Brenda Nelson, complex dining service manager for East Neighborhood, recently received the 2018 Equity and Inclusion Award from the Michigan chapter of the American College Personnel Association (ACPA-MI). Presented at the Equity Inclusion Summit on May 18 at the University of Michigan-Flint, the statewide award encourages and recognizes outstanding efforts addressing equity and inclusion in higher education.
“I’m humbled to be recognized, and happy to be a part of conversations around diversity and inclusion in Michigan,” Nelson said. “There are so many ways to ensure everyone is invited to the table and given an opportunity to succeed.” In East Neighborhood, for example, a sign language interpreter was brought on to assist a team member. Nelson pointed out that this service allowed them to participate and be engaged in ways that most people don’t think about because they’re able-bodied. “He was having the best time, and truly appreciated the consideration,” she added.
Nelson also presented at the event with colleagues Dr. Amy Radford-Popp and Marcell King, who both work with the Residential Business Community for the Eli Broad College of Business. Their presentation focused on essential elements of inclusive and equitable leadership practices, ways to increase cultural competency skills and cultivate greater student success.
“For me, it’s about making room at the table for everyone, regardless of gender, race, culture, disability or anything that’s part of a person’s identity,” Nelson concluded. “It’s a privilege to be able to do that for our institution.”