The Pratt Institute Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council, established in 2019, is dedicated to advancing Pratt’s DEI Strategic Plan, comprised of 30 members representing students, faculty, and staff. Chaired by the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Council meets multiple times throughout the academic year. Serving on the Council includes establishing direction and strategy, identifying resources, and tracking progress on strategic objectives. The Council delivers an annual progress report, reinforcing Pratt’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Council Mission Statement
The DEI Council aims to build a campus community where diversity, equity, and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of the institute’s life. The Council actively identifies and addresses inequities, shaping policies and practices that promote inclusivity and create a sense of belonging. Its goal is to ensure that every campus community member feels respected, valued, and supported.
DEI Progress Reports
DEI Progress Report
The DEI Progress Reports offer an overview of campus–wide diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, progress, and best practices at Pratt Institute.
2019-2020 Report
In fall 2020, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, in collaboration with Communications and Marketing, published Pratt’s first DEI Progress Report for the 2019-2020 academic years. View the DEI 2019-2020 Progress Report as a PDF.
For questions or to learn how you can contribute to DEI efforts, please contact us at diversity@pratt.edu.
DEI Council Membership
* represents Elected Membership
- Alexandra Jones Torres, AVP for Admissions
- Amanda Blancato, Associate Director of External Communications & Media Relations
- Caroline Lee, Director of Prospect Management and Research
- Cashel Campbell, Visiting Professor, Creative Arts Therapy
- Chris Sula, Assistant Provost & Assistant Professor, School of Information
- Deborah Johnson, Associate Professor, Foundations
- Donna Gorsline, Vice President, Staff Council
- Emma Legge, Director of Student Involvement
- Heather Shpiro, Director of Student Success
- Holly Wilson, Associate Professor, Research & Instruction Librarian
- Judit Torok, Director, Center for Teaching & Learning
- Justice Whitaker, Assistant Professor, Film & Video
- Justin Kelley, AVP for Student Life, Student Affairs
- Marjorie Dambreville, Director of People and Culture, Human Resources
- Michael Rodriguez, DEI Chair, Student Government Association, Art Education
- Missy Brown, Pratt Libraries, Cataloging and Metadata Librarian
- Na Rae Yun, Graduate Student Chair, SGA
- Nadeea Saeed, Director of Research and Strategic Partnerships
- Nakisha Henry, Director of Benefits, Human Resources
- Nedzad Goga, AVP of Student Financial Services
- Nicole Todd, Talent Acquisition Manager, Human Resources
- Radhika Phansalkar, DEI Graduate Assistant, MS Information Experience Design
- Rodric Bowman, AVP for Campus Safety and Preparedness
- Samantha Harvey, President, Staff Council*
- Shanieka Brooks, Director, Undergraduate Advisement
- Stephan Slaughter, Chairperson, Undergraduate Architecture
- Uzma Rizvi, President, Academic Senate* & Associate Professor, Social Science & Cultural Studies
- Xahara MeGod, Visiting Professor, Creative Arts Therapy
For any questions about the DEI Strategic Plan or the DEI Council, please email diversity@pratt.edu.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Progress Report
In fall 2020, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Communications and Marketing published Pratt’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Progress Report for academic years 2019 and 2020. The report provides a high-level overview of progress in advancing Pratt’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan, programmatic diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and best practices from schools and units across campus. To learn more about Pratt’s DEI efforts, see the full report below.
View the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 2019-2020 Progress Report as a PDF.
If you have any questions about the report or would like to be involved in DEI Office efforts, please contact us at diversity@pratt.edu.