Need help organizing inclusive workshops and training? Looking for diversity and inclusion-related resources and events? Or are you seeking space on campus for prayer and meditation?
While Adler students and employees have had access to diversity, equity, and inclusion resources through the Center of Diversity and Inclusion, now, those offerings will expand with the opening of a physical dedicated space on the Chicago Campus and the welcoming of four new team members.
Students, staff, and faculty are invited to celebrate the space’s grand opening and see the Center’s vibrant new hub at room 15-100 from noon to 1:30 p.m. CST on Feb. 7.
The event will give attendees the opportunity to learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at Adler and meet the expanded CDI team, who behind the scenes, are working to ensure Adler continues its commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive campus.
For those not located in Chicago, the CDI talent, expertise, and resources are available to all members of the University. Let’s meet the team members who are making it all happen — and say hello to them at the grand opening event.
La’Shawna Anderson (she/her)
Program Manager: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Student Advocacy and Support
Where is your hometown?
Chicago, Illinois — Southside
What is your role at the Center for Diversity and Inclusion?
I work on many different projects, but my main focus is to nurture a campus climate of empowerment and belonging for historically marginalized students.
From your perspective, how will the CDI benefit students, faculty, and staff?
It provides a safe space. People can come to the Center and feel included, as we have something for everyone. I really want the CDI to provide a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all. I want it to be a relationship and engagement builder.
What led you to Adler?
I love the social justice mission. One of my favorite quotes is, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Adler is helping me on my mission.
When I’m not at work, I’m: In nature. I love walking trails, bird watching, and outdoor sports.
One fun fact about me: I love to fish.
Cheryl Richardson, Ph.D. (she/her)
Director of Inclusive Teaching and Faculty Development
Cheryl Richardson, who loves to cook, is making some delicious greens and cornbread.
Where is your hometown?
This is difficult to answer because I have always moved around. I was born in Houston, Texas.
From your perspective, how will the CDI benefit students, faculty, and staff?
The CDI offers a physical space and a group of people who aim to foster belonging for all who learn and work at Adler University.
What led you to Adler?
I was attracted to Adler University’s social justice mission. Being able to lean on this mission is very meaningful for promoting equitable teaching practices, shifting the curriculum through a lens of decolonization, and promoting the advancement of faculty who are traditionally excluded in academia.
When I’m not at work, I’m: Cooking, traveling, and reading interesting books for a long-standing book club.
One fun fact about me: I have lived on three continents — North America, Europe, and Africa — and loved them all.
Cat Shieh (she/they)
Senior DEI Program Manager for Campus Climate
Cat Shieh and their service animal, Sunny. Students, staff, and faculty can sometimes find Sunny on the Chicago campus.
Where is your hometown?
Cupertino, California
What is your role at the Center for Diversity and Inclusion?
I help turn many various projects into fruition under the direction of Kahan Sablo, D.Ed., vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Working with La’Shawna Anderson and Daniel Tadrous, a view of our initiatives include My Brother’s Keeper, which helps retain men of color in the University and the mental health profession; Anti-Racism, Indigenization, and DEI Planning Team, which creates DEI-related goals and integrate them, along with creating a course of action with Adler’s Strategic Plan; The upcoming National Coalition Building Institute, which brings NCBI to all three Adler campuses to help us build long-lasting institutional and social change; and the Power Analysis Survey and Climate Survey, which will allow administrators get a sense of what needs to be bolstered and what needs to change here at Adler.
From your perspective, how will the CDI benefit students, faculty, and staff?
I know universities can be challenging to navigate, and I want to make sure I am part of ensuring that people know they can come to Student Affairs and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion in instances when they need to submit complaints, create a student organization, find meeting space, or look for events, etc. Moving away from the physical location, I hope the Online and Vancouver campuses feel some presence of us so we can be a conduit for bridging all campuses together. It’s also exciting to be part of the Center, which is filled with an entire staff of color.
What led you to Adler?
I was actually a featured speaker for Common Hour back a few years ago. I did a bystander intervention training at the height of national anti-Asian violence. Those at Adler were so friendly and receptive.
When I’m not at work, I’m: playing volleyball, running for Second City Track Club, modeling and acting on the side, and biking or skateboarding with my spouse.
One fun fact about me: I have a service animal, Sunny. You’ll find her on campus sometimes.
Daniel M. Tadrous (he/him)
Project Manager
When Daniel Tadrous isn’t at work, he’s either exploring the city or practicing his latte art.
Where is your hometown?
Cairo, Egypt
What is your role at the Center for Diversity and Inclusion?
As project manager, I organize most programs by the Center for Diversity and Inclusion and handle all coordination needed to keep the CDI operational.
From your perspective, how will the CDI benefit students, faculty, and staff?
The CDI has a wide variety of services, ranging from student advocacy and programs to providing a safe space that can be used for lounging or studying. It also has a dedicated prayer/meditation room available to any and everyone. My hope for the CDI is to make Adler a safe space for everyone and ensure that every Adlerian can be their whole self at the University.
What led you to Adler?
What drew me to the University is its dedication to social justice, as DEI has always been a focal point in my education and career.
When I’m not at work, I’m: Practicing my latte art and exploring the city (I’m new to Chicago).
One fun fact about me: I have never lived in the same city for more than four years.
(From left) Cat Shieh, La’Shawna Anderson, Daniel Tadrous, and Kahan Sablo, D.Ed., vice president for DEI, meet in the first dedicated space of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion at the Chicago Campus. Meet them, along with Cheryl Richardson, Ph.D. (not pictured), during the space’s grand opening event on Feb. 7 from noon to 1:30 p.m. CST.