At Mission College, an HSI and AANAPISI institution, equity is central to our mission. We are dedicated to creating a campus where all students, especially those from historically underserved communities, are valued, supported, and empowered. Through intentional efforts, we break down barriers, promote inclusion, and foster an environment committed to equity and social justice. Equity programs are open to all students.
Our Equity Framework guides us in creating initiatives that enhance equitable practices, support student success, and promote social justice. Whether through cultural celebrations, leadership opportunities, or professional learning, Mission College is dedicated to ensuring that every member of our community thrives.
Partnership Areas
The partnership will focus on three areas:
Institutional Equity Framework Assessment
Hotep Consultants will conduct an assessment of Mission College’s Institutional Equity
Framework to better understand how equity is currently understood, experienced, and
operationalized across the college. The assessment will draw upon multiple sources
of information and campus perspectives to identify strengths, opportunities for continued
growth, and considerations for strengthening the framework moving forward.
Equity Pedagogy Communities of Praxis Assessment
Hotep Consultants will assess the Equity Pedagogy Communities of Praxis (CoP) work
that took place from 2021–2025. This assessment will examine the experiences and perspectives
of those involved in the initiative and identify lessons that can inform Mission College’s
continued investment in equity-centered professional learning and practice.
Communities of Praxis 3.0 Developmental Consultation
As Mission College pilots Cultivating Equity: Racial Equity Data Community of Praxis
3.0, Hotep Consultants will serve as a developmental thought partner, providing feedback
and consultation throughout the pilot. This work is intended to support ongoing learning
and refinement as the college develops the next iteration of the Communities of Praxis
model to eventually scale out to other Schools.
About Hotep Consultants
Hotep Consultants has collaborated with community colleges throughout the California Community Colleges system as a strategic thought partner, equity-advancing executive coach, and transformative consultant. Their work supports colleges in examining institutional practices, understanding the experiences of their communities, and developing practical strategies for advancing equity and improving institutional culture and outcomes.
Campus Engagement
An important part of this partnership will be hearing directly from members of the Mission College community. Depending on the area of work, employees may be invited to participate in surveys, focus groups, interviews, or other opportunities to share their perspectives and experiences.
Additional information will be shared as these opportunities become available, including the purpose of each activity, who is being invited to participate, and how the information collected will be used.
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Hotep/Mission College Implementation Teams Partnership Coordinator: Office of Equity & Student Success, Dean Songco |
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Equity Framework Assessment Team |
Equity Pedagogy CoP Assessment Team |
Cultivating Equity: Racial Equity Data CoP Team (CoP 3.0) |
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Dr. Lusyna Kim Narvaez (Lead) Jennfier Nguyen Dr. David Piper |
Albert Shaheen (Co-Lead) Sarah Sullivan (Co-Lead) |
Dr. Ashley Faris (Lead) Javier Huerta Karen Gee Albert Shaheen Sarah Sullivan |
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Proposed Implementation Timeline Fall 2026 |
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September 28 Distribute Campus Wide Email regarding Equity Framework and CoP Assessments via President’s Office message, and message on Employee Newsletters. Hotep Assessment Announcement on Equity Office Webpage |
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October 7 Official Announcement of Assessment at Campuswide Townhall – Requesting project leads to inform the campus on the next steps in each assessment – Dr. Faris to introduce the new CoP 3.0 |
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Equity Framework Assessment Calendar |
Equity Pedagogy CoP Assessment Calendar |
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October 7: Katrina will send out Equity Framework survey to all Mission College and District (assigned to Mission College) employees |
October 12: Albert and Sarah will send out initial survey invitation to all Equity Pedagogy CoP alumni |
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October 12 – October 26: Collect survey responses and continuing encouraging constituents to complete the survey for Classified (Lusyna), Faculty (Dr. P), Admin (Ken) |
October 12 – November 9: Collect survey responses for CoP |
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October 26 – November 17: Conduct focus Groups
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November 9 – November 13: Conduct interviews |
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November 23: Complete documentation collection for Equity Framework |
November 23: Complete documentation collection for CoP |
Equity at Mission College is action. Our 2025–2028 Student Equity Plan drives results from connection to completion, with a focused commitment to Black/African American, First Generation, and Latine students.
Through expanded learning communities, stronger onboarding, access to education plans, and a focus on transfer and careers, we’re removing barriers and building pathways to success.
When students are supported and seen, they succeed.
Adapted by the Equity Certification Program (ECP) program content*
Backstory: Through the substantial support and leadership afforded by the AANAPISI grants,
the Student Equity & Success Committee at Mission College, alongside the newly established
Office of Student Equity & Success, undertook the responsibility of institutionalizing
grant activities.
In the academic year 2016-2017, the committee engaged in defining the concept of equity
within Mission College. It became apparent, after arriving at this definition, that
a systematic approach was necessary to articulate what equity entails and to guide
various campus stakeholders in incorporating this understanding into their daily practices.
In the summer of 2017, the committee harnessed its working definition to draft an
Equity Framework. This framework subsequently informed the development of the college’s
Integrated Plan, which aimed to synergize the efforts of Student Equity, the Student
Success & Support Program (SSSP), and Basic Skills Initiatives.
The initial draft of the Mission College Equity Framework was produced during the
summer of 2016 in collaboration with Dr. Veronica Keiffer-Lewis, founder of Allied
Path Consulting. Following the successful completion of this draft, the Student Equity
& Success Committee made final revisions in early fall to refine the Integrated Plan,
guided by the draft Equity Framework.
In October 2017, the finalized framework was presented to the Mission College Executive
Cabinet, receiving their endorsement as the official Equity Framework of the college. This framework comprises a vision and mission statement, the foundational
components of the framework itself, and guiding questions that assist campus constituencies
in assessing how they integrate equity within their respective roles, both inside
and outside the classroom.
The core can also be known as "self-love and care." Through a strong sense of self,
we can love and learn to love others with their differences; Supporting Authenticity;
Praxis - Liberation is the practice of love.
Examples of the Core being implemented at Mission
The social justice element is the understanding and dismantling structures that perpetuate injustice
and inequity; Acknowledge the history of inequity and racism on campus, in your communities,
and as a nation.
Examples of Social Justice being implemented at Mission
The transparency element is defined as open communication, trust, and accountability;
The power of story-telling or counter-storytelling.
Examples of Transparency being implemented at Mission
Cultural Humility element is about recognizing power dynamics, imbalances; striving
to redress. Identifying & examining own personal biases, stereotypes, and prejudices
Examples of Cultural Humility being implemented at Mission
The community engagement element is about recognizing power dynamics, imbalances;
striving to redress. Identifying & examining own personal biases, stereotypes, and
prejudices. Creating connections campus-wide and moving communities towards change
and transformation; Honor relationships.
Examples of Community Engagement being implemented at Mission
Mission Statement
To build a culture of equity, inclusion, and anti-racism at Mission College by supporting initiatives that improve equitable practices, programs, and services across campus.
Mission College has been a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) since 2004, a recognition given to colleges where at least 25% of full-time students identify as Hispanic or Latine/x. This designation opens doors to federal funding that strengthens programs, supports student success, and expands opportunities for our diverse student body.
Over the years, HSI grants have brought millions of dollars in resources to Mission College from scholarships and STEM initiatives to culturally responsive programming and faculty development. One standout example is the Puente Project, a nationally recognized program that helps students from all backgrounds succeed academically and transfer to four-year universities. Puente, meaning “bridge” in Spanish, connects students with mentors, resources, and clear pathways to higher education and future success.
For Mission, being an HSI is more than a designation as it’s a commitment to honoring and serving our Latine/x students, celebrating their cultures, addressing their unique needs, and helping them achieve their goals.
Mission College is proud to be a federally designated Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander–Serving Institution (AANAPISI), committed to fostering a culturally engaging and inclusive campus that supports students academically, personally, and professionally while connecting them to meaningful resources to achieve their goals.
Nearly half of our students identify as AAPI, including large Vietnamese and Filipino communities. Many are first-generation college students from low-income backgrounds, which makes our mission deeply impactful.
A key part of this commitment is the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Learning Community. Rooted in the Filipino value of Kapwa - a deep sense of shared identity and connection - APIDA creates a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally while building community and cultural pride.
Since receiving Title III AANAPISI grants, we’ve strengthened ESL pathways, expanded scholarships, university tours, research programs, and student services. We also challenge stereotypes like the “model minority myth” by addressing real barriers to opportunity.
For Mission, being an AANAPISI means equity in action and authentic cultural representation.
The APIDA (Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American) Affinity Group is a space for finding connection, support, and joy among peers who share and respect diverse identities.
La Misión Colectiva is a grassroots group of faculty, staff and administrators who identify as Chicana/o/Latina/o to plan cultural events on campus.
Collaborative learning community designed for both full-time and part-time faculty members. This initiative focuses on enhancing equity-driven practices in teaching and classroom design.
Offers classified professionals a dedicated space to engage in meaningful dialogue, explore foundational equity concepts, and collaboratively build practical skills for promoting inclusive practices.
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Come visit us in the Student Engagement Center (SEC), Office 350.
