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 Fellows
Maria Beatriz Manrique Ardila
MIIPS '23
Maria is an Industrial Engineer and Project Manager. She has worked in different businesses that including a flower exportation corporation, a university, and an Ed-Tech company. She is from Colombia and her hometown is Bucaramanga.
However, she has spent the previous 13 years living in Bogotá, the capital, where she attended the university. She enjoys learning about new cultures, reading, and drawing.
Maria es ingeniera industrial con intereses en gestión de proyectos, educación y tecnología. Nacida en Bucaramanga, Colombia, pero durante los últimos 13 años ha vivido en Bogotá, la capital.
Seemran Mishra
MSSM '23
Seemran Mishra is a candidate for the MSSM program at the iii. She has over four years of professional experience in AI research and has been an active advocate of Ethical AI.
Fellowships are awarded for three semesters, with specific responsibilities assigned to fellows each semester:
Fall
- Begin iii Equity in Action Subcommittee work
- Establish monthly coffee chats
- Welcome week activity
- End of the Fall iii community event
Spring
- Continue iii Equity in Action Subcommittee work & monthly coffee chats
- Plan & facilitate International Student Panel for admitted students
- iii community event
Summer
- Oversee Peer Mentorship program
- Onboard incoming DEI Fellows
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
