Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office

Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) is committed to providing leadership, guidance, and resources supporting the institution’s commitment to develop, implement, measure, and transform our culture to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all.

The DEI office will partner with forward-facing departments to support programs to empower students to become advocates for DEI to help build community acceptance for all now and in the future.

As a transformative global institution, the office will provide measurable outcomes of success in programs, activities, training, and education related to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to inspire community excellence.

VISION STATEMENT

To overcome barriers as the model community that accepts, respects, and encourages the value, dignity, belonging, and capabilities of all individuals.

MISSION STATEMENT

To champion a community of diversity, equity & inclusion, and belonging in a spirit of civility.

VALUES

CARES graphic with listening and talking icons

CIVILITY

We promote civility in the community as well as empathy and acceptance for all.

ADVOCACY

We advocate for fair and equitable practices and policies that promote and nurture understanding and acceptance.

RESPECT

We respect all individuals’ value of dignity as a foundation for promoting caring, equity, and self-esteem in every community member.

EMPOWERMENT

We empower the underrepresented in the community to be heard and accepted.

SAFETY

We strive to create a safe, inclusive community for all without fear of retaliation or retribution.

Meet the Team

Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith

President and CEO

Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith, has dedicated more than 25 years to higher

Marsha N. Lindsay

Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

As PTC’s Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Ms. Lindsay is accountable

Lee Cottrell

Faculty – School of Information Systems & Technology, DEI Taskforce Co-Chair

An instructor in PTC’s School of Information Systems and Technology, Lee is

Michael Russell

Faculty – School of Information Systems & Technology, DEI Taskforce Co-Chair

Ordained minister and pastor, educator, lecturer, community advocate, consultant, and Air Force

Jessica Cooper

Faculty – General Education

Jessica followed her passion for communications and English/English Literature to a career

Cheryl Lumsden

Financial Aid Counselor

Cheryl has worked in Financial Aid for PTC since 2006 helping students

Colleen Maxwell

Education - Scheduler

Colleen has been working with data collection and reporting since 2003, joining

Keith Merlino

Associate VP of Student Services

Keith has proudly worked in higher education since 1979 and was hired

Wilfred Mutale

Program Director – School of Information Systems & Technology

Wilfred Mutale is a Program Coordinator and Faculty at Pittsburgh Technical College,

Crystal Santiful

Admissions – Outreach/Success Advisor

As PTC’s Outreach Success Advisor, Crystal is focused on the underserved communities

Nancy Starr

Executive Director of Human Resources

Nancy has been working in Human Resources since 1982 and serves as

We are Listening

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office and Task Force are pleased to announce Pittsburgh Technical College’s “WE ARE LISTENING” campaign.

We invite you to participate in one of the following focus groups:

Alumni
Community
Faculty
Staff
Student

The focus groups’ purpose is to identify individuals committed to partnering with the DEI office and Task Force to promote a culture to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all of us at Pittsburgh Technical College.

The focus group will provide an opportunity for you to find out about DEI goals and objectives. The DEI Task Force will work closely with the Strategic Direction Group 6: Promote Culture of Excellence & Accountability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a focus group?

A focus group consists of 15-20 people who provide deep insight into the attitudes, beliefs, behaviors and opinions of the target audience.

Why do we need a focus group?

We need a focus group for specific areas of the community to better understand how we can promote Diversity, Equity & Inclusion programs at PTC to ensure we align programs with what is important to the target population.

How much time will participation on the focus group require?

Time commitment is as follows:

1 -3 months – bi-weekly meetings
4- 12 months – one meeting per month
12 months and after – bi-monthly meetings

Focus groups are expected to remain in session for 12-24 months but duration may vary by group.

Will meetings be virtual or in-person?

Meetings will be virtual at this time.

Can I refer someone for a focus group?

Yes, referrals are welcome.

Join a Focus Group

Name
First Last
Email
Phone
Focus Group
Choose the focus group that you would like to join.

Awareness Calendar

June

June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. Established to recognize the impact that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on the world, LGBT groups celebrate this special time with pride parades, picnics, parties, memorials for those lost to hate crimes and HIV/AIDS, and other group gatherings. The last Sunday in June is Gay Pride Day.

June is Immigrant Heritage Month. Established in June 2014, Immigrant Heritage Month gives people across the United States an opportunity to annually explore their own heritage and celebrate the shared diversity that forms the unique story of America. It celebrates immigrants across the United States and their contributions to their local communities and economy.

May 31 and June 1: The Tulsa race massacre took place on May 31 and June 1, 1921
June 14: Flag Day in the United States
June 15: Native American Citizenship Day
June 19: Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day
June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day or First Nations Day
Last Sunday in June: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Pride Day in the United States

Learn more about these and other diversity holidays →