ABOUT CHRIS

I'm an experienced diversity, equity and inclusion professional with a demonstrated history of working in higher education. I am a gay, cis-male, Mexican American and a first generation college graduate. 

As an 18 year resident of Duluth, Minnesota, I have served as an Academic Excellence Coordinator at the University of Minnesota Duluth Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the College of St. Scholastica and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Specialist at Life House.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching, General Business Certificate and Human Services Certificate at the University of Minnesota Duluth and I am a certified Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). 

My background in teaching greatly influences my planning, strategies and approach to DEI work and learning. DEI work requires behavioral changes at its core and I believe that the success starts with building strong relationships, supporting a welcoming environment that is challenging and safe for making mistakes and learning, having clear expectations while being flexible to adjust to the needs of the client and organization. 

MY PHILOSOPHY

I believe that all people are genuinely good or want to be good. This is one of my core values and it informs all of my practices. Because of this, I strive to be empathetic and withhold judgement of others. At the same time I understand that as a product of our lived experiences that we all have "blind spots" in navigating identities that are different from our own. 

It is impossible for us to be familiar with every difference that exists and it is easy to get caught up in the idea that if we are not familiar with a difference/identity, then we are destined to not be equipped to navigate that situation competently. I believe that we do in fact possess these skills, but we need assistance and support in recognizing the skills and making the thinking and behavioral connections to apply those skills in existing and unfamiliar situations.