Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness

Celebrate Black History Month this February. 
Students and Joshua in G lobby selling treats

The Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness (CDI) delivers programs designed to contribute to a positive campus culture of appreciation and respect for differences. We can be reached at diversitycenter@fitchburgstate.edu or by phone at 978.665.3399 or 978.665.3701. We are located in Hammond Hall G04.

 

The Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness cultivates a welcoming and safe space for all members of the Fitchburg State University community and supports each person individually by recognizing and respecting all cultures, perspectives, and experiences. Through programming, mentorship, and dialogue we will provide opportunities for exploration, understanding, and celebration.

We coordinate and maintain a campus-wide program that reflects the university's mission to support the development of the whole person by engaging students in an inclusive environment through the following:

  • Promotion of active involvement
  • Collaboration
  • Education and leadership opportunities
  • Ensuring each students goal fulfillment

CDI is my "go to" place, especially after a tough day! It is also the place where I get the necessary encouragement, and guidance.

Michelle Valentin
Latin American Student Organization

We provide the tools of understanding and acceptance to diversity in its many varied forms. It is our mission to the Fitchburg State student, and its community, that they:

  • Be exposed to cultural diversity
  • Learn to be accepting of people and ideas not their own
  • Understand cultural differences as opportunities for learning
  • Develop techniques on how to best deal with diversity and social issues
  • Advance a student's personal, social, and emotional skills

The members of the Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness will design, plan, and oversee the delivery of various programs, such as:

  • Heritage Month Celebrations
  • Multicultural education
  • Cultural activities designed to contribute to a positive campus culture of appreciation and respect for differences

The center advises active, diverse student organizations such as:

  • Black Student Union
  • Latin American Student Organization
  • First Love
  • Asian Student Organization
  • African Student Association
  • Gay Straight Alliance

...including experiences like the following:

  • Latinx/a/o American Heritage Month
  • Black History Month
  • Women's History Month
  • LGBTQ+ History Month
  • Courageous Conversations/Cafecito and Conversation/Black Table Talk 
  • Conference Experiences such as: 
    • The Brotherhood and Sisterhood Conference Worcester State University
    • Yale University Black Solidarity Conference 
    • The Mount Holyoke College Trailblazers Conference 
    • The NASPA Latinx Student Leadership Conference
  • CDI Meet and Greets 
  • The UNITY Roundtable 
  • Annual Training and Workshops

One thing I will definitely miss here at Fitchburg State is the warm feeling of all of the cultural students being inside of CDI and making their space their own; a home away from home.

Lacrinia Dirtion
Biology Health Science Concentration Alum '24

CDI Office Staff

Joshua Dodds, Executive Director of CDI
Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Belonging Programs

Joshua Dodds he/him

Josh Dodds is a seasoned, forward-thinking, award winning, and highly motivated college professor, higher education professional, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Accessibility (DEIBA) practitioner with 15 years of comprehensive knowledge and skills in higher education and DEIBA principles, trends, and legislation. He is committed to supporting educational and corporate spaces in exercising inclusive teaching and learning in the pursuit of education. Josh’s unique blend of industry-spanning expertise, education field work, and a deep commitment to DEIBA principles positions him to empower others to embrace understanding, active engagement to creating change, and celebrate diversity. He employs storytelling, passion, empathy, understanding, and researched-based truth-telling to provide his audience a theoretical overview of race, racism, and effective strategies for promoting inclusive practice. His goal is to challenge peoples’ assumptions about bias, prejudice, and difference to increase their ability to approach cultural understanding and the promotion of social justice. Josh says, “I’m in the people business. Making it my business to help people.” Josh holds a Masters of Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University in Boston, MA, a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, in Amherst, MA. He also holds certifications of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University and VERBATE ERG in Employee Resource Group Leadership. Josh is also a four-institution adjunct professor teaching Sociology and Criminology courses surrounding First Year Experience, Race, Diversity, and Social Justice. Josh can be reached at 978.665.3718 or via email at jdodds3@fitchburgstate.edu.
Headshot of Krysta Lopez from Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness
Program Coordinator

Krysta López she/her/hers

Krysta is the Program Coordinator at the Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness at Fitchburg State University. She is a first-generation graduate, and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry from Worcester State University. Currently, she's a graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. During her time at Worcester State University, she had many different roles on campus, ranging from student administrative assistant, a tour guide, an RA, and an intern for the Commissioner for the City of Worcester. After completing her Bachelor’s degree, she has been working in Higher Education in different roles, but most recently as a TRIO Recruitment Counselor. Krysta is passionate about working with college students, assisting them in whichever way possible for a student to be successful with their academic goals. She's excited and eager to work with students and expand her knowledge of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. If interested in connecting with Krysta, please email her directly at klopez5@fitchburgstate.edu.
Destiny Zayas selfie at graduation in cap and gown with Fitchburg State sweatshirt
Graduate Assistant

Destiny Zayas she/her/hers

Destiny, our graduate assistant, earned her bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and is currently pursuing her MBA, both at Fitchburg State. She brings her leadership experience as a former CDI student ambassador, Black Student Union executive board member, Senior committee Head chair, and involvement in organizations like student government and dance club. Destiny is dedicated to being a supportive anchor for students, offering guidance and encouragement drawn from her own journey. She’s thrilled to now serve and assist students in achieving their goals and overcoming challenges, ensuring they thrive both academically and personally at Fitchburg State. She hopes to greater the diversity and inclusivity on campus while providing students with a welcoming and safe space within the Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness. If interested in connecting with Destiny, please email her directly at dzayast@fitchburgstate.edu.

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