Creating an Equity Minded Institution for Students, Faculty & the Community
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Location
Rowan University
Start Date
23-3-2021 9:45 AM
End Date
23-3-2021 10:45 AM
Description
Rowan College at Burlington County is a 50 year institution with rich diversity throughout our campus, student population and community. Our Mount Laurel Campus is part of the traditional territory of the Lenni-Lenape, called “Lenapehoking”.The Lenape people lived in harmony with one another upon this territory for thousands of years. We acknowledge the Lenni-Lenape as the original people of this land and their continuing relationship with their territory. In our acknowledgment of the continued presence of Lenape people in their homeland, we affirm the aspiration of the great Lenape Chief Tamanend, that there be harmony between the indigenous people of this land and the descendants of the immigrants to this land, “as long as the rivers and creeks flow, and the sun, moon, and stars shine." In honor of this rich history, we created the President's Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to provide our institution with the resources and support committed to celebrating diversity and promoting the equitable treatment of our students, employees and broader community. Over several years, we researched two and four year institutions for best practices while remaining authentic to our mission and vision as a prominent resource in Burlington County. We will outline our process of creating a steering committee, Diversity website, Advocacy Groups, Employee Resource Groups and an inaugural book club featuring the "Racial Healing Handbook". This provides a basis for all to embrace their diverse backgrounds and experiences while providing a pedagogical space for diversity of thought. As a new initiative, we have created Standard Operating Procedures, updated policies and created statements to showcase that diversity, equity and inclusion is top of mind in all aspects of our lifelong learning. Community Colleges provide a vital link for readiness for career pathways. Our council is leading the endeavor to provide resources for success.
June DePonte-Sernak is the Dean of Lifelong Learning at Rowan College at Burlington County and a Senior Adjunct Professor teaching Marketing and Management. June has worked in corporate telecom for 25 years with MCI and Sprint in sales and marketing. Most recently, June was the Executive Director for the American Red Cross serving Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties and serves on their statewide Diversity & Inclusion Committee. She currently serves as an Honorary Commander Emeritus for the Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, the Vice President for the 200 Club of Burlington County, Board Member and former Co Chair of Diversity & Inclusion Committee of National Association of Women Business Owners NAWBO), Board Member, Alice Paul Institute and Board Member and Marketing Chair of the Burlington County Military Affairs Committee, BCMAC. June was voted SJ Biz Magazine Executive of the Year, NAWBO Community Advocate of the Year, SNJBP Magazine Women Executive of the Year, SJ Biz Women to Watch, featured in South Jersey Magazine’s Exceptional Women Entrepreneurs & Executives and Burlington County Women to Watch 2021. June studied Marketing at Montclair State College and an MBA in Management from Strayer University and currently in a Doctoral Program at Wilmington University in Organizational Leadership and Innovation. She is a lifelong resident of Burlington County and currently resides in Delanco, NJ with her husband, Michael and daughter, Alyssa.
Creating an Equity Minded Institution for Students, Faculty & the Community
Rowan University
Rowan College at Burlington County is a 50 year institution with rich diversity throughout our campus, student population and community. Our Mount Laurel Campus is part of the traditional territory of the Lenni-Lenape, called “Lenapehoking”.The Lenape people lived in harmony with one another upon this territory for thousands of years. We acknowledge the Lenni-Lenape as the original people of this land and their continuing relationship with their territory. In our acknowledgment of the continued presence of Lenape people in their homeland, we affirm the aspiration of the great Lenape Chief Tamanend, that there be harmony between the indigenous people of this land and the descendants of the immigrants to this land, “as long as the rivers and creeks flow, and the sun, moon, and stars shine." In honor of this rich history, we created the President's Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to provide our institution with the resources and support committed to celebrating diversity and promoting the equitable treatment of our students, employees and broader community. Over several years, we researched two and four year institutions for best practices while remaining authentic to our mission and vision as a prominent resource in Burlington County. We will outline our process of creating a steering committee, Diversity website, Advocacy Groups, Employee Resource Groups and an inaugural book club featuring the "Racial Healing Handbook". This provides a basis for all to embrace their diverse backgrounds and experiences while providing a pedagogical space for diversity of thought. As a new initiative, we have created Standard Operating Procedures, updated policies and created statements to showcase that diversity, equity and inclusion is top of mind in all aspects of our lifelong learning. Community Colleges provide a vital link for readiness for career pathways. Our council is leading the endeavor to provide resources for success.
June DePonte-Sernak is the Dean of Lifelong Learning at Rowan College at Burlington County and a Senior Adjunct Professor teaching Marketing and Management. June has worked in corporate telecom for 25 years with MCI and Sprint in sales and marketing. Most recently, June was the Executive Director for the American Red Cross serving Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties and serves on their statewide Diversity & Inclusion Committee. She currently serves as an Honorary Commander Emeritus for the Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, the Vice President for the 200 Club of Burlington County, Board Member and former Co Chair of Diversity & Inclusion Committee of National Association of Women Business Owners NAWBO), Board Member, Alice Paul Institute and Board Member and Marketing Chair of the Burlington County Military Affairs Committee, BCMAC. June was voted SJ Biz Magazine Executive of the Year, NAWBO Community Advocate of the Year, SNJBP Magazine Women Executive of the Year, SJ Biz Women to Watch, featured in South Jersey Magazine’s Exceptional Women Entrepreneurs & Executives and Burlington County Women to Watch 2021. June studied Marketing at Montclair State College and an MBA in Management from Strayer University and currently in a Doctoral Program at Wilmington University in Organizational Leadership and Innovation. She is a lifelong resident of Burlington County and currently resides in Delanco, NJ with her husband, Michael and daughter, Alyssa.