Nine people or groups received 2013 University Diversity Awards recognizing their significant contributions to the enhancement, support and furtherance of diversity at UNC and in the community.
The awards, sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, were presented during an April 16 reception at Wilson Library.
“These advocates for diversity and inclusion are shining examples of how we can transform local, University and professional communities into places that embrace and appreciate differences. We acknowledge and applaud their dedication, commitment and efforts that shape our experience at Carolina,” said Taffye Benson Clayton, vice provost for diversity and multicultural affairs and chief diversity officer.
Lisa Freeman, assistant director, Department of Housing and Residential Education. Co-founded department’s Multicultural Competence Committee and created the Multicultural Advisor program, which has expanded to all 17 residential communities. Led the committee to include staff from the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs and the LGBTQ Center.
Paul Cuadros, assistant professor, School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Taught APPLES courses that focus on issues of educational access, diversity and inclusion. He is on the Advisory Board and the Operational Board for the Scholar’s Latino Initiative (SLI).
Katie Savage, junior psychology major. Founded Advocates for Carolina, an organization for students with disabilities. Organized a disability awareness campaign despite challenges along the way. Her nominator cited the persistence, passion and love that allowed Savage to move UNC “toward becoming more accessible for all students.”
Arianna Timko, graduate student in rehabilitation counseling and psychology. Developed “Beyond Bullying: How Bystanders Can Prevent Identity-Based and Sexual Harassment” training, which she presented in February to UNC students.
Black Student Caucus, School of Social Work. Hosted events to promote education about racial and social injustices. Raised money and awareness about breast cancer in African-American women, participated in a breast cancer walk, hosted an open house for prospective students and a screening of the documentary “Brown Eyes/Blue Eyes,” and other events.
Carolina College Advising Corps. Provides advisers who help low-income, first-generation and under-represented students at high schools across North Carolina find colleges that will serve them well.
Bryan McKinley Jones Brayboy, Borderlands Professor of Indigenous Education and Justice in the School of Social Transformation at Arizona State University. A 1990 Carolina alumnus and member of the Lumbee tribe, Brayboy is director of the Center for Indian Education and co-editor of the Journal of American Indian Education.
Blue Ribbon Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) conducts programs to eliminate racial achievement gaps in Chapel Hill-area high schools. Provides leadership opportunities, service-learning projects and college exposure to high school students, focusing on improved access to the opportunities for minority students.
Florence Simán moved from El Salvador to Chapel Hill in 1980. UNC alumna. Has worked on health-related projects throughout North Carolina. After developing a program to serve area Latino families through Child Care Networks, directed a lay health adviser program at El Pueblo, Inc., where she directs health programs.
Published April 17, 2013.