Diversity Equity and Inclusion Fellowship

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

CEIA is cultivating an environment where members of all identities, beliefs, and backgrounds are included, supported and uplifted. To build a sustainable, inclusive environment for the association, the CEIA Board of Directors has strategically taken the following actions since January 2019:

  • Added diversity & inclusion as a core value of the association, adopted a diversity & inclusion commitment statement in the association by-laws for board and committee member recruitment, and revised the business plan to prioritize implementing diversity, equity and inclusion across the organization.
  • Created the Diversity & Inclusion Committee and added an Associate Board of Director position for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiatives to intentionally improve CEIA policies, practices, and membership engagement
  • Distributed a survey to members and stakeholders inviting them to share their perspective on issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion in our profession.
  • Published statements of support: CEIA – Standing Against Racism Statement and Statement: Verdict of Derek Chauvin being found guilty of all charges in the murder of George Floyd.
  • Established and raised funds for the inaugural CEIA Diversity Fellowship.

About The DEI Fellowship Program

The DEI Fellowship Program will support selecting and honoring work-integrated learning professionals from underrepresented identities with expertise in promoting the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In concert with the association’s conference and diversity and inclusion committees, selected fellows will design and facilitate programming at the annual conference. Fellow(s) will showcase diverse, equitable, and inclusive perspectives, practices, and policies that enhance and expand the positive impact of work-integrated learning. This Program will provide the financial resources to fund a conference registration and one year membership for selected fellows. 

We are seeking individuals who:

  1. Share expertise in promoting the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the CEIA annual conference.
  2. Seeking to present at the annual CEIA conference on a topic related to practices, policy development, proposals, and/or research that promote change towards greater inclusiveness.  
  3. Are currently engaged/employed in the field of career development, experiential education, or recruiting.
  4. Represent an underserved and/or underrepresented identity, including, but not limited to: race, age, ability, size, religious belief, nationality, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, and more.

2024 CEIA DEI Fellows

Tirrany Thurmond

Founder and Principal Consultant
Idaltu Counseling and Consulting

Tirrany Thurmond, M.Ed., NCC, LGPC is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Idaltu Counseling & Consulting, an educational consulting firm that specializes in the healing practices of mental health counseling, social justice advocacy, and antiracism education. Tirrany’s curiosity about people — who they are, how they evolve, where they hurt — guides her work and led her to found Idaltu. Just as human beings need one another to evolve, we need one another to heal.

Tirrany’s uses a culturally responsive and trauma-informed approach to guide her support for organizations and individuals. She is a mental health therapist, story collector, and genealogist, committed to reimagining institutions and society. Her tenure spans over a decade in higher education on large and small campuses, specifically student affairs, equity and inclusion, student recruitment, and faculty and staff development.

Tirrany is a Qualified Administrator for the Intercultural Development Inventory, TEDx speaker, and sought-after facilitator and advisor. She’s a proud HBCU graduate – earning a bachelor’s in behavior analysis from Savannah State University – and a master’s in counselor education from Georgia Southern University.

CEIA Conference Presentation:  Centering SEL to Create Psychological Safety in the Workplace

Tuesday, April 9, 1:45 – 2:45 PM
Meeting Room 4

During this interactive session, work-integrated professionals will explore the essential components of SEL, social-emotional learning, and how to use an SEL lens to inform its DEI strategy and foster a psychologically safe environment for its contributors.

 


 

Jason Riley

Venture Intern Program Manager
Sam M. Walton College of Business & Division of the Vice Chancellor for Economic Development
University of Arkansas

Jason is a proud first- generation college graduate hailing from Little Rock, Arkansas. He earned his undergraduate Bachelor’s degree in Family Consumer Science from the University of Central Arkansas. Following graduation, he embarked on a fulfilling journey at the Arkansas School for Math and Science (ASMSA), initially serving as a residential mentor and later earning a promotion to Senior Residential Mentor.

During his tenure at ASMSA, Jason exhibited leadership by overseeing the hiring and training of a dedicated staff. His role extended beyond administrative duties to providing comprehensive support to students in social, emotional, and academic spheres. Seeking new challenges, Jason transitioned to the University of Arkansas as an Academic Outreach Specialist. In this dynamic role, he played a crucial part in guiding students through transitions from middle to high school and high school to college.

In addition to his outreach responsibilities, Jason played a pivotal role in aiding current college students in finding their academic balance through retention work and facilitating diversity education workshops. Driven by a desire for broader impact, he made a leap into the private sector, offering support to students through academic advising and coaching at Elsmere Education. While this experience brought valuable insights, Jason discovered a deep longing for the love and programming inherent in traditional higher education, and would make his way back to the University of Arkansas as a Program Manager for the Venture Intern Program.

In his current capacity, Jason oversees internship placements and operations for students collaborating with local startups in the community. His commitment is unwavering as he strives to create an inclusive environment where students and colleagues from all walks of life feel welcomed and valued. Jason holds a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Arkansas.

CEIA Conference Presentation:  Having the Talk

Tuesday, April 9, 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Meeting Room 4

oin us for an interactive workshop that delves into the realm of blind spots, exploring ways to enhance engagement with students and empower companies to provide meaningful support. This workshop is not just about recognizing blind spots but also equipping participants with strategies to bridge gaps and create inclusive environments.

More Information:

If you are interested in joining this committee or have resources to recommend, 
contact Tiffany Johnson,  Associate for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at tiffany.johnson @ UCF.edu