University of Michigan School of Information
People
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office (DEIO) has 3 core staff members and two Graduate Student Staff Assistants (GSSA) who work to carry out the main DEI programs and activities.
DEIO Team
Judy Schabel (She, Her, Hers)
Assistant Dean for Diversity and Org Development Spec Div, Equity and Inclusion
Judy serves as a member of the School of Information (UMSI) leadership team, promoting and fostering a thoughtful and integrated approach to matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) school-wide. She guides the implementation of UMSI’s DEI strategic plan and implementation and serves as the UMSI co-lead to the University DEI Strategic Planning initiative along with Devon Keen. She also advises school leadership on opportunities to advance our DEI goals in the areas of recruitment & retention, education & scholarship, and building an equitable and inclusive community across students, staff, and faculty. She is available to consult with students, staff, and faculty about DEI issues, concerns, programs, and initiatives.
Contact information: [email protected]
Devon Keen (She, Her, Hers)
Director of Inclusion, Equity, and Outreach
Devon leads the UMSI DEI office which involves developing, facilitating, and supporting DEI initiatives and events across UMSI. She supervises the DEI Outreach Coordinator and DEI Graduate Student Staff Assistants and also serves as one of the staff co-chairs of the UMSI DEI Committee. Along with Judy, Devon is available to consult with UMSI faculty, staff, and students regarding DEI-related issues and concerns.
Contact information: [email protected]
Sandra Lopez (She, Her, Hers)
DEI Outreach Coordinator
Sandra coordinates K-12 and Community College outreach initiatives. This includes the Community College Summer Institute (CCSI).
Contact information: [email protected]
Samartha Okyne (She, Her, Hers)
UMSI’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office (DEIO) GSSA
Hi all! My name is Samartha and I’m a first year MSI student on the UX Research and Design track. I am delighted to serve as the GSSA for UMSI’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Office (DEIO) this year.
In my role as your GSSA, I will be responsible for providing and supporting DEI programming to students, faculty, and staff as well as UMSI’s educational outreach initiatives. An integral part of my role is to ensure that student voices are being represented in the DEI strategic planning at a level equal to that of faculty and staff. My office hours are a safe space for students to express any thoughts, concerns, or ideas that they have related to DEI. In addition to listening to students’ experiences, I can assist with directing students to relevant resources as well as create action plans/strategies to design DEI-related programming or resolve DEI issues. I’m excited to get to meet and work along with you all!
Dushyanth “Dush” Aluwihare (He, Him, His)
UMSI’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office (DEIO) GSSA
Hello there! My name is Dushyanth, and I am a first-year MSI student on the UX track. I am so excited and honored to be your student representative, and serve as GSSA for UMSI’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office (DEIO) this year.
This semester, the DEI committee is putting together the next 5-year plan for the School of Information. As your GSSA, I will be responsible for conducting research, analyzing course information, organizing committee resources, and contributing to anti-racist curriculum development. Most importantly, I will be charged with gathering insight from my fellow students at UMSI to inform the efforts of the DEI Committee. I’m here to ensure all of our voices are heard, valued, and acted upon. We all play a role in creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. So let’s work together to listen, learn, and act!