People, Culture, and Belonging
Our Commitment to People, Culture, and Belonging
The DHSS Task Force on People, Belonging, and Culture is a committee of faculty, clinicians, staff, and students dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and thriving environment within our academic and clinical communities. We are committed to ensuring that all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
Vision Statement
A world where support for effective and efficient communication is accessible to all, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
Mission Statement
To cultivate a culture of respect, opportunity, and inclusion by supporting employment, education, research, and clinical services that reflect and uplift the diverse experiences of our community. We strive to eliminate bias and create an environment where everyone can thrive—starting within our department and expanding to our discipline and beyond.
Task Force Members and Alumni
Robin Jones, Ph.D.
René Gifford, Ph.D.
Ram Ramachandran, Ph.D.
Lauren Szalay, MDE Student
Keerthana Velappan, AUD Student
Jade Mitchell, Ph.D. Student
Ryan Millager, Ph.D. Student
Derrick Sowder, SLP
Toi Gorham, DHSS Admin. Manager
Candace Thompson, MA
Rachell Hartgens, M.S.-SLP Student
Eriel Confer, AUD Student
Kiyamma ‘Kiy’ Jones