Area Report for Board of Trustees

The Equity, Diversity, and Transformation (EDT) Division is charged with embedding equity in everything we do at Highline College. Below are updates of the ongoing work.

Core Theme 1: ACCESS, Reduce Barriers and close equity gaps to access for all community members

• In collaboration with the Outreach & Recruitment department, the first in a series of Community Financial Aid Information Nights on February 28 at the Pacific Islander Community Association of WA. This event provided an opportunity to inform community members about financial aid options and assist them in completing the FAFSA. Additionally, attendees learned about the programs and resources available at Highline College,.

Core Theme 2: STUDENT LEARNING, Increase educational success, collaborate to improve

• Institutional Research continues to build campus data literacy and capacity for developing evidence-based improvements in student outcomes.  In February, IR conducted the second of three training sessions planned this year for the Student Services Leadership Team on using data to measure and improve services to students.  IR also continued to be active in both Moving to Serve and Black Student Advocacy Team work, assisting these initiatives to use data to inform plans for addressing equity gaps in student success.

Core Theme 3: COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, Create a more inclusive working environment and a more valued, visible relationship with communities we serve.

• Highline College Outreach & Recruitment department hosted a Partner’s Breakfast with attendees ranging from local school districts to community based organizations, and public agencies. Associate Dean Mariela Barriga hosted 3 workshops as well as served as a panelist for all attendees alongside other staff (Tanya Powers, Tony Garcia, and David Menke.) There were 24 K-12 partners and 19 CBO partners in attendance.

• On February 27, a group of faculty, staff, and students attended the Black Male Academic Achievement Conference. The event featured workshops focused on best practices for improving outcomes for Black males in higher education. Key topics included networking, professional development, resource sharing, and strategic initiatives aimed at fostering academic success. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions and gained valuable insights to support institutional efforts in advancing equity and student achievement.

Core Theme 4: CULTURE & CAPACITY: Promote a campus culture which fosters equity and inclusivity supporting employee growth and development, and institutional capacity for transformation.

• EDT Division welcomed Justin Dampeer, homegrown leaders in equity, diversity, and transformation,  in a new role as the Dean of Academic Alignment and Strategic Transformation. Justin Dampeer first came to our campus as the first ever full-time Program Manager of the Transition Success Center in which he set up many supports for students in ELCAP to support the transitioning of non-credit students into credit courses. After a short hiatus, he returned to Highline College as the first ever Dean of College and Career Readiness in which he supported many of our diverse populations through initiatives such as implementing Ability to Benefit, expanding I-BEST programs, and supporting the college’s strategic planning and implementation through various committee work. Most recently, he served as the Dean of Workforce Pathways and Transitions, in which he developed and led initiatives to support professional and technical education faculty, staff, and students. Justin brings with him a background as a funding advisor, career and academic planning, pedagogical best practices, and a life-time commitment to serving and prioritizing best practices that lead to equitable outcomes. We are excited to see him hit the ground running in his new position as the Dean of Academic Alignment and Strategic Transformation.

• For Black History Month, the Cultural Learning Communities at Highline College hosted a series of impactful events celebrating Black excellence, entrepreneurship, and storytelling. The Black Business Expo was a major highlight, featuring over 30 Black-owned businesses, interactive experiences like Vibe Bingo, free haircuts and massages, and an engaging art installation. The Promise Program launched its first-ever Barbershop Talks event, where students received haircuts while engaging in a meaningful discussion on entrepreneurship. Additionally, we took 25 students to see Blues for an Alabama Sky at the Seattle Repertory Theatre, providing them with a rich cultural experience that highlighted Black narratives in the arts. These events created spaces for connection, empowerment, and education, reinforcing our commitment to equity, diversity, and transformation.

Report submitted by Vice President of Equity, Diversity and Transformation, Dra. Maribel Jimenéz