal: Increase transparency of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, outcomes, and ways to accept input throughout the iii community.
Maria Beatriz Manrique Ardila
Accessibility Subcommittee
Goal: Champion accessibility and incorporate accessible practices across the department.
Emma Wooten
Academic & Event Coordinator
Phil Geist
Web Content Manager
Seemran Mishra
MSSM '23
Community Subcommittee
Goal: Create a community that honors diversity & cultural awareness among faculty, staff, and students.
Gabi Rogers
Academic Advisor
Kristin Lavery
Online Program Manager
Subcommittees are organized annually, with action items spanning the calendar year:
- Subcommittees finalized in late-July
- Subcommittees research existing initiatives & gaps within the department as it relates to their objective
- Subcommittees report out their findings to entire Equity in Action Committee
October '22
- Based on research & feedback, subcommittees will refine and prioritize the initiatives they will be working on for the upcoming year
- Subcommittees will spend the rest of the year meeting regularly to implement initiatives
- All subcommittees will meet as an entire committee once a month to report out their progress
