Community and Belonging Committee

WHO WE ARE

The University of Baltimore's Community and Belonging Committee's mission is to advance the University's diversity goals and strategies and to champion the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts of the University.

These efforts strengthen the professional, intellectual and cultural experience of all members of the UBalt community. Committee members serve as Community ambassadors for faculty, staff and students and facilitators of campus diversity-related news. The committee members meet regularly throughout the year. 

Land Acknowledgment

The University of Baltimore was established on the traditional and contemporary homelands of various groups, including members of the Accohannock Indian Tribe, the Assateague Peoples Tribe, the Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians, the Piscataway Conoy Tribe, the Indian Nation, the Pocomoke Indian Nation, the Lumbee People, and the Youghiogheny River Band of Shawnee Indians. These natives were the original settlers of the area that eventually became the colony known as Maryland, and the city known as Baltimore. 

The University of Baltimore respectfully recognizes the disparities that existed between indigenous peoples and the colonialists. On a parcel of land in the central city, the University was built. Now, 100 years after our founding, we seek a better understanding between all human beings, and we strive to build a stronger foundation upon which all of us may grow. As was stated at our founding, The University of Baltimore is a place where an education is attainable, and improvement is possible. 

Our Team

  • Kara Kauffman, co-chair; international services coordinator, Office of Diversity and International Services
  • Dr. Lakeisha Mathews, co-chair; director, Career and Internship Center
  • Princess-Bua Bihai, Student Government Association representative
  • Bria Howard, Student Government Association representative
  • Miguel Miranda, Student Government Association representative
  • Takamira Williams, Schaefer Center operations
  • Dr. Lourdes White, faculty, Merrick School of Business
  • Dr. Sepideh Soheilian, faculty, Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences
  • Mike Noll, training and development manager, Office of Human Resources
  • Eleftherios Michael, director, Office of Diversity and International Services
  • Llatetra Esters, dean of Students, Office of Student Support
  • Antoinette Martsoukos, assistant dean, Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences
  • Megan Manley, assistant dean, College of Public Affairs
  • Kristi Moore, assistant director, Marketing and Creative Services

Awards AND HONOREES

Dr. Haitham Alkhateeb poses in his office suite.

Staff/Faculty Award: Dr. Haitham Alkhateeb

Olivia Springer smiles while looking at the camera

Student Award: Olivia Springer

A group of four women smile while posing with their award certificate.

Student Group Award: Women of Color Student Association

Past Winners

2024

  • Staff/Faculty Award: Mark Bell, director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, University of Baltimore Law
  • Student Award: Rebekah Opher
  • Student Group Award: Women of Color Student Association 

2023

  • Staff/Faculty Award: Dr. Sepideh Soheilian, professor, Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences

Award description and criteria

The Culture and Diversity Committee supports the promotion of a culture free from discrimination, fosters an appreciation of diverse ideas and capabilities, and enhances an understanding of the global community.  As part of its charge, the committee has developed criteria and process for recognizing outstanding faculty and staff members who have made significant contributions to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. Awards include:

  • Student Award
  • Faculty/Staff Award
  • Student Group Award