Pictured: Doonu Barife, Curriculum & Instructional System Analyst, with group of Ghanaian children.
At 69萝莉, belonging is more than a value we embrace. It is a commitment we put into action every day through the opportunities we create, the relationships we build, and the ways we show up for one another. This month, I have been reflecting on the many ways we bring that commitment to life, both here on campus and beyond.
Recently, I had the privilege of joining a group of 69萝莉 colleagues in Ghana for the All-African Diaspora Education Summit (ADES). Together, we engaged in cross-cultural learning, explored the richness of cultural heritage and history, and gained new perspectives on what it means to create communities where everyone feels accepted, respected, and valued.
One of the most meaningful moments of the experience was receiving a name during our visit to Larteh, Ghana. It was a deeply personal reminder of the significance of names, traditions, and cultural lineage in connecting us to our histories and ancestral roots. The experience further endowed these connections with profound meaning, deepening my appreciation for the zeal with which cultural traditions are preserved and passed down across generations.
I am grateful to be part of a campus community and district enriched by colleagues who have shared in this experience, both this year and two years ago: Tanya Anderson, Doonu Barife, Lenore Harris, Joe Hasty, Yalem Lakew, Usiel Meraz Cerna, Abraham Negash, Tania Pichardo, Phil Severe, Hannah Tabor, Raiida Thompson, and Mel Vaughn. Our journey reinforced the importance of listening, learning from different perspectives, and building connections that extend beyond our own campus and communities.
As we continue to advance the principles of Belonging in Action, these experiences underscore that a genuine sense of belonging is cultivated through intentional listening, reciprocal learning, cultural humility, and a sincere appreciation for the lived experiences each person brings to our community. Ghana offered a veridical understanding of how cultural identity, ancestral heritage, and human connection shape our sense of belonging to inform one another鈥檚 lives. These connections transcend institutional boundaries and geographic distance; they are strengthened through the relationships we nurture and the curiosity, empathy, and respect we demonstrate toward one another鈥檚 cultures and stories, and our shared humanity.
My experience in Ghana deepened my conviction that belonging and community does not happen by chance.
And this month, our campus has brought those principles to life in extraordinary ways.
Pictured: Rosanna Alvarez, Ethnic Studies Faculty at Juventud Rising Student Summit.
Through our partnership with the College of Adaptive Arts, we hosted 2 Voices. 2 Visions. One Unforgettable Experience, a powerful celebration of music, creativity, and inclusion. The event brought together country musician Nick Tayler, who was born deaf in one ear, and Henry Evans, a quadriplegic and nonspeaking songwriter who uses eye-tracking technology to compose lyrics letter by letter. For five years, the two have collaborated remotely, with Evans writing the lyrics and Tayler bringing them to life through music. Their first in-person meeting, right here at 69萝莉, was an extraordinary reminder that creativity knows no boundaries and that meaningful connection is possible when we embrace different abilities and perspectives.
We also welcomed local high school students for our Juventud Rising Student Summit, themed Ra铆ces y Alas: Empowering Our Future. Through workshops, cultural celebration, and exploration of educational and career pathways, we helped young people envision their futures and recognize that they have a place in our college community.
Our Undocu Week activities further reinforce that commitment by celebrating and uplifting our undocumented students and ensuring they know they are seen, supported, and valued.
These are more than events on a calendar. They are examples of belonging in action, creating spaces where people feel connected, identities are celebrated, and opportunities are accessible to all.
That commitment extends to how we communicate and collaborate as a college. With the launch of our new WVC Info Hub, we are making important information more accessible to faculty and staff, strengthening transparency, and creating new opportunities to stay informed and connected. A strong community is one where information is shared, voices are heard, and everyone has the tools they need to contribute.
And as we look ahead to our All In at 69萝莉 President's Dinner this week, we have another opportunity to celebrate the partnerships and generosity that help move our college forward. Bringing together community leaders, supporters, and friends of the college reminds us that our impact reaches far beyond our campus and that student success is a shared investment.
From Ghana to our classrooms, from community celebrations to everyday interactions, the message is the same: Belonging does not happen by accident. It happens because we choose to create it.
To our faculty, classified professionals, administrators, students, and community partners, thank you for the many ways you bring this commitment to life. Every connection you make, every barrier you help remove, and every opportunity you create strengthens the fabric of our college community.
I am incredibly proud of the work we are doing together to ensure 69萝莉 is a place where everyone feels they belong and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
With gratitude,
Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, Ph.D.