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

The 12th Annual Y.E.L.L. (Young Educated Ladies Leading) Summit was held on May 16th at Highline College and welcomed more than 250 young women of color from across the region for a day focused on empowerment, leadership, and community. This year’s theme, “InnovateHer: Creating Our Future Together,” encouraged participants to envision themselves as future leaders, changemakers, and college students. The keynote speaker Kiesha B Free delivered a keynote address, “YOU Better! Reclaiming Yourself from the Systems That Shape You,” which inspired students to embrace their voices, identities, and potential. More than 31 community members participated as presenters and panelists, sharing their experiences and expertise through workshops and discussions on leadership, wellness, education, career exploration, self-advocacy, and community empowerment.  The Y.E.L.L. Planning Committee led the planning and implementation of the event, and their hard work, heart work, and dedication helped create a meaningful and inspiring experience for all attendees.

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 8th Annual Equity Development Institute (EDI) was held on May 1st and brought together more than 300 faculty and staff for a day of learning, reflection, and community building. This year’s theme, “Servingness as Shared Accountability and Collective Support,” centered on how individuals, departments, and the institution collectively advance equity-minded practices that support student success and belonging. The event featured keynote speaker Dr. Harvey Hinton III and his keynote, Leading with AI: Authentic Integrity. Attendees also engaged in meaningful discussions through employee resource circles and participated in a variety of impactful workshops led by community presenters. The Equity Taskforce, alongside Dr. Jimenez and the Equity Development Day Planning Committee, provided leadership and coordination for the event, helping create a meaningful space for dialogue, learning, and collective engagement across campus. The day reflected Highline College’s ongoing commitment to Promote a campus culture which fosters equity and inclusivity supporting employee growth and development, and institutional capacity for transformation.

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