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Diversity Week

Diversity Week

WVU's annual Diversity Week promotes the celebration, education and understanding of different identities and experiences on our campuses. The events organized/ presented during this week aim to create an open atmosphere where individuals are recognized and celebrated. Examples of some of the events in the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources could be found below. For questions or more information please contact statler-engagementdean@mail.wvu.edu

2022 Statler College Celebrates Diversity Week: October 10-14

October 10, 12 p.m. Engineering Sciences Building common area, in front of the G39

Event sponsored by the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Diversity Wheel: Back in 1990, Marilyn Loden (a workplace advocate and a familiar figure who talked about the challenges to career advancement faced by women in the workforce) and Judy Rosener (Ph.D., national expert on gender and leadership) talked about the different dimensions of diversity within individuals and institutions. They introduced the concept of a “Diversity Wheel” to encourage thinking about values, beliefs, and dimensions of identity for people and organizations.

This Monday we invite you to think of yourself and others, accept and celebrate yourself and others, and spin the wheel of diversity in our Statler College to learn about our specific programs and initiatives and win a prize!

Exercises associated with:

  • Spin, ask a question, win a prize.
  • For more in depth discussion/ introspection: see https://community.astc.org/ccli/resources-for-action/group-activities/diversity-wheel

Copies of the pdf figure will also be available and be placed at the site (i.e., by G39) for individuals to be looking at and to spark conversation.

October 12, 12 p.m. in the Engineering Sciences Building common area, in front of the G39

Event sponsored by the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Diversity Map: The Value of Mutual Respect

We, in the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources work diligently to exemplify the importance of diversity and inclusion. We value and learn from the exchange of personal experiences, values, beliefs, and views that arise from differences of culture, ethnicity, language, gender, age, race, religion, abilities/disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geographic region, and more.

Let’s celebrate our origins: our place of birth, our place of study, our community belonging, and all that shaped us to become who we are today! Take a pen and make a dot on the map to symbolize your origin and waypoint to our Statler destination! Share with us all you would like to share about those places; write your message and put it in the box of your College destination!

October 14, 12 p.m. in the Engineering Sciences Building common area, in front of the G39

Event sponsored by the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Diversity Awards Pedro Mago, Glen H. Hiner Dean of the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University, and the Statler College Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, will announce the recipients of the College’s Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards. The awards were presented to the recipients in conjunction with WVU’s annual Diversity Week celebration; awards will celebrate students, faculty and staff and their contribution to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the Statler Community.

Other Selected Events from 2021

Tuesday, October 12: Overcoming Barriers and Thriving in a Complex and Diverse Environment/Perspectives on Different Career Path

Join our alumni to engage in interactive discussions starting at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Distinguished panelists include:

Line-Audrey Nkule

Line-Audrey Nkule, Catepillar, Inc. - Originally from Cameroon (Central Africa), Line-Audrey Nkule moved to the United States in 2013 to further her university studies.

She graduated from West Virginia University in May 2018 with a Dual Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering as well as a minor in Geology. While completing her degree, she secured a mining engineering internship with Freeport-McMoRan at the Bagdad Mine, as well as a sales management internship at Enterprise-Rent-A-Car.

She joined Caterpillar’s Mining Technical Development Program in July 2018 at the Tucson Mining Regional Office. As of now, she represents the company in the Commercial Mining Technology space, supporting other Caterpillar groups, Dealers and Customers.

Line-Audrey is a very active member of the Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) where she holds several leadership roles in the Young Leaders, Inclusion and Diversity and Mining and Exploration Committees. Outside of work, she enjoys music, soccer games, outdoor activities (i.e. hiking) and discovering new cultures.

Sabrina Ridenour

Sabrina Ridenour, General Motors - Sabrina Ridenour is a 2017 graduate of West Virginia University with a B.S. in mechanical engineering and a minor in vocal performance originally from Frostburg, Maryland. She is employed as a Controls Design Engineer at General Motors while pursuing her M.Eng. in energy systems engineering at the University of Michigan.

At General Motors, she works on developing charging software for all electric/autonomous vehicles. She participates in company culture initiatives including a reverse mentoring program to mentor executives and was requested to serve on her vice president’s inclusion advisory board to advance DEI within talent recruiting.

Ridenour has advocated for women in STEM through the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) in various collegiate and professional leadership positions throughout the last eight years. Most notably, she was selected to the 2016-2017 AAUW National Student Advisory Council in DC and has served as a guest speaker for conferences including TechConnectWV’s 2017 “Women Technology Conference” and SWE’s 2019 conference. In 2018, SWE-Detroit presented her with their top honor, the “Key Contributor Award”.

Ridenour hopes to continue inspiring the next generation of female engineers in many years to come just as her mom, also an engineer (like mother, like daughter), has done for her.

Andrew Gillette

Andrew Gillette - Andrew Gillette is a 2008 graduate of the West Virginia University Industrial and Management Systems Engineering program and currently lives in Orlando, Florida. In addition to his BSIE, Andrew has earned an MBA from the University of Florida and holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute.

While at WVU Andrew interned and was hired as a Labor Analyst after graduation. He has held multiple roles with Workforce Management, Industrial Engineering, and Entertainment Operations. Currently, Andrew is a Proprietor of Entertainment Operations, and he leads a team of eight managers.

Andrew is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and passionate about creating inclusive environments that drive belonging, equity, and authenticity. Previously, Andrew served as the Executive Producer of Operations and a Board Member for Come Out With Pride Orlando.

Outside of work, Andrew can usually be found spending time with his partner and their dog, on the Peloton Leaderboard, at an Orlando City Soccer Game, or enjoying the attractions and live entertainment Orlando has to offer.

Wednesday, October 13:

Launching the Faculty-Staff Mentoring Program (web)

Thursday, October 14:

Launching the Junior Faculty Mentoring Program (web)

Friday, October 15:

Let’s do TEA (transform, educate, advance)!

Join us in the Engineering Sciences Building Annex atrium from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m., for an informal meeting with the College Leadership Team and the members of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

Announcement of Excellence in DEI Awards: Stay tuned to the Statler College social media channels.