Posted by Caitlin Joyce, '11, '18 on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 12:08 PM PDT

Each year our SU Advantage Networking Nights address topics important to the professional development of our alumni. This April’s topic not only presents an opportunity for personal and professional growth, but it is incredibly timely as well. Natasha Martin, J.D., Seattle University’s new Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, will present “Harnessing the Power of our Differences: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion.”

Dr. Martin will engage participants in a discussion on the value of authentic engagement in a multicultural society. Bring an open mindset to discover why individual context matters and how embracing difference holds promise for living, learning and working inclusively. Leave with increased awareness and ideas to enhance personal and professional endeavors.

In a recent Spectator article exploring the role of Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Martin said, “I think it’s really important for people to understand that what we’re trying to do is to create and sustain a context, the environmental conditions for all of us to thrive—for everyone to feel welcome, valued, respected and to find their place in the institution.”

In the same article, Dr. Martin explained that although she is centered as the anchor, there is a crucial partnership with all stakeholders in order to make a true shift in the climate and culture of the university, a lesson that can be applied to all organizations and individuals striving to make a similar change.

Following Dr. Martin’s presentation, alumni will have the opportunity to network and reflect on the topics addressed.

SU Advantage Networking Night
“Harnessing the Power of our Differences: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion”
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
5:30– 8:00 p.m.
LeRoux Room, Student Center 160

Reserve your tickets to the next SU Advantage here.

About Our Speaker:

Appointed by President Sundborg in September 2017, Natasha Martin is the inaugural Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion. From 2014-2016, Professor Martin served as co-chair of the university-wide President’s Task Force on Diversity and Inclusive Excellence. Professor Martin’s leadership experience also includes three years of service as Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development in the School of Law and 15 years as a faculty member, where she focuses on Employment Discrimination, Advanced Topics in Employment Discrimination, Professional Responsibility and Torts.

A dynamic and engaging speaker, Professor Martin is passionate about fostering community dialogues on diversity and inclusion matters. Dedicated to broad notions of inclusivity, Professor Martin was appointed twice to the Washington State Gender and Justice Commission and was named to Lawyers of Color’s 50 Under 50 List of minority law professors making an impact in legal education in the 2014 Law School Diversity Issue.