Caltech Center for Inclusion and Diversity Hosts 2024 Celebration of Excellence

During its annual Celebration of Excellence, held on May 17, the Caltech Center for Inclusion and Diversity (CCID) recognized members of the community for leadership and excellence in advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.

Eleven Caltech students, staff, and faculty were honored along with community award recipient Sheldon Epps, artistic director emeritus of the Pasadena Playhouse. Awardees, as well as the colleagues who nominated them, reflected on work to build a more inclusive Caltech.

"Natasha is a gust of wind that uplifts those around her," graduate student Alex Viloria Winnett said of CCID Activist Scholar Award winner Natasha Reich. Reich was nominated for her contributions as club leader for PRISM, Caltech's LGBTQ+ student association, and for her role as lead mentor for the outreach program Solar Energy Activity Lab.

"There was no one who really represented me or my background," said Dilichi Nwankwo, a junior majoring in computer science. "My main goal was to create that community." She was the recipient of the CCID Agent of Change Award for her role in founding Caltech's Black Student Union. She also serves as admissions ambassador and a student assistant for the CCID.

Ellen Rothenberg, Edward B. Lewis Professor of Biology, shared her thoughts on receiving the Candace Rypisi Outstanding Mentor Award. "It's such a learning experience every single day. … I hope I can be worthy of this incredible award."

Many of the recipients reiterated their commitment to continuing their work to enhance the Institute and its community. They also acknowledged the CCID for its enabling role in many of the award-winning efforts.

The CCID also took the occasion to celebrate its 15th anniversary. Established in 2009, it began as the Caltech Center for Diversity, a merger of the Minority Student Education department and the Women's Center.

"In the 15 years of the department, the CCID has continued to evolve to remain culturally relevant and respond to the needs of our community within our capacity and beyond," said director Tashiana Bryant Myrick. "The CCID has remained committed to the sense of belonging of historically excluded populations."

The event was hosted by the CCID with Katrina Weti, CCID program coordinator, and Mayte Garcia, CCID department administrator, serving as emcees.

A complete list of Caltech award recipients is below.

IDEA Allyship & Advocacy Award: Tsam Mang Melinda Chan and Marva Tariq

IDEA Outreach & Education Award: Joy Shi

CCID Activist Scholar Award: Natasha Reich

CCID Agent of Change Award: The LEAP Project and Dilichi Nwankwo

The Candace Rypisi Outstanding Mentor Award: Ellen Rothenberg

The Houses and Residences IDEA Awards: Emily Choe, Suchitra Dara, Lauren Pryor, and Cami Scantlin

Above: Members of The LEAP Project receive the CCID Agent of Change Award. (Credit: Rasheed Prescott, Krietiv Imagery)