Our people
Office of Equity and Inclusion Faculty and Staff
Charese A. Smith, MPA (she/her)
Assistant Director, Urban Health Program
A favorite quote:
“If we would learn and practice humility more than we practice pride, we would be surprised at just how much we could accomplish.”
− Edgar J. Mohn
Sarah Brand-Reid (she/they)
Administrative Assistant
A favorite quote:
“If you want a strong society, it has to be inclusive. If you have to push a boulder up a hill, do you want 10 people or 100? If you weed out color or gender, you get 10.”
– Cyndi Lauper
Click here to schedule 30-minute technical assistance call with Office of Equity and Inclusion
Karen Cotler, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP
Chair, UIC Nursing Equity and Inclusion Committee
Valerie L. Howard (she/her)
Business Administrative Associate
A favorite quote:
“We, as human beings, must be willing to accept people who are different from ourselves.”
– Barbara Jordan
Equity and Inclusion Committee
The Equity and Inclusion Committee establishes goals and strategies for the College in order to cultivate and maintain a more diverse student body, staff, and faculty in line with the College’s Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan. They develop and review benchmarks and collect data, organize diversity forums and trainings for faculty, staff, and students, and collaborate with departments, regions, and offices to ensure alignment.
Who are the Change Champions?
Change Champions use their personal dedication to equity and anti-racism practice to
1. Support implementation of the College of Nursing’s Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan and accompanying priorities;
2. Offer valuable guidance to the Associate Dean and the Equity and Inclusion Committee; and
3. Actively embody Equity and Inclusion values in their respective areas of work.
Be a Change Champion
If you are a student, staff, or faculty member in the College of Nursing and would like to become a Change Champion, please email sreid11@uic.edu