Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Council

JEDI Council logo

The JEDI Council is a group of faculty, staff, and students representing academic and administrative units from across Suffolk University who are engaged in aligning institutional practices with JEDI targets to increase equity and inclusion across campus.

Created in early 2023, the JEDI Council is charged with providing support for inclusion initiatives that align with strategic priorities. The Council is also responsible for fostering a sense of belonging for all members of the community by providing advice and recommendations.

The JEDI Council meets once a month throughout the academic year to:

  • Share institutional data and information in reference to campus-wide and departmental JEDI events and activities
  • Address emerging JEDI issues impacting the institutional climate and culture
  • Organize and coordinate collaborative events, activities, and initiatives based on JEDI best practices
  • Communicate consistently across campus to increase cohesion among all JEDI efforts

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational values here at Suffolk, and we strive to cultivate an open, respectful environment that supports and celebrates the rich complexity of all our identities. In order for our community to truly thrive, we must take care of ourselves and each other. We encourage you to seek support if and when you need it, and to take advantage of the many resources available:

We also invite you to reach out to the JEDI Council at [email protected] and join our efforts to promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion for all members of our Suffolk University community.

The Council is led by Joyya Smith, Vice President for Diversity, Access & Inclusion.

2024–25 JEDI Council Members:

  • Joyya Smith (she/her/hers), Vice President for Diversity, Access & Inclusion
  • Travis Bouché (he/him/his), Student Affairs
  • Beth Brosnan (she/her/hers), Public Affairs
  • Tanisha Bury (she/her/hers), Undergraduate Academic Advising Center
  • Andrew Cioffi (he/him/his), Disability Services
  • Sara Dickey (she/her/hers), Student Success
  • Laura Ferrari (she/her/hers), Student Affairs
  • Gary Fireman (he/him/his), Office of the Provost
  • Amy Fisher (she/her/hers), Interfaith Center
  • Peter Fowler (he/him/his), Office of the Provost
  • Malia French (she/they/them), Human Resources
  • Erik Gullard (he/they), Enrollment Management
  • Tim Hercules (he/him/his), INTO Suffolk
  • Adesuwa Igbineweka (she/her/hers), Center for Career Equity, Development & Success
  • John Kineavy (he/him/his), Purchasing
  • Catherine LaRaia (she/her/hers), Title IX
  • Ben Mojica (he/him/his), Learning Innovation & Technology
  • Alexandria Onuoha (she/her/hers), Psychology PhD student
  • Beatriz Patiño (she/her/ella), Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion
  • Kathleen Peets (she/her/hers), Marketing & Communications
  • Natasha Torkelson (she/her/hers), Counseling, Health & Wellness
  • Cherina Wright (she/her/hers), Student Affairs
  • JEDI Council Advisor: Destinee Waiters (she/her/hers), General Counsel