This study explored the experiences and contributions of South Asian Americans actively engaged in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the realm of higher education. The research question that framed this study was: What are the lived experiences of South Asian American DEI educators in higher education? Supporting…

Positive mentoring experiences are crucial for retaining and advancing those who hold marginalized identities in STEM, as they foster a greater sense of belonging and self-efficacy that encourage these students to persist in their fields. Marginalized identities in STEM include, but are not limited to, women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People…

This paper addresses the intersecting professional and personal lives of educators who identify as Queer, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (QBIPOC). The narratives of these intersecting identities are told through the lived experiences of individuals who identify as QBIPOC. People who do not identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,…

The purpose of this study was to identify and explore how curricula in queer studies at Community College of the Bay (CCB) reflect and ignore the lived experiences of Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (QTBIPOC) by engaging queer studies students as co-researchers in virtual participatory action research (VPAR). This research…

Postsecondary institutions are viewed as spaces where students can become exposed to different ways of thinking and "being" beyond their own subjective experiences (Gortmaker & Brown, 2006). Research has suggested that college-going queer women often characterize their universities as places where they can "be themselves"…

While dually identified students are ever-present in the elementary classroom, historical policies and practices surrounding bilingual and special education in the United States have resulted in the exclusion of equitable and inclusive education for this population of students. The effects of the separation of bilingual education, special…

This dissertation delves into the unique experiences of contemporary polygamist women pursuing higher education, exploring the intersectionality of their cultural backgrounds, educational aspirations, and the challenges they encounter within academic settings. The study critically examines the applicability of equity-centered, trauma-informed…

In response to factors in the landscape of the American education system (i.e. growing diversity of the K-12 student population, lack of diversity in the K-12 teacher workforce, current events highlighting racial and socioeconomic inequities, and a growing understanding of the opportunity gap), university teacher educators (TEs) have worked to…

Decades of research about students of color with dis/abilities has left but one fact clear: these students are not treated equitably within our school systems. The purpose of this qualitative document analysis was to identify how Disability Critical Race Studies is represented within federal inclusion policies. The research question was "How…

Historically marginalized social identities of race and gender, coupled with established power structures, have contributed to the underrepresentation of Black women engineering students in a White male-dominated discipline. The National Science Foundation (NSF, 2019) reported that Black women represent a disproportionately lower number of…

This critical autoethnographic dissertation delves into the personal journey of a Black female counselor and mother, whose path meanders through the complex terrain of education, leading her to a profound transition into the realm of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) leadership. Drawing from memories, emotions, and ongoing…

Self-determination plays a vital role in the educational journey of students with a dis/ability. However, opportunities to cultivate self-determining skills for elementary students with dis/abilities in an inclusive co-taught classroom are limited. This can be attributed to the intersectionality of ableism and ageism, two oppressive societal…

Despite the massive influx of new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion roles created across the public and private sectors since 2020, there remains a glaring gap in research in this critical area. While existing research showcases the disparities that systems of oppression created for Black women, what's missing is research providing actionable…

This qualitative study explored sources of belonging for multiracial women administrators via diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) practices undertaken at a historically white university, specifically UC Berkeley. This study infused storytelling through "platicas" (interactive interviews) conversations with five individual…

This dissertation adopts a critical theoretical framework that lends itself to Black feminist theory and work-life border theory to examine the multifaceted experiences of Black women in leadership roles. This study draws its inspiration from scholars such as hooks (1981), Collins (1990), and Clark (2000), this research explores the intersections…