Vonetta M. Lightfoot, Coordinator

413 735 2240 vlightfoot@lpvec.org

LPVEC embraces diversity of identity, cultural heritage, experience, and thought. We promote inclusive behaviors across our organization and our work and we believe that our organization’s workforce should reflect the many diverse communities we serve. We are intentional about centering equity as a core value and creating safe, academic, and social spaces that support, encourage, and empower the diverse voices of our students and employees.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR DEIB WORK

  • Get Engaged
  • Build Relationships
  • Create Equity

WHAT WE DO

  • Create and develop new programs and practices with a DEIB focus that meet with the organizational mission and goals.
  • Take an active role in the creation, promotion and execution of diversity and equity programs and initiatives across the organization.
  • Provide guidance and support to LPVEC staff, leadership, and member districts around racial equity issues or concerns.
  • Work with superintendents and local external stakeholders to provide professional development opportunities, resources, and to collaborate on internal policies and other DEIB related efforts.
  • Provide strategic support for intentional strategies to recruit, retain and uplift students and employees from historically marginalized and systematically excluded identities.
  • Lead strategic initiatives to support inclusion and equitable access for Black Indigenous and other People of Color (BIPOC), women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups.

SIGNATURE PROGRAMS

Employees of Color Empowerment Collective (ECEC)

Employees of Color Empowerment Collective serves as a cohesive group of employees of color across LPVEC’s seven member districts. ECEC seeks to create opportunities for cultural and professional development and social programming. ECEC exists to reduce or eliminate any impediments believed to be a hindrance to its employees and their professional careers. ECEC seeks to provide enriching experiences, leadership development, employee advocacy, community engagement, and professional development opportunities. ECEC provides a progressive environment with intentional strategies to recruit, retain and uplift employees from historically marginalized and systematically excluded identities.

  • Common Grounds Monthly Meetings
  • Communities of Practice

RESOURCES

Culture Corner

This link features Ted Talks, YouTube videos, recommendations for books, podcasts and professional development opportunities. It also has subpages on Belonging, LGBTQ Pride and Books as well as articles and past Culture Section newsletters. It is a living document and will be updated periodically and, as our work together develops, I will update or create new pages. I hope you enjoy and feel free to send me feedback or thoughts on themes or information you would like to see on the site.