Caltech Center for Inclusion and Diversity Names New Director

Tashiana Bryant, currently senior coordinator (interim) in the office of student life and cultural centers at Cal Poly Pomona, will join Caltech on August 30 as the new director of the Center for Inclusion and Diversity (CCID).

A higher-education professional with more than a decade of experience with campus-based organizations that promote and support inclusive communities, Bryant "uses research to bridge theory and practice, and to develop effective approaches that foster a sense of belonging for historically minoritized and marginalized students, staff, and faculty," says Lindsey Malcom-Piqueux, Caltech's assistant vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion, and assessment, in announcing the appointment. "Building on the longstanding success and versatility of the CCID's education, advocacy, and allyship efforts, Tashiana will lead the development of programming and activities that build partnerships across campus, expand cultural awareness, and cultivate appreciation of, and capacity for, culturally affirming practices."

Bryant, who earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Cal State Long Beach with a research focus on STEM pathways for historically minoritized and marginalized students, has participated in campus-wide administrative and leadership committees as well as professional organizations focused on diversity and inclusion.

"I am excited about the opportunity to serve and move the Caltech community forward in the commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts at the Institute," says Bryant. "To me, working with such an esteemed community of scholars is exciting and can open the door to new possibilities in diversity, equity, and inclusion work on the campus. I want to promote cultural exchange and cultivate a sense of belonging for students, postdoctoral scholars, faculty, and staff. I look forward to working together with the Caltech community in building a just and inclusive community."

Bryant will join a realigned CCID staff, including:

• Taso Dimitriadis, who has served as the interim CCID director since January, and who will resume his associate director role, leading the Freshman Summer Research Institute and developing programs and activities for Caltech's LGBTQIA+ community;
• Yazmin Gonzalez, who joined the CCID as assistant director in February and will also act as the lead for education and campus engagement programs, trainings, and workshops;
• Monique Thomas, who is now program manager for advocacy and campus relations, will focus on CCID's efforts to work with campus partners to support academic and co-curricular learning and success among students from historically minoritized and underserved populations;
• Alison Tominaga, who is now the program manager for allyship and campus outreach, leading the Caltech Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador (CDIA) Program and other allyship and inclusivity activities, and acting as the primary advisor for Caltech's Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Desi American student organizations; and
• Marlene Moncada, who is CCID's department administrator.