Last updated on March 23rd, 2022 at 05:31 pm
As the inaugural vice president of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Mount Mary University, Julie Landry is committed to one core belief: that an inclusive climate must be built with intention.
“Everyone has their own definition of ‘inclusion’ and that causes confusion,” said Landry. “Inclusion is not initiatives that strive to make marginalized groups feel included or when marginalized groups assimilate. Assimilation is not inclusion.”
Instead, she says, inclusion is a deep and enduring sense of belonging for all.
Mount Mary is becoming increasingly recognized for diversity, having the highest diversity index in the Midwest, according to the 2021 Best Colleges report by U.S. News and World Report. A 2020 campus climate survey indicated that the inclusive atmosphere is generally positive.
Yet, Landry knows the work is ongoing and that leaders hold the responsibility to set and maintain the environment.
“We must provide clear expectations and consistently model desired behaviors,” she said. “Every voice matters, and uniqueness must be seen as an asset and not a threat.”
There is so much learning and work to be done in the area of DEI, and to consistently foster an inclusive climate.”
Landry, who has 20 years of HR and leadership experience in greater Milwaukee, will share her expertise with business leaders in an eight-session evening class held through Mount Mary’s MBA program. Participants will earn a DEI certificate and create action plans for their own workplaces.
Visit www.mtmary.edu/mbacertificates to learn more.
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