Now more than ever, the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion remains committed to providing CPTC with robust and timely professional development aligned with our values of access, collaboration, diversity, equity, excellence, inclusion, innovation, and respect. As an open-access college, we are committed to these values and being responsive to campus and national climate, especially when it has potential to impact the students we serve.
As an institution of public higher education in the state of Washington, we must also remain compliant with RCW 28B.10.145, which requires us to offer professional development directly related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism.
This All Faculty and Staff In-Service day is required for and limited to current CPTC employees. No classes will take place this day to maximize full participation from our staff, faculty, and administrative leadership community.
All Faculty and Staff In-Service
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION DAY 2026:
BELONGING STARTS WITH US: CENTERING CARE THAT WORKS FOR THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE
February 27, 2026
7:30 am - 3:30 pm
McGavick Conference Center
Agenda
7:30-8 A.M. Check-In and Continental Breakfast
8-8:30 A.M. Welcome and Opening Remarks
8:30-9:30 A.M. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Nina Moreno, Ph.D. (she/they), Senior Consultant, Seed Collaborative.
9:30-9:45 A.M. BREAK
9:45-10:45 A.M. Workshop Sessions*
10:45-11 A.M. BREAK
11 A.M.-12 P.M. Workshop Sessions*
12-1 P.M. Lunch
1-2 P.M. Workshop Sessions*
2-2:15 P.M. BREAK
2:15-3:15 P.M. Workshop Sessions*
3:15-3:30 P.M. Wrap-up and Door Prizes
* Workshop Sessions: Unlike years in the past, where you would move room to room for workshops, this year you will stay in the same room, with the same colleagues for the rest of the day. You will experience a total of 4 separate workshops with plenty of breaks for movement, snacks, and community building. Our presenters will move locations during the breaks, and each employee will be able to participate in all 4 workshops being offered.
Keynote Speaker:
Centering Care through Connection: The Everyday Practices of Belonging that Build Strong Communities – Dr. Nina Moreno, Ph.D., Seed Collaborative
We will explore the transformative framework of “belonging without othering” and its five essential elements- recognition, agency, inclusion, connection, and cocreation-as a foundation for building inclusive communities. We will examine how bridging serves as a critical pillar that connects us across differences while maintaining our distinct identities and experiences. Together, we will consider how to create communities of collective care where students, staff, and faculty can thrive, centering the needs and strengths of the communities we serve. This session invites us to reflect on our own roles in building bridges, and provides actionable approaches for fostering belonging that starts with us and extends to everyone in our educational community.
Workshop Sessions
Creating Space to Learn – Jae Kim and Dr. Elizabeth Maher, Ph.D., Arc of King County
This presentation provides a brief introduction to disability, the impact of ableism (a.k.a discrimination based on disability on educational systems), and legal protections for people with disabilities in the United States. We will discuss strategies for working with students to improve accessibility and provide everyone with a chance to learn. Participants will then have the opportunity to explore different scenarios that faculty and staff might encounter related to disability and brainstorm potential responses.
Feeling Like an Outsider: The Cost of Being Othered – Nicklaus (Klaus) McHendry and Evelyn Tuiaana, Department of Enterprise Services
This workshop is an overview of a module from the ‘A Path Towards Equity: Disrupting Structural Racism Through Awareness and Belonging’ series. This workshop will introduce the learners to the concept of othering. By examining the lived experience of an individual being othered, the course will explore origins of othering behavior, and the negative impacts othering has on all groups.
Meeting People Where They Are: Targeted Universalism as a Pathway to Campus Belonging – Dr. Nina Moreno, Ph.D., Seed Collaborative
This interactive workshop introduces targeted universalism, a belonging framework that pursues universal goals (like campus belonging) through strategies tailored to the specific needs of different students and groups. Rather than treating everyone as if they are the same and having the same experience, or creating separate silos, targeted universalism recognizes that achieving shared outcomes requires understanding and addressing the different life experiences faced by all campus communities. Through practical examples, participants will learn how to identify universal goals while developing targeted strategies that work for the specific communities they serve. We will explore how this approach moves us beyond one-size-fits-all solutions toward authentic belonging, starting with all of us.
The Washington State Human Rights Commission Overview – Agata Moges, J.D. and Riley Wessels, Washington State Human Rights Commission.
This presentation will focus on the law, mainly RCW 49.60, elements of illegal discrimination, the administrative complaint process, evidence and the burden of proof, and other related topics.
All Faculty and Staff In-Service
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION DAY 2025:
MEETING THE MOMENT AND MAINTAINING THE MOMENTUM
February 28, 2025
7:30 am - 3:30 pm
McGavick Conference Center
Agenda
7:30-8 A.M. Check-In and Continental Breakfast
8-8:30 A.M. Welcome and Opening Remarks
8:30-9:30 A.M. Our Unwavering Commitment to Serving our Communities: A Review of the Immigrant Rights and Non-Discrimination Policy
9:30-9:45 A.M. BREAK and Transition to Concurrent Workshops
9:45-10:45 Concurrent Track 1
Concurrent Track 1 Sessions: Deepening our EDI Skill Building
The Role of Bystander Intervention in Creating Communities of Belonging – Sophia Agtarap
Have you ever experienced or witnessed a form of bias and didn't know how to respond? Most folks have likely encountered bias and maybe didn't even know. As a community of people who are working together to create spaces of belonging and inclusion, what does it look, sound, and feel like to interrupt when we see instances of bias, racism, transphobia, sexism, and more, occur? What is the possibility of what can happen in that moment and beyond? We'll come together to understand language and practices that can help move each of us to intervene when we witness or experiences instances of bias in our communities.
Maintaining Momentum for EDI Work (For CPTC Presidents Executive Cabinet) – Megan Matthews
In order to further enhance our college's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), this workshop is a strategy session for Executive Cabinet. The team will address how to match Washington state's pro-DEI stance, how state institutions continue to maintain momentum around DEI in this time, and more.
Navigating Difficult Conversations – Sheli Sledge
Navigating difficult conversations can leave us feeling uncomfortable, vulnerable, and unprepared. Navigating difficult conversations during times of conflict in our teaching and working spaces can require many skills like, open communication, actively listening, managing our emotions, intentional empathy, self-awareness and respectful dialogue. This workshop is designed to introduce skills to help prepare for challenging conversations, manage conflict, improve communication, and work towards constructive conversations with an eye towards advocacy, mutual understanding, and equity
Mitigating Bias in Generative AI – Clover Park Technical College Teaching & Learning Center
This interactive workshop will equip faculty and staff with the knowledge and tools to identify, understand, and mitigate bias in generative AI systems. Participants will explore the ethical implications of AI bias, examine real-world case studies, and engage in hands-on activities to evaluate AI-generated content. The session will introduce practical strategies for integrating responsible AI use into the classroom, emphasizing critical thinking, fairness, and transparency. Participants will leave with actionable steps to help students navigate AI technology ethically and effectively.
Community, Identity & Coalition Building through Art – Eileen Jimenez
Collaborate with IndigiQueer artist Eileen Jimenez (Ñätho) to create artwork that reflects our experiences and relationships with Land, to joy, to resilience, to ourselves, and to our communities. During this workshop we will explore printmaking from pre-carved blocks, and watercolor to co-create art. During our time together we will also connect with each other, and reflect on what it means to coalition build and center our work in community and through art.
Critical Thinking and Managing Bias – Luke Ruiz
This workshop explores the importance of critical thinking and the management of bias in higher education. Participants will be introduced to key characteristics, strategies to enhance their analytical skills, work through real-life examples. Through interactive exercises and discussion, attendees will learn practical tools to recognize and mitigate these biases in both their own thinking and in the classroom or work environment at CPTC. This workshop empowers staff and faculty to approach institutional challenges with clarity, fairness, and intellectual rigor.
Empowering Veteran Students for a Brighter Future – Dee Ladson
Join us for an informative workshop designed to support student veterans in navigating campus resources, VA education benefits, and career opportunities. Learn about academic support, financial aid, and wellness services tailored to veterans. Connect with fellow student veterans and get answers to your questions from knowledgeable staff. Whether you're just starting your academic journey or planning your next steps, this workshop will provide valuable insights to help you succeed. Don't miss this opportunity to maximize your benefits and make the most of your college experience!
10:45-11 A.M. BREAK and Transition to Concurrent Workshops
11 A.M.-12 P.M. Concurrent Track 2
Concurrent Track 2 Sessions: Using Policy, Culturally Responsive Practices, and Procedures to Uphold a Community of Care
The Role of Bystander Intervention in Creating Communities of Belonging – Sophia Agtarap
Have you ever experienced or witnessed a form of bias and didn't know how to respond? Most folks have likely encountered bias and maybe didn't even know. As a community of people who are working together to create spaces of belonging and inclusion, what does it look, sound, and feel like to interrupt when we see instances of bias, racism, transphobia, sexism, and more, occur? What is the possibility of what can happen in that moment and beyond? We'll come together to understand language and practices that can help move each of us to intervene when we witness or experiences instances of bias in our communities.
Cultural Humility: The What and the How – Ashley Bennett
In this session we will cover what cultural humility is and the key principles/values attached to it. We will explore the difference between the term cultural competency versus cultural humility. We investigate how cultural humility enhances experiences and engagement in various arenas and discuss how to embed it in education and curriculum design.
We Won't Let Policies Erase People: Supporting and Advocating with our Trans and Non-Binary College Community – Dr. Tolulope Taiwo
This session will address federal and state policies that discuss gender-expansive identities and discuss ways we as practitioners can support and advocate with our trans and non-binary students, faculty, and staff on campus.
Honoring Disability Culture and Fulfilling Accessibility Access in Higher Education Spaces – Sarah Addington
Technology around accessibility has been evolving at a rapid rate along with an overall shift in the paradigm of disability culture. Higher education should explore the implementation and impact of current policies, at both the state and federal level, overall accessibility, as well as honoring the modern approach to disability culture within the community – "Nothing about us, without us". The goal is to utilize policy to support the success of students with disabilities, through equitable access to education via accessible accommodations.
Policy and Procedure Overview Regarding Concerning Behavior – James Neblett, AVP of HR&C, Dean Kelly, VP of Student Success
Broad overview of processes and procedures regarding reporting, investigation, and resolution of concerning behaviors to include: Better CPTC reporting, Student Conduct, BIT, and Harassment, Intimidation, Retaliation, and Bullying.
Supporting Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed Students – United Way Of Pierce County
This session will discuss the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) model and present three programs that support this population—Growing Resilience In Tacoma (GRIT), Centers for Strong Families, and 211. Faculty and staff will then reflect on ways to support Clover Park ALICE students.
UndocuBasics: Snapshot of Undocumented Experience in Higher Education – Gabriela "Gaby" Osorio
This session will give participants a brief introduction to the experience of the undocumented immigrant community in post-secondary education. It covers some of the terminology and identities of the undocumented community. It will also provide a short timeline of the laws and policies impacting this community as it pertains to post-secondary education. (Please note that Gaby is also doing a "Part 2" to this session in the afternoon, and attending both sessions may make sense for deeper learning).
12-1 P.M. Lunch – Catered by Nola Cuisine
1-2 P.M. Concurrent Track 3
Concurrent Track 3 Sessions: Using Trauma-Informed Approaches to Nurturing a Community of CARE
The Role of Bystander Intervention in Creating Communities of Belonging – Sophia Agtarap
Have you ever experienced or witnessed a form of bias and didn't know how to respond? Most folks have likely encountered bias and maybe didn't even know. As a community of people who are working together to create spaces of belonging and inclusion, what does it look, sound, and feel like to interrupt when we see instances of bias, racism, transphobia, sexism, and more, occur? What is the possibility of what can happen in that moment and beyond? We'll come together to understand language and practices that can help move each of us to intervene when we witness or experiences instances of bias in our communities.
UndocuSeeds: Developing Safe Spaces – Gabriela "Gaby" Osorio
This session touches upon the various degrees of comfort the undocumented immigrant community experience when sharing their immigration status. A discussion of resources and supports will be introduced to begin viewing services for students through an undocumented lens. Participants will take away "seeds" that they can begin cultivating in their work.
Leading through Uncertainty – Tony McMath
Unlock the power of effective leadership in our session, "Leading Through Uncertainty." Guided by John Maxwell's principle that "leadership is influence," this session is designed for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills, whether you lead a team, manage projects, or simply aim to inspire those around you. We'll explore the nature of uncertainty, its emotional impact, and what individuals seek during challenging times. Through Maxwell's leadership insights and the DISC personality framework, you'll discover how to leverage your unique strengths, address weaknesses, and positively influence those around you. With practical examples and interactive discussions, you'll be equipped to navigate uncertainty with confidence and resilience, making a meaningful impact in any situation. Ready to turn challenges into opportunities? Join us and elevate your leadership journey!
The Culture Cycle: Building a Community of Care – Jovan McCoy
A thriving community doesn't happen by chance—it's intentionally built through shared values, trust, and consistent action. In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the Culture Cycle, a framework that describes a recursive process where people create cultures, and then those cultures shape people's actions. Through engaging discussions and hands-on activities, attendees will learn how to: Identify the key elements of a strong organizational or team culture, foster trust and respectful workplace culture for meaningful collaboration, and implement practical strategies to build a Community of Care that enhances engagement, resilience, and well-being. Whether you're a leader, educator, or team member, this session will equip you with the tools to cultivate a culture where people not only belong but thrive. Join us to transform your department into a space of support, growth, and lasting impact!
Imagine Otherwise: Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education Through Critical Creativity – Angelica Hambrick
Williams (2013) argued, "Too often, strategic thinking is constrained by a lack of creativity" (p. 214). Radical imagination and critical creativity are integral to addressing inequitable higher education outcomes. In this session, we will practice strategies to Imagine Otherwise, designed to innovate new tools and create new blueprints for change.
Managing Compassion Fatigue In The Face Of Collective Trauma– Nicole Hoyes Wilson
For many of us, the world feels uncertain and scary. As educators we are experiencing collective trauma with our students, colleagues, and ourselves. In this session we will learn how trauma impacts our physical bodies, emotions, cognitions, and behaviors. Drawing from the work of Laura van Dernoot Lipsky and trauma stewardship, we will learn how to manage compassion fatigue and burn out in ourselves and others using radical self and collective care, and rest as resistance.
Equipping for Mental Health: A First-Aid Kit for Supporting Students in Crisis and Building Resilience -Carrie Van Beek & Rachael Butler
Equipping for Mental Health: A First-Aid Kit for Supporting Students in Crisis and Building Resilience" provides staff and faculty with the essential tools to effectively support students facing mental health crises. Participants will learn strategies to respond with empathy and understanding, while also gaining practical skills to help students build long-term mental health resilience. This interactive session covers crisis intervention techniques, communication strategies, and ways to foster a supportive environment that encourages students to seek help and develop coping skills.
Liberation and Rest Sound Bath - Tory Trujillo
Vibrational Sound has been used to support healing, rest, and transformation for eons. Understanding that Rest is resistance, rest is revolution, and rest is self and mutual care, participants are invited to rest during this workshop. Tory Trujillo will play Quarts Crystal Singing Bowls, A Mayan Ocean Drum, and will incorporate Vocal Toning. Participants are welcomed to sit or lie down comfortably and will be lead into the experience with guided breath work and an embodiment practice. There will be a closing circle to close the workshop. Participants are encouraged to bring yoga mats, bolsters, blankets and other items comfort items.
2-2:15 P.M. BREAK and Transition Time
2:15-3 P.M. Large Group Activity - McGavick Conference Center
3-3:30 P.M. Closing, Remarks & Participation Door Prizes