CCEI News & Announcements

Happy Fall! Welcome to our newsletter!

We would like this to be a place to keep you informed of all things related to community, equity, and inclusion on campus, including some fun features and highlights. As our college’s Position Statement on Diversity says:

We define diversity as all the ways in which we vary from one another, and we see each individual as contributing unique and valuable perspectives to our organization.

Equity is meeting people where they are while providing resources and supports necessary to ensure each person thrives in their journey.

Inclusion means that we value our uniqueness as strengths. We foster an environment where everyone is seen, their voices are heard, and a sense of belonging is felt.

Upcoming CCEI Events

Throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, the Center for Community, Equity, and Inclusion will be hosting workshops and events designed to support and celebrate our staff. These sessions will provide opportunities for learning, connection, and professional growth, all centered on fostering an inclusive and supportive campus community. Check out what's coming up below!

NCC is committed to fostering an environment where all staff feel supported in contributing your unique and valuable perspectives, as well as your consistent professionalism, to our organization. Please join the Center for Community, Equity, and Inclusion for our series of workshops to presented during the 2025 – 2026 academic year, geared toward YOU, our indispensable staff!

FALL 2025 Workshops:

Advocating for your Ideas: Oct. 16th 10 AM - 11 AM, ZOOM
Professional Development Opportunities/Get to Know the Organization: Nov. 13th 10 AM - 11 AM, ZOOM

SPRING 2026 Workshops:

Coming soon!

Modeled in part on Safe Space trainings, you will earn certificate/lapel pin/sticker upon completion. The goal is tied to Pillar IV of our Strategic Plan: Healthy NCC Organization, which highlights the importance of healthy community. Using Restorative Practices, healthy communication and conflict resolution techniques, these workshops will be action-based and fun opportunities to celebrate community, including ways to engage with national observances throughout the year, especially as they tie in with Annual Humanities Theme "We the People: Reflecting Back, Building Forward."

Upcoming Workshops:

October 28th 10 - 11:30 am
November 11th, 10 - 11:30 am
Zoom Link to join: northampton-edu.zoom.us/j/95464019805

Complete five workshops to earn the Equity Certificate!

This Fall’s offerings will include:

Better Together
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training
White Racial Identity Development
Safe Space Training
LGBTQ+ History 101: Continued Training for Safe Space
Beyond the Scale: Understanding and Addressing Sizeism
From the Bag Phone to the NCCGO App

Executive Director/DEI Corner with Gina Turner

Gina Turner Headshot

What I’m Reading: Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzales

One thing that I loved about this book is that it allowed me to stand in the very different footsteps of two Latina women in the art community in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and to see their strength portrayed as they both tried to find their voices and places in unwelcoming and even dangerous spaces, and how they persevered, in bittersweet ways.

What I’m Watching: Interior Chinatown (TV series)

About a waiter in Chinatown who discovers that he is merely a background character in a fictional police procedural. What I especially loved about this show is how it explores, in a fun, and sometimes surreal way, who is seen, who is valued, and how to make yourself seen and valued. Also, it’s funny!

What I’ve Learned Lately (Summer Edition):

I recently saw a clip of an interview of Dua Lipa by Stephen Colbert. Lipa asked Colbert about the relationship between his faith and his work as a comedian. He said: “...if there’s some relationship between my faith and my comedy, it’s that no matter what happens, you are never defeated. You must understand and see this in the light of eternity and find some way to love and laugh with each other... laughter keeps you from having fear of it, and fear is the thing that keeps you from turning to evil devices to save you from the sadness.”

I was really struck by how he called out fear as being behind “evil devices”, and moved by how he described humor as a way for us to connect and support each other.

What I’m Excited About:

The NEH theme this year, and the CCEI collaborations – more to come!

Diversity Committee Spotlight

The College Diversity Committee is made up of a variety of faculty, staff and students. The Diversity Committee takes a project and action-based approach toward achieving goals, striving to create a more inclusive campus community at Northampton Community College.

Learn More

CCEI Fellow Spotlight: Mel Sivells

Mel Sivells is continuing as our DEI Faculty Fellow this year! She is instrumental in organizing many of our student engagement activities, including the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Day of Service in January!

photo of dates for the Lenape Speak Conference on 11/7 and 11/8

Community Spotlight: The Lenape Speak

Enjoy interactive options—crafting, language, drumming, dancing, a guided nature walk, and film screenings—along with panel discussions led by Lenape facilitators. Hosted by the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania in partnership with the East 40 Garden and CCEI.

Learn More

Annoucements:

Looking for volunteer opportunities? Check out the CCEI webpage for a list of available opportunities and contact information. Know of any volunteer opportunities that you would like us to share on our webpage? Please contact Maria Ortiz-Cintron for assistance at mortizcintron@northampton.edu.

Kudos Campaign:

We gave out 57 Kudos last year! Can we top it? Remember that you can get kudos pads at the CCEI office! Stay tuned for more ways to get involved and submit your kudos!

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