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.
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
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.
Mary Ann West
Titles:
Director of Student Support Services (Counseling, Academic Support Programming, 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
Ariel Anderson
Titles:
Associate Director of Marketing & Communications (Advancement), DEI Council
Degrees:
BA, Communications, Eastern Illinois University
Linda Hansen
Titles:
Vice President of Ministry and Mission, DEI Council
Degrees:
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
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
Noeli Serna
Titles:
DEI Council
Biography:
Noeli Serna is the Founding Attorney of Serna Legal Services, a corporate law firm that offers Illinois Latine-owned businesses and Latine entrepreneurs corporate legal services in English and Spanish. Noeli's firm incorporates businesses; drafts, reviews and negotiates contracts; and advises clients on their business’s ongoing legal obligations as they scale and grow. Before starting her own law firm, Noeli worked as in-house Corporate Counsel at an international company where she counseled the business on a large variety of corporate matters such as commercial contracts and everyday legal questions. Prior to working as in-house counsel, Noeli also practiced transactional banking law in the Chicago offices of two international law firms. Noeli also worked in her family’s restaurant since the age of five, which contributed to her interest in business and appreciation for excellent customer service. Her formative years in the family business eventually led her to the practice of corporate law and have positioned her well to represent and advocate for Latine business owners.
Noeli Serna is the Founding Attorney of Serna Legal Services, a corporate law firm that offers Illinois Latine-owned businesses and Latine entrepreneurs corporate legal services in English and Spanish. Noeli's firm incorporates businesses; drafts, reviews and negotiates contracts; and advises clients on their business’s ongoing legal obligations as they scale and grow. Before starting her own law firm, Noeli worked as in-house Corporate Counsel at an international company where she counseled the business on a large variety of corporate matters such as commercial contracts and everyday legal questions. Prior to working as in-house counsel, Noeli also practiced transactional banking law in the Chicago offices of two international law firms. Noeli also worked in her family’s restaurant since the age of five, which contributed to her interest in business and appreciation for excellent customer service. Her formative years in the family business eventually led her to the practice of corporate law and have positioned her well to represent and advocate for Latine business owners.