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

• The journey to becoming a federally designated Hispanic-serving Institution continues at Highline College. Dra. Jimenez presented a foundational HSI training to the Executive Cabinet team and the Student Success Council in anticipation of an HSI focus for Opening Week and Professional Development Day.
• Under the leadership of Director Krystal Welch, the King County Promise grant will continue into the second phase of the work plan starting July 1, 2024. The second phase is a 3 year cycle to address the equity gaps for Black and Brown male-identified students.

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

• Director Krystal Welch, Associate Dean Loyal Allen, and Dr. Jimenez attended the Limitless Network Convening in Spokane, Washington to continue this work with the district partners. The Limitless work will center Latinx/e identified students from all three district partners.

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

• Because Highline College is a partner for the Bill and Melinda Gates Limitless Network with Highline Public Schools, Federal Way Public Schools and now Tukwila Public Schools and PSCCN, we now have combined the Limitless work with the new Horizons grant work that will focus on culturally responsive advising for Black and Brown male identified students. 

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

• The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Transformation has partnered with the Equity Task Force to plan the 6th Annual Equity Development Day scheduled for May 3, 2024.

Division Highlights

• Dra. Jimenez was awarded the Rhonda Quash Coates Leadership Award at the annual Students of Color Conference.

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