Black, Indigenous and People of Color Alumni Network
We strive to celebrate and embrace the rich diversity of our community including those who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). We know that this has not always been the case, and that success in this work is a continuous process of growth, change and reconciliation. We are committed to this process, and one way that we are building toward justice is the creation and support of identity-based affinity groups.
The BIPOC alumni affinity group aims to build an empowering environment for sustained professional and personal growth and supports the success of BIPOC students, alumni and allies in the St Thomas community.
Questions?
Willie Brakke
Coordinator
Alumni, Career and Corporate Engagement (ACC)
wbrakke@stthomas.edu
Our Focus
Our focus is to build authentic and lasting relationships among BIPOC alumni and the Tommie community.
What We Seek To Do
- Establish a BIPOC affinity group as part of the larger alumni network to foster a multicultural alumni network.
- Leverage experience, resources and networks to create community among BIPOC alumni.
- Elevate voices through sharing of first-person experiences.
- Form focus groups from existing BIPOC networks, referrals and alumni interested in BIPOC-focused programming.
- Support and advance goals and objectives of BIPOC alumni.
- Ensure an inclusive environment where all are valued, celebrated and empowered to engage and succeed.
- Provide a conduit for advocacy.
- Work at repairing broken relationships and build engagement.
How We Will Do This
- Identify volunteers with whom to work – people who have a passion for this programming.
- Create partnerships within and outside of campus to develop a system of information sharing relevant to the BIPOC alumni affinity group.
- Build inclusive focus groups to brainstorm how to move forward and amplify affinity group voices.
- Long term goal: launch a mentorship program that connects BIPOC alumni with BIPOC students.
- Long term goal: launch affinity groups specific to cultural, ethnic and racial identities.
All Are Welcome
- Professional development and networking
- Amplify BIPOC alumni voices
- Foster a community of support and respect
- Broaden cultural awareness
The Goals
What We Seek To Do
- Establish a BIPOC affinity group as part of the larger alumni network to foster a multicultural alumni network.
- Leverage experience, resources and networks to create community among BIPOC alumni.
- Elevate voices through sharing of first-person experiences.
- Form focus groups from existing BIPOC networks, referrals and alumni interested in BIPOC-focused programming.
- Support and advance goals and objectives of BIPOC alumni.
- Ensure an inclusive environment where all are valued, celebrated and empowered to engage and succeed.
- Provide a conduit for advocacy.
- Work at repairing broken relationships and build engagement.
The Plan
How We Will Do This
- Identify volunteers with whom to work – people who have a passion for this programming.
- Create partnerships within and outside of campus to develop a system of information sharing relevant to the BIPOC alumni affinity group.
- Build inclusive focus groups to brainstorm how to move forward and amplify affinity group voices.
- Long term goal: launch a mentorship program that connects BIPOC alumni with BIPOC students.
- Long term goal: launch affinity groups specific to cultural, ethnic and racial identities.
Why Join?
All Are Welcome
- Professional development and networking
- Amplify BIPOC alumni voices
- Foster a community of support and respect
- Broaden cultural awareness
Making A Difference
Meet Our DEI Fellows
Learn more about how St. Thomas is working internally to push diversity, equity and inclusion efforts forward with the help of many staff and faculty across campus.