EP112: Meet Dr. Philomena Mantella, President, Grand Valley State University—a DOIT certified institution

In The Margins

Grand Valley State University is among the first cohort of institutions to be granted the coveted DOIT (Diverse Organizational Impact and Transformation) Certification. So, in this episode, Diverse host Ralph Newell sits down with the institution's president, Dr. Philomena Mantella, to discuss the recognition and Mantella’s mission to improve the social mobility of young adults through education.

Don’t miss this conversation focused on action, improved pathways to education, working alongside the community, and setting the tone in DEI work in higher education with Mantella.

KEY POINTS:

Receiving the Diverse Organizational Impact and Transformation (DOIT) Certification

The most challenging work behind the DOIT certification process

What is REP4 and how can people get involved?

Why is Dr. Philomena Mantella so passionate about first-generation students?

Navigating recent attacks on DEI initiatives

How business and industry can be key allies to DEI education

QUOTABLES:

“The opportunities we have with diverse students or students that have been underserved or underrepresented in higher education is to give them that sense of possibility that perhaps they haven't contemplated before.”

“I get really frustrated when I hear people say things like, ‘we don't have enough talent.’ Because we are leaving so many people out of the knowledge economy or not relating to other educational pathways more seamlessly, creating these ceilings.”

“We see the promise of individuals of all backgrounds, but we understand that those structures of systemic inequity are really inhibiting the equality of opportunity.”

GUEST RESOURCES:

About the Diverse Organizational Impact and Transformation Certification diverseeducation.com/page/DOIT

Setting the Tone in DEI, Accessibility Work diverseeducation.com/from-the-magazine/article/15306543/attention-to-details

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