NCURA Region VI Education and Professional Development Committee
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Discussion Group
Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 12:00 pm PDT/3:00 pm EDT
The Region VI Education and Professional Development Committee (EPDC) is embracing the opportunity to continue the conversation on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Join us for a discussion on Breaking Down Cultural Norms within the Academic Setting: Strategies for Creating a Safe Space for Honest and Open Dialogue. We endeavor to expand on our mission and vision to provide a diverse and equitable workplace and social environment through discussion and education with a free discussion group to talk about issues relating to the academic setting and encourage safe, open environments to foster cultural and ethical change in the workplace.
Join the discussion about Breaking Down Cultural Norms within the Academic Setting: Strategies for Creating a Safe Space for Honest and Open Dialogue with facilitators, Geraldine Pierre, JD, MS and Theresa Caban.
Geraldine Pierre, JD, MS, is an experienced Sponsored Program Research Administrator with 30 years of academic departmental and central office, research administration experience. She is currently a Senior Research Administrator managing the grant portfolio for the Precision Vaccine Program (PVP) at the Boston Children’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Geraldine is a published author on various Research Administration topics and a seasoned presenter at both NCURA and SRAI national and regional conferences. Geraldine represented Region I on NCURA’s national SCDEI and was instrumental in the formation of the Region I DEI Committee which made a successful inaugural appearance at the 2022 spring meeting in Newport, RI. In 2022, Geraldine chaired the DEI Collaborate Working Group and is currently the co-chair for the 2023 term.
Theresa Caban, MPA, CRA, has been involved in some capacity of Research Administration for 25+ years. Her experience began at an internationally renowned academic institution where she was indoctrinated and trained in many aspects of pre- and post-award administration. There she developed her RA abilities that extended through the creation and cultivation of international relationships and management of research lab and staff. Later, she worked for research development organizations working directly with national security staff and federal organizations in developing funding for special in-field research labor needs. Theresa was able to refine her teaching and training abilities while working in a hospital research capacity where she developed SPA University that created and presented research centric information to all research staff including PIs and physicians. She is currently Director of Clinical Trials and Industry Contracts. Theresa is a mentor and educator and a member of several career organizations to which she volunteers regularly and is the past NCURA Region VI Chair. She served on the NCURA National DE&I committee in its inception year and contributed through a series of DEI centric articles, discussion groups and presentations. She believes that we all deserve a place at the table and strives daily to ensure that there is always room. The fight for all voices to be heard is constant and ongoing and she has devoted to working toward equity in all that she does.
We encourage everyone to join and participate in the discussion, and we ask that each person:
Register by Tuesday, May 16, there is no fee to participate. Zoom link will be provided by Friday, May 18, 2023.
Watch Breaking Down Cultural Norms within the Academic Setting: Strategies for Creating a Safe Space for Honest and Open Dialogue - Presentation Video | Presentation Slides
Read an article of your choosing on DEI. NCURA magazine has options.
Submit 1-2 questions for the discussion via the registration form or the Region VI DEI website by Tuesday, May 16, 2023. Submission via the DEI website is anonymous.
For additional questions, please contact NCURA Region VI Education and Professional Development Committee (EPDC) member Lisa Wottrich or Vanessa Quiroz Hotz.
NCURA’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
National Diversity and Inclusion Statement
The National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) recognizes, values, and celebrates diversity of persons, skills, and experiences in its mission to advance the profession of research administration. Thus, NCURA is committed to building and maintaining a diverse membership and a culture of inclusion. Every member of NCURA has a right, without regard to gender, race, ethnicity, age, religion, social class, sexual orientation, ability, personality, functional experience, or background, to fair and respectful treatment, equal access to resources to support professional growth, and equitable opportunities to contribute to NCURA’s success.
Region VI Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement
NCURA’s Region VI DE&I Committee aligns with the Council’s overall goal of promoting the development of research administration as a professional field while stimulating the personal growth of the members of the Council.
Region VI’s committee dedicates their time and resources to creating and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment that embraces and celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion regionally, nationally, and globally.
These principles are vital to the Region’s sustainability and growth as well as the breadth of educational and professional opportunities offered. The committee’s goal is to empower members to participate, learn, lead, educate, celebrate and advocate for growth and learning that reflects the dynamic and universal world we live in.