Creating Spaces & Classified Equity Certification Program

Goal: To create space to encourage Classifieds to have open dialogue and conversation on a range of topics. 

  • Alignment with College: Equity Framework; Call to Action Priority to build open spaces for open dialogue
  • Alignment with Classified Senate Goal: To increase and improve engagement college-wide and district wide by creating opportunities for Safe/Brave Spaces,
  • Related College Values: Social Justice, Equity, Community, Integrity, Curiosity, Inclusivity, Innovation
"For Classifieds, Led by Classifieds."

Creating Spaces Team

  • Kristal Dela Cruz (2020-current)
  • Lusyna Narvaez (2020-current)
  • Vianey Topete (2020-current)

(Past Team Member: Jorge Murillo (2022-2023), Kendall Harrison (2020-2023), Mario Flores (2020-2021)

Supported by Ken Songco, Director, Student Equity & Success and Tony Santa Ana, Interim Executive Director, Sr. Consultant & Training Associate at Allied Path Consulting, LLC.

History

The team of five classified professionals were first brought together in August 2020 following the Classified Senate Retreat. At the retreat, classified senate leadership felt the need for space for classifieds to convene in community for dialogue especially in a remote work environment. The topic evolved for the first series on the Mission College Framework.  

The series kicked off in November 2020 and a repeat session January 2021. The series was presented from February 2021 through May 2021.

The Creating Spaces team gained a new member Jorge Murillo and the team continued work for the following series.  In 2022-2023, the team began developing the Classified Professional Equity Certification Program offering its first cohort in Fall 2023. 

2020 Series Kickoff: Comm[YOU]nity Engagement

  • November 19, 2020 
  • January 26, 2021 (All College Week Repeat Session)

Over the two sessions, we were able to have about 60 of our Classified colleagues connect, learn and have conversation.  Collectively, we heard the importance of community and connection among our colleagues especially in our virtual work environments.  

Below, we highlight the Creating Spaces Team's Pecha Kucha on Core Elements presented at our kickoff session. 

Creating Spaces Series (Spring 2021)

The team has been developing what Creating Spaces will look like.  This will be our first series and we will focus on the elements of the Mission College Equity Framework. We will learn and connect on how we can incorporate the elements into practice in and out of work. This series is for Classified Professionals. 

February 24, 2021 - Social Justice
Pecha Kucha presented on February 24th -  Social Justice from the Classified Lens

March 24, 2021 - Transparency

April 28,  2021 - Cultural Humilty

May 19, 2021 - Back to CommUNITY Engagement