DEI Council

Marian Catholic's DEI Council was established in 2021 to continue to promote a worldview of mutuality and address the impact of racism within communities and the school. Comprised of nine faculty, staff, and alumni who have a strong interest and experience in DEI, the goal of the Council is to help create an environment where all feel welcomed, respected, supported, valued, and treated fairly. As an advisory group guided by Catholic social teachings, they provide counsel to the President on ways to make Marian Catholic, its policies, and practices more inclusive.

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DEI Defined

Diversity “includes all the ways in which people differ, encompassing the different characteristics that make one individual or group different from another,” including identity markers such as race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and more. It also takes intersectional diversity into account, when people’s identity is made of a number of underrepresented identities.

Equity is “the fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups." Improving equity involves increasing justice and fairness within the procedures and processes of institutions or systems, as well as in their daily lives.

Inclusion is “the act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate." An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions for all people.

Council Priorities

Expand awareness of the DEI Council and provide educational opportunities for members of the Marian Catholic community to expand their cultural competency.
Foster a curriculum that promotes diverse representation, perspectives, and authorship.
Ensure adequate resources are available to address students' social and emotional wellbeing.
Promote and support the value of diversity in school policies, publications, and programs.
Coordinate with student-led groups such as the Black Student Council, the Latinx and Hispanic Student Coalition, and Diversity Club to celebrate the school community’s cultural heritage.

DEI Council Membership

Jennifer Jones

Titles: DEI Council Co-Chair

Degree(s): BA, Broadcast Journalism (Television Concentration), Columbia College Chicago

Biography:

As a student at Columbia College Chicago, Jennifer Jones '13, gained television experience at two of Chicago's top media outlets, ABC7 and NBC5. Since then, she has spent the last few years working in Media Communications for Chicago-based nonprofits such as the Citizens Utility Board and Chicago Debates, as well as Dolton-Riverdale School District 148. Jennifer currently serves as the Community Engagement Coordinator for the South Holland Public Librar, and works as a freelance digital media consultant. In her free time, you can find her reading, writing poetry, and doing self-care/wellness activities.

Mary Ann West

Titles: Director of Student Support Services, Director of Student Transportation and Building Usage

Degree(s): BA, History, Northern Illinois University
MA, Education - Teacher Certification (PreK-12), Governors State University
MA, Educational Administration, Governors State University

Ariel Anderson

Titles: Director of Marketing & Communications (Advancement), DEI Council

Degree(s): BA, Communications, Eastern Illinois University

Linda Hansen

Titles: Vice President of Ministry and Mission, DEI Council

Degree(s): BA, English, Secondary Education, Loyola University Chicago
MA, Pastoral Studies, Catholic Theological Union
Certificate of Catechesis, Archdiocese of Chicago
Lay Ecclesial Ministry Certificate, Diocese of Gary, IN
AP Seminar & Research Certificate, College Board