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 council to the President ways to make the school, it's policies, and practices more inclusive.
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.
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, Community Engagement Coordinator, South Holland Public Library
Degrees:
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.
Paul Jones
Titles:
DEI Council Co-Chair (DEI Council), Staff Attorney Fellow, University of Chicago Illinois Justice Project
Degrees:
BA, Psychology, DePaul University
JD, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
JD, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Biography:
While attending law school at Northwestern University, Paul Jones '11, worked as a clinical student in the Center for Wrongful Conviction and the MacArthur Justice Center focusing on criminal justice issues such as bail reform and police accountability. He is currently a Staff Attorney Fellow at the Illinois Justice Project where he specializes in juvenile justice reform.
Kristin Bowns
Titles:
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, University of Wisconsin System (Diversity Council)
Degrees:
BA, Sociology, Eastern Illinois University
MA, Educational Leadership, Western Michigan University
MA, Educational Leadership, Western Michigan University
Biography:
Kristin Bowns '07, is a student affairs professional with experience in residence life, student conduct, multicultural affairs, academic affairs, advising, and classroom instruction. She currently serves on the Equity Diversity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee for the University of Wisconsin System. Her biggest passion within the industry is educational access. "I would like to see higher education become more equitable in its accessibility to any student with a desire to learn.
Kelly Loris
Titles:
Teacher and Department Chair (World Languages, DEI Council), Teacher (Social Studies), Latin Club Moderator
Degrees:
BA, Anthropology, Classics, University of Arkansas
MA, Classical Archaeology, Florida State University
MA, Classical Archaeology, Florida State University
Jen Pasyk
Titles:
Teacher (Theology)
Degrees:
BA, Illinois Wesleyan University
MAE, Curriculum and Instruction, Olivet Nazarene
MAE, Curriculum and Instruction, Olivet Nazarene
Biography:
Jen Pasyk has been blessed to teach at Marian Catholic for the last 24 years. After attending an introductory program with Crossroads during the 2004-2005 school year, she signed up for a two-and-a-half day training and has been on a journey of race, equity, and inclusion ever since. She has participated in many of the ideations of Marian Catholic's anti-racism teams over the last 17 years. "I have pursued additional understanding on my own and I have been deliberate in bringing my knowledge and passion into the classroom."
Mary Ann West
Titles:
Director of Student Support Services (Counseling, DEI Council)
Degrees:
BA, History, Northern Illinois University
MA, Education - Teacher Certification (PreK-12), Governors State University
MA, Educational Administration, Governors State University
MA, Education - Teacher Certification (PreK-12), Governors State University
MA, Educational Administration, Governors State University
Biography:
The proud parent of Elesha West '12, Mary Ann West serves as the Director of Student Support Services at Marian Catholic. In addition to overseeing the academic support and social-emotional services for the school, Mary Ann is a member of the Administrative Council, Academic Council and is the Area Coordinator for International Students as well as the Extended-Care Supervisor.
Ben Zerante
Titles:
Teacher (Science, DEI Council), NHS Moderator
Degrees:
BA, History and Public Policy, University of Notre Dame
MS, Urban Education/Secondary Biology, University of Pennsylvania
MS, Urban Education/Secondary Biology, University of Pennsylvania
Vince Krydynski
Titles:
President (Administration, Advancement, DEI Council), Alumnus and Alumni Parent
Degrees:
BA, Biology and Psychology, St. Mary's University (MN)
MA, Educational Leadership, St. Mary's University (MN)
J.D., John Marshall Law School
MA, Educational Leadership, St. Mary's University (MN)
J.D., John Marshall Law School
Nicole Williams
Titles:
Director Of Outreach, 500 Women Scientists (Diversity Council)
Degrees:
BA, Biology, Wittenberg University, Ohio
MA, Hawaii Pacific University
MA, Hawaii Pacific University
Biography:
Nicole Williams, a marine scientist, diversity and inclusion practitioner, and advocate for policies that improve the health and well-being of self-identifying African American women, is the Director of Outreach at 500 Women Scientists where she manages the Gage database, the world's largest community of women and gender diverse individuals in science, technology, and engineering, math, and medicine (SSTEMM). Nicole also co-founded the Black Women's Collective, formed from the necessity for Black women in STEMM to advocate for progress and accountability, while uplifting Black women in their science and advocacy work.