Dr. Jackie Font-Guzmán, vice president of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at EMU, received the 2023 Diversity Business Leadership Award from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce at its annual awards celebration on Thursday, April 25.
The celebration was held at Brix & Columns Vineyards in McGaheysville, Virginia. Eighteen guests from EMU, including students, administrators, faculty and staff, attended to show their support for Font-Guzmán.
The Diversity Business Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional personal and professional leadership within the business or nonprofit community, according to the nomination form.
“This person must have a track record of giving back to their community through the creation of economic opportunities, advocating for minorities and those in the protected classes in the workplace and/or in business, or creating an environment for residents to become self-sufficient or successful,” it reads.
Font-Guzmán, who was hired to lead the Office of DEI in 2021, has made great strides in increasing the sense of belonging for all students at EMU. This progress is highlighted in a short-form documentary featuring actor Dennis Quaid and airing in millions of homes.
“Jackie has accelerated EMU’s DEI journey,” EMU President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman said. “She has equipped us in word and deed for how we can expand our horizons and belong together as a community of learners.”
Font-Guzmán said she was deeply grateful for the support and the opportunity to continue contributing to the community’s journey toward inclusivity and belonging.
“This award is a testament to the extraordinary community at EMU,” she said. “My efforts are built upon the foundational work of countless individuals who have advocated for and advanced DEI over many years.”
In Academia and Commerce “diversity & inclusion” is good BUT lost in the national dialogue is the difference between “equity” & “equality”….