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Formed in May of 2016, the Inclusion and Diversity Council was created to serve as the primary organizing body for long-term diversity and inclusion efforts at Daemen University. The group has been charged with renewing Daemen's diversity strategic plan and leading the university in a new direction as we seek to serve an incredibly diverse and ever-changing population of students, faculty, and staff. In addition to its work on the diversity strategic plan, the council will serve as an advisory board throughout the year. The group will work to address concerns and provide solutions to campus-wide issues as they relate to diversity and inclusion.
This group of IDC members consists of a dynamic mix of long-time and new Daemen faculty, staff, and student leaders. The group is co-chaired by one faculty member and one staff member. This helps us to ensure that we are providing a voice and meeting the needs of our entire community. IDC members are appointed for two years and invited by the Vice President for Institutional Equity and Belonging, Tiffany Hamilton, to serve in this crucial role. The IDC members for 2024-2026 are:
Helen has been teaching in the Education Department at Daemen since 2020. She has a PhD in special education and international and comparative education. Her work, including research and service/professional development, focuses on supporting teachers and parents of children with autism in China and the United States. She has conducted research and provided capacity-building support in China for almost 30 years. Helen's focus on inclusion and diversity extends beyond her work in special education, and she is proud to serve on the IDC.
I am a Buffalo native, earning my BS in Psychology from Buffalo State University and my MLS from the University at Buffalo. I am in my 19th year at Daemen. My roles in the library are primarily Interlibrary Loan, Circulation, and supervising the Work Study students at the front desk. My role with the students has provided me with a unique insight into the campus climate that I hope will help to foster and inclusive and welcoming campus for both students and staff.
Hannah has a PhD in atmospheric science and teaches Physics in the Natural Science department here at Daemen. Her research interests span from understanding the local weather and climate in Buffalo to exploring the planetary-scale stratospheric circulation. Hannah is honored and excited to serve on the IDC.
Rebecca has been a Clinical Assistant Professor at Daemen University since 2012. She is a member of the Health Promotion Department and teaches courses centered around community health, movement & fitness, and emergency care. In general, her interest in DEI work and initiatives comes from a place of trying to better herself in order to make students feel welcome in the classroom. As an Athletic Trainer, a significant portion of the required continuing education she has completed over the last 15 years has been focused on how to serve others as a better teacher and clinician. Rebecca is proud to have completed the National Athletic Trainer's Association Safe Space Ally Training.
Devon earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Religious Studies from Allegheny College and a Master's in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from Buffalo State University. She joined Daemen in June 2022 as the Coordinator of Service Learning before starting as an Academic Advisor in the Student Success Center in December 2023.
Anna is a Student Affairs Practitioner with over 15 years of experience, focused on wellness, self-discovery, and academic success. A Certified Mindfulness Instructor, she offers practical meditation techniques for busy lives. Originally from Buffalo, New York, she holds a bachelor’s in Human Development and Education and a master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from SUNY Buffalo State University. Anna supports students and alumni across Western New York and leads educational programs for a nonprofit serving marginalized groups. In her free time, she enjoys family, friends, her pit bull, and a self-care routine that supports work-life integration.
Ryan has been the associate head coach for men's basketball since 2016 and is a Daemen alum.
As an educator with a background in STEM, I am committed to creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment. Growing up as a Pakistani American woman in diverse communities around the world and within the U.S. has given me a deep appreciation for the unique experiences that shape each of us. I’m passionate about helping students achieve their academic and career goals by fostering welcoming spaces where they feel empowered and supported. My goal is to equip students with the confidence, skills, and resources they need to thrive both academically and personally.
An accomplished administrator, educator, and student advocate with nearly 30 years of experience in higher education, Susan has called Daemen University her professional home since 2008.
As Associate Vice President for Program Development, Susan collaborates with the Provost and College Deans, to broaden the University’s academic portfolio by developing undergraduate, graduate, and certificate program offerings that support Daemen’s mission and vision, and meet student interest and market/employer needs.
In her role as co-administrative lead at Daemen's Paul A. Saffrin Center for Sustainability & Civic Engagement, Susan works to advance the mission and values of the Center with a focus on building academic-community partnerships that help to create a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.
At Daemen, Susan has also served as Service-Learning Director, adjunct instructor in the M.S. Leadership & Innovation program, instructor of the First-Year Experience, and Interim Director of Academic Grants & Sponsored Programs.
Susan is a graduate of Canisius University (B.A. in Political Science and Communication Studies; M.S. in College Student Personnel Administration) and D’Youville University (Ed.D. in Educational Leadership). Her research interests are focused on improving learning outcomes, persistence, and graduation rates of academically underprepared students at two- and four-year colleges/universities.
A lifelong resident of Buffalo, Susan enjoys cooking, gardening, spending time with family, and the Buffalo Bills.
In this role, Dawn is responsible for supporting the developing, administering, and implementing of policies and procedures relating to all aspects of Student Accounts. This includes the organization of all functions related to tuition billing, refunding, cashiering, and record maintenance, including collaborating with our universities third party systems. Dawn also serves as the University’s TAP Administrator and a VA certifying Official.
Dawn, a Buffalo native, earned her undergraduate degree in Accounting from Daemen University and has been working at Daemen since 2016. Before that, Dawn enjoyed a successful 16-year career in banking. She is very passionate about social justice, inclusion, and diversity and is thrilled to be working with so many like-minded and equally passionate people.
Leah has served Daemen University as the Director of Institutional Research since December 2022. Using her experience in data analysis, Leah hopes to assist the Inclusion & Diversity Council in achieving its goals and support decision-making processes using data and information.