“Throughout my 27 years in intercollegiate athletics, I’ve been committed to promoting equity, diversity and an inclusive environment which allows everyone the opportunity to contribute to the best of their ability. I truly believe this formula makes organizations, universities and ultimately the world a better place. Through respect for one another and building authentic relationships, together we can celebrate our individual uniqueness and create an inclusive and productive organization.”

“As a first generation college student and proud Latina, I have seen the transformative power of education first hand. Being a part of the Buckeye Community has only further ignited my passion for the pursuit of higher education and I want to inspire all of those around me to embrace diversity every day. As a part of this group, I want to lend a voice to those who aren’t always afford a seat at the table.”

“Every person should have an opportunity to reach their full potential. I am proud to be on this committee and to be at Ohio State where I am surrounded by people that share that same value. I want to help any student-athlete find who they are as a person, inspire them to do their best, and allow them to discover the power of inclusion. This committee is made up of amazing people, and I am grateful to be around them as we want the best for all of our student-athletes. This passion and openness will bring our athletics department success in sport and in life.”

“When I went off to college the very first university I attended was a predominantly white institution. I did not see myself represented in many areas and coming from such a diverse high school it was a bit of culture shock for me. I wanted to be a part of this committee, not only to give back to Buckeye Nation, but also because I believe in diversity and inclusion and that it is so very important for student-athletes to see themselves represented.”

“‘Be the person you needed when you were younger.’ This is a quote that has resonated with me for some time now, having recently been pushed by mentors and friends to be more of my authentic self, both inside and outside of the workplace.  The impact this has had on me both personally and professionally, I knew that my charge had to be to create an environment for our students and staff to bring their whole self to campus daily and approach each aspect of being a Buckeye with authenticity.  An environment where we lead and champion inclusivity and diversity, is an environment in which we could all thrive and learn from.”

“During my career, I have met so many people from various backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, etc.  I have cherished these relationships as they have shaped me into the person I am today. My main role has led me to become an advocate for student-athletes’ healthcare, but there is so much more involved than healthcare. My goal is for everyone to feel comfortable, safe, and included no matter where you came from. We are all special and unique in so many ways. I would like to celebrate our diversity and truly learn from each other.”

“I am passionate about PEOPLE. Not a certain type of people, all people. From any race, religion, gender/transgender, economic background, sexual orientation/identification/expression, I want people to feel safe with me. I’m excited to help our student-athletes, coaches, athletics and business advancement staffs, our fans and consumers with resources to champion an inclusive space here at Ohio State. I do this work to provide others with the resources they may not know they needed, and/or understand where to get them. I continue to learn new and inclusive ways of thinking each and every day, and understand that I am not perfect, but I hope that I, along with the Buckeye Inclusion committee members can inspire others to seek the help they need or provide a positive space for each person I/they meet.”

“I’ve always enjoyed so many aspects of Hospitality Management.  One of my favorites involves communicating with people through customer service.  It’s so important that ALL individuals feel appreciated and respected.  The opportunity to serve on the Buckeye Inclusion Committee offers a great platform to promote, educate and generate awareness of human differences within our diverse society.”

“My motivation for joining this committee is two-prong:  both personal and professional.  Personally, I am married to a multi-racial woman and we recently welcomed a multi-racial daughter into this world. Inclusivity has and will continue to be important to my life personally. ‘Respect’ is my number one core value, and I believe respect should be given to ALL people. Professionally, I work directly with nearly 100 student-athletes every academic year, each with their own identity. I want to learn how to better support these students and advocate for their inclusive and diverse experience as a Buckeye.”

“Having lived through an era of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ during my military career, I want to help people be true and honest to themselves. I believe through this, we learn from one another and grow to be better and do better. At Ohio State, we are an incubator for a bigger and brighter future that starts with acceptance of all people. Respecting and valuing one another can take us into new realms as inclusive Buckeyes!”

“Growing up playing in a neighborhood with 13 boys, my sister and I learned very quickly it was survival of the fittest. A very simple rule: If you can play, you get picked. It didn’t matter your gender, just your talent. Playing on my high school boys’ tennis team, there was no problem. Just keep winning. Having these experiences in my youth has shaped my life.

I live by these fundamental lessons learned: 1)Surround yourself with people that value you, 2)Respect diversity of thought, 3)Create an environment of inclusivity so everyone has equal opportunity to thrive.

Sharing these lessons with our student-athletes is a primary focus of my Sport Performance Department oversight and commitment to the Buckeye Inclusion efforts.”