Dear St. John’s University Community,
As we embark on a new year and a new quarter, I am heartened by the progress we've made in fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment at our University. It is an important moment for our St. John’s community to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion, as etched in the mission created by our Vincentian founders. Our collective commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) has been instrumental in driving meaningful change across our campus.
To this end, I am proud to share with you some key areas of focus that reflect our ongoing commitment:
Strengthening Support for Underrepresented Communities
We are expanding our resources for students, faculty, administrators, and staff from underrepresented groups, including mentorship programs, and opportunities that provide essential support for success and leadership development.
Inclusive Hiring Practices
We are enhancing our efforts to recruit and retain highly qualified faculty by implementing bias-reduction strategies in our hiring processes and supporting practices that support inclusive excellence.
Creating Safe and Inclusive Spaces
We are committed to making our campus a welcoming space for all. Our initiatives include increasing cultural competence training, focusing on our diversity-focused community spaces like our LGBTQ+ Center and Inclusivity Resource Center, and implementing the Inclusive Practices and Dismantling Racism Policy that promotes respect, inclusion, and antiracism.
Recent Initiatives and Achievements
Campus-wide Forum on the Presidential Election Results: In November 2024, we hosted a forum to provide a structured environment for open discussion that allows participants to express their thoughts and feelings about the election while listening to others. Creating this space for dialogue, understanding, and respect was an essential part of our continuous efforts to bridge divides and build a stronger, more cohesive community. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training Certificate with Human Resources is now overseen by the Office of Equity and Inclusion, with efforts led by Sharod L. Tomlinson ’21Ed.D., Assistant Vice President for Equity and Inclusion/Student Belonging.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training Certificate with Human Resources is now overseen by the Office of Equity and Inclusion, with efforts led by Sharod L. Tomlinson ’21Ed.D., Assistant Vice President for Equity and Inclusion/Student Belonging.
Looking Ahead
Our journey toward inclusivity is ongoing. In the coming months, we will:
Enhance Support for Underrepresented Groups: Our Office of Multicultural Affairs and Inclusivity Resource Center will continue to provide resources and support to ensure that all members of our community feel valued and included.
Promote Community Engagement: We will host events and workshops aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding, strengthening the bonds within our diverse University community.
I encourage each of you to participate in these initiatives, share your perspectives, and contribute to our shared mission of creating a campus where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Together, we can build on our successes and address the challenges that lie ahead.
Together, we can continue to honor the legacy of our Catholic and Vincentian heritage and move toward a future defined by equity, inclusion, and justice for all.
Rachel Pereira, Ed.D., Esq.
Vice President, Equity and Inclusion
Our Services
The Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment for all individuals within our community. Operating under the direct supervision of the Vice President of Equity and Inclusion, OEI encompasses several key components, including Employee Belonging, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Inclusivity Resource Center, Student Support Services, and the Respond and Partner to Engage our Community Team (RESPECT).
Collectively, we strive to advance equity, increase retention, and engage in enrollment initiatives. Our efforts are focused on supporting multicultural engagement and providing essential resources that empower both individuals and communities to flourish.
We invite you to join us in our unwavering commitment to fostering a welcoming space for everyone.
The LGBTQ+ Center
Inclusivity Resource Center
RESPECT
Student Support Services
Office of Employee Belonging
Highlighted Programs and Initiatives
Justice Initiative Scholars Program
We are excited to announce the launch of the Justice Initiative Scholars Program. St. John’s University has long-standing partnerships with select New York-based reentry organizations that offer holistic, supportive services tailored to the needs of this community. The University will collaborate with these key partners to identify eligible scholarship candidates who are academically prepared and have access to necessary off-campus support services such as legal aid, housing, childcare, and employment assistance.
Upward Bound Program
The Upward Bound supports first-generation students by providing individualized learning enrichment, academic instruction, mentoring, and assistance with college admissions and financial aid applications. Students selected for Upward Bound are expected to actively engage in after-school events, evening activities, and summer enrichment programs.
Employee Highlight
The Office of Employee Belonging
Leticia Romero
We are thrilled to spotlight Leticia Romero, who serves as our fearless Associate Director of Employee Belonging. With a deep passion for facilitating brave conversations that integrate self-awareness with institutional and multicultural competencies, Ms. Romero has been instrumental in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, awareness, and belonging initiatives at St. John’s University.
Leveraging her background in Student Affairs and skills in learning and training development, educational programming, intercultural event planning, and administration, Ms. Romero has played a key role in developing the Office of Employee Belonging. This office is dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel a true sense of connection.
Her leadership focuses on intentionally identifying and addressing the evolving needs of our community to build a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. Her dedication to fostering inclusive, supportive spaces continues to inspire our community, and we are proud to have her as a valued member of our team.
Student Leader Spotlight
Student Equity Workshop Program, Office of Multicultural Affairs
Mack Hernandez
Mack Hernandez is a passionate advocate for social justice and an empowering force in the lives of people and communities that have been historically disenfranchised. As a Student Coordinator in the Student Equity Workshop Program, Mack works tirelessly to create opportunities for underrepresented students, helping them break barriers and achieve their full potential. With a unique blend of dedication and empathy, he uses his deep-rooted passions to inspire change, fostering an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and heard.
Mack’s commitment to equity goes beyond our traditional training offerings and programming. In his role, he has designed and facilitated initiatives that promote awareness, spark dialogue, and drive actionable solutions to challenges young people face—particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. By empowering students on campus and beyond with the tools and resources they need to overcome oppression, Mack continues to be a change agent and a beacon of hope for those striving to create better futures for themselves.
Alumni Highlight
Student Equity Workshop Program, Office of Multicultural Affairs
Kandace St. John ’23C
Kandace St. John ’23C has launched her career as a Health Guidelines & Quality Assurance Program Associate at the American Society of Clinical Oncology. During her time at St. John’s, she demonstrated strong leadership as a Resident Assistant with Residence Life, a SOAR Guide in the Sexual Violence Outreach, Awareness, and Response (SOAR) Office, and as a Student Coordinator within the Office of Multicultural Affairs. In her role within the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Ms. St. John dedicated herself to advancing research efforts and advocating for change, particularly in the areas of health equity and raising awareness of healthcare disparities. She has facilitated more than 30 workshops on topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, consistently amplifying the voices of those often unheard. Ms. St. John has proven to be a fearless leader of change, and we are incredibly proud of her continued work in the larger community.
Community Partner Spotlight
New York Peace Institute (NYPI)
Kailani, Ruby, and Katie
We are excited to highlight our new partnership with the New York Peace Institute, launched this fall and continuing into the spring semester. Through this collaboration, students have the opportunity to connect across various program areas, while developing valuable community-building skills. They learn restorative approaches to addressing harm and strategies for facilitating difficult conversations.
Participants also gain a deeper understanding of restorative practices, including the experience of participating in circles and learning how to apply these techniques in their communities.
Special thanks to trainers Kailani, Ruby, and Katie for curating a thoughtful and impactful training tailored to our students' unique needs. The 10 students who took part in the program left feeling empowered, safe, and equipped to create positive change. We are grateful for this enriching opportunity and the incredible facilitators who made it possible.
Comments, suggestions, or content ideas?
Please email Lové Johnson, Assistant Director Social Justice Training & Education.