MATc's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Plan
The plan identifies four improvement areas or Pillars for Change to guide the college’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts for the next five years. The Pillars include Climate, Employee Experience, Student Experience and Institutional Commitment, with corresponding goals and objectives.
MATC's Equity & Inclusion Statement
MATC is breaking down barriers that stand between students and their academic and career success by providing a safe place where differences are valued and celebrated. We promote awareness, training, and crucial conversations to move beyond our individual biases, whether unconscious or implicit, to create an inclusive environment that welcomes, accepts, and respects all students and employees while serving the unique needs of each individual. This resonates through the attitudes and behaviors of all those who work and learn at the College.
Contact the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: diversity@matc.edu
MATC EQUITY-BASED INITIATIVES: BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS!
President's Task Force on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Under the direction of the Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, the Task Force will work to gain a shared understanding of MATC’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion needs, explore short-term and long term solutions and make recommendations to the President. The Task Force will examine all current DEI activities, initiatives, and efforts in order to create a DEI plan that will advance racial equity, address barriers to equity, and ensure equitable and inclusive practices, policies, procedures and programs. Task force DEI recommendations and DEI Plan will be supported by a newly created DEI Steering Committee.
Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employee Affinity Groups
The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion supports several Employee Affinity Groups that are dedicated to promoting a culture of inclusion at MATC and in the community. As part of MATC’s Equity Strategic Priority, the primary function of affinity groups are to support the college’s equity and inclusion values by building community, promoting a sense of belonging, supporting student success, and assisting in the recruitment and retention of diverse talent. Each affinity group is connected to an executive sponsor that serves on MATC’s Cabinet or Council. Affinity groups are interest-based and identity-based employee groups inclusive of all who share and support their mission. They are officially chartered MATC organizations supported and sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Employees are welcome to join affinity groups.
Current Affinity Groups
Asian Affinity Group (AAG)
Provide a safe place for employees and students representing all of the Pan Asian cultures to connect and support one another.
Black Excellence Leadership Alliance (BELA)
The Black Excellence Leadership Alliance (BELA) at Milwaukee Area Technical College exists to empower, support and advocate for Black and African American employees. We strive to create an inclusive and equitable environment where all members can thrive professionally and personally. BELA is dedicated to fostering a sense of community, providing mentorship and leadership development opportunities, and promoting social justice and cultural awareness within the MATC community.
Community of Administrative Assistants (C.A.P)
Be a collective voice of exemplary support to the college by embracing differences, promoting career development, and empowering employees.
Interfaith
We encourage and sustain a college environment that welcomes and values different religious beliefs. We counter hate, fear and misunderstanding while fostering interfaith dialogue, learning, tolerance and friendship. Where appropriate we stand up for local issues through interfaith advocacy.
Pride Alliance
Serves as the cornerstone and resource for MATC’s LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and administration, as well as their allies. We provide a safe space for support, community, advocacy and belonging.
Parents Employee Affinity Group
MATC Parents is committed to supporting the unique needs of MATC employees who are parents as they strive to balance work, parenting, and personal growth. We strive to connect, build a sense of community, and share resources with one another throughout the various stages of parenthood.
Interested in joining an affinity group?
Sign up online (link)
*Affinity group membership will be kept confidential and known only to those with a business need.
MAJOR PARTNERSHIPS
M-cubed, Spring 2015
Minority Male Community College Collaborative, 2015
Higher Education Regional Alliance (HERA), 2018
EAB Moon Shot for Equity (Region), 2020
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
Establishing Equity as a Strategic Priority, Fall 2020
Hiring a DEI Executive, March 2021
Board Retreat with Equity Agenda, Spring 2021
Document & Webpage Translation, Fall 2020
Juneteenth Paid Holiday
MAJOR STUDENT SUCCESS INITIATIVES
Hispanic Serving Institution Initiative, 2019
Men of Color Initiative, Spring 2015
Promise for New High School Graduates, Fall 2016
Promise for Adults, Fall 2018
Second Chance Pell Grants for Incarcerated Students
Storm Ahead Summer Bridge Program
Uniquely Abled Academy for Autistic Learners, Fall 2020
Multiple Measures Placement /Elimination of High Stakes Testing
UNDER-RESOURCED STUDENTS INITIATIVES
Affordable Housing Options - Milwaukee area, November 2020
Affordable Housing Options - Mequon area
DACA Scholarships for Undocumented Students, Fall 2020
Dreamkeepers (Emergency Grant) Funds
Food Pantry & Student Resource Center, 2016
Health Insurance/ Health Care
Open Educational Resources / Textbook Alternatives
ReStart Debt Forgiveness for Returning Students
Right Path Program, April 2016
Start Fresh Program, 2019
Scholarship Partnership with HPGM, Fall 2019
RACIAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE SPEAKER SERIES
Wes Moore, Author - March 2013
Michelle Alexander, Author & Civil Rights Attorney - September 2014
Jimmy Santiago Baca, Chicano & Apache Poet - March 2015
Bryan Stevenson, Human Rights Attorney & Author - March 2016
Tavis Smiley, Television Host - April 2016
Daniel Karpowitz, Author and Higher Education in Prison Advocate - March 2018
Rob Johnstone, Equity and Guided Pathways expert - March 2019
Dr. Gina Garcia, HSI Expert - October 2019
Dr. Luke Wood, Dean's Distinguished Professor of Education at San Diego State University - July 2020
Dr. Ibram Kendi, Author and Antiracism Expert - March 2021
CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS
EMPLOYEE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Avoiding Bias in the Interviewing Process Training, Spring 2020
New Faculty Training Modules on Supporting Culturally Responsive Teaching in Required Courses for FQAS
Unlearning Racism/ Implicit Bias (YWCA), March 2019
Noel Levitz Quality Student Service Training for Counselors and Advisors, September 2020
Conference Travel Grants eCornell University Diversity & Inclusion Certification, 2020
Cultural Competence Training (M.A.I.N. Event), October 2020
M-Cubed Annual ELA, Math and Science Faculty Workshop, Spring 2018
ORGANIZATIONS
African American Network (employees)
Black Indigenous People of Color Allies
Future Black Nurses Association
LUNA
MEET OUR TEAM
MICHAEL ROGERS
Michael Rogers joined MATC in January 2024 to work on the college’s continuing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan, oversee the DEI Committee, and supervise MATC’s Office of Bilingual Education, Multicultural Services, Office of the Ombudsperson and Student Accommodation Services. Before coming to MATC, Rogers served as the Director of Advocacy and Engagement at the University of Milwaukee-Wisconsin. In this senior leadership role in Student Affairs, Rogers oversaw four advocacy/diversity centers on campus and led the overall DEI strategy. Previously, he served as the Director of Student Inclusion at Augustana College, where during this tenure, the college won two national diversity awards. Rogers is a trained facilitator with the American Association of Colleges and Universities Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Institute. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Augustana College and a master’s degree from Western Illinois University.
Office of Diversity, Education & Inclusion | Room M281
Michael Rogers, Interim VP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
rogerm42@matc.edu
Will Smith III, Deputy Title IX Coordinator & Equity Officer
smithwo@matc.edu
414-297-7275
Zacharia Nchinda, DEI Coordinator
nchindaz@matc.edu
414-297-6513
Jolene Arnold, Executive Administrative Assistant
arnolj11@matc.edu
414-297-6491
Multicultural Services | ROOM M238
Annabel C. Chavez, Student Services Specialist
Hispanic Student Services Office
chavezac@matc.edu
414-297-6875
Der M Vang, Student Services Specialist
Asian American Student Services Office
vangde@matc.edu
414-297-8321
Tanya L. Torres, Student Services Specialist
American Indian Student Service Office
torretl1@matc.edu
414-297-7692
Floyd Griffin III, Student Services Specialist
African-American Student Services Office
Office of Bilingual Education | Room T248
Norma Florez, Bilingual Student Services Specialist
florezn@matc.edu
414-297-7329
Adelina Benavides, Bilingual Academic Advisor
benaviaa@matc.edu
414-297-7801
Cesar Cotrino, student worker
cotrinoc@gmatc.matc.edu
414-297-8882
Salvador Barba, Bilingual Student Services Specialist
barbas@matc.edu
414-297-6091
Yasamin Habibi, Administrative Assistant
habibiy@matc.edu
414-297-7474
Office of the Ombudsperson | Room M358
Yolanda Hodges, Student Ombudsperson
ombuds@matc.edu
414-297-6294
Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Initiatives
Dr. Patricia Torres Najera, Executive Director for Community Education, HSI, & Strategic Engagement
najerap1@matc.edu
414-297-6803
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION : NEWS
2024
- MATC Celebrates Pride Month 2024 (link)
- Freedom in the Air: MATC Raises Flag To Commemorate Juneteenth (link)
- Newly appointed circuit judge, former state senator appears at MATC for Women’s History Month (link)
- In Their Own Words: MATC ESL Students Share Personal Stories in Book (link)
- MATC Honors Life and Achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (link)
2023
- Can We Talk: Honest Conversations Best Way to Address Racial Issues (link)
- MATC Hosts Unique, Interactive Museum Exhibition Pilot for Children to Explore Causes and Possible Solutions to Racism (link)
2022
- MATC Opens Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office at Downtown Milwaukee Campus (link)
- State Poet Laureate Dasha Hamilton starts as MATC’s Chair of Social Justice (link)
For more information about upcoming events and presentations, visit the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Project site.