SGA DEI Board Launches Inclusive Initiatives Under Vice President Itati Serrano ’26

The community leaders collective and the DEI board coming together to welcome the class of 2029 for their affinity luncheon. Photo courtesy of Itati Serrano '26

For Marist University’s Student Government Association (SGA), diversity, equity and inclusion are more than words. They are committed to community. Under the leadership of Vice President of DEI Itati Serrano ’26, the board has introduced new initiatives this semester to help every student feel seen and supported.

“DEI is all about identity and how we as human beings choose to express ourselves,” Serrano said. 

This belief has guided her throughout her four years at Marist. After listening to students’ repeated concerns, she decided it was time to take action.

“I was tired, saddened and disheartened by hearing the same concerns over and over again,” she said. “I want to build a Marist that is more inclusive for all.” 

Serrano is no stranger to SGA. Before taking on her current role, she served as deputy of club affairs for the School of Liberal Arts, representative for Academic Affairs and was a long-time member of the DEI Board. Even while studying abroad, she continued to contribute behind the scenes to ensure the board’s initiatives stayed on track.

The DEI Board now includes more than 15 students. Each member is encouraged to take the lead on projects that address issues they are passionate about. Serrano said this structure gives students the opportunity to take initiative on the concerns that matter most to them.

One of the board’s biggest projects this fall is the Belonging Series, which began with an event centered on first-generation college students. The event was hosted in collaboration with Counseling Services and the nonprofit Casa Comunitaria de Recursos (CCR). It gave students a space to share their experiences, relate to others and embrace pride in being first-generation students.

The next event in the series will focus on students who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, in partnership with Duchess Pride and Counseling Services. Serrano explained that involving local nonprofits helps students see that there are resources available both on and off campus.

Another new program, called Five on Five, brings together five professors and five students to discuss classroom experiences and promote cultural understanding. With DEI workshops no longer mandatory for faculty, Serrano said the discussions help inform professors about identity and provide students with a safe place to share their experiences.

“It will never be the same professors and students each time,” she explained. “The first group was chosen from a student friend circle, but next time we will use a Google Form so more students can participate.” 

Professors were found through mass email outreach to ensure a mix of perspectives.

The DEI Board is also preparing a Disability Awareness event on Oct. 29 in collaboration with the Office of Accommodations. The event will be interactive and designed to help students learn through experience.

Other creative programs are already underway. “Dear Marist, Love the World,” a collaboration with the Marist Theatre Program, invites students to write letters about their personal journeys and experiences at Marist, which other students will then perform.

 “When another student shares their letter, people can hopefully relate,” Serrano said.

For Native American Heritage Month, the board is partnering with Gourmet Dining on Nov. 1 to celebrate Native American culture. Students will create dreamcatchers to display around the dining hall, and the event will highlight Native American leaders while offering a curated menu inspired by traditional foods.

The annual Cultural Dinner Dance will take place from 7 to 10:30 p.m. and is open to all students. The evening will celebrate culture through music, food, dance and fashion. 

Later in November, the board will host the Hello Campaign from Nov. 17-21 to promote connection and kindness across campus. The idea came from student reports of feeling isolated. 

“It’s designed to help students step out of their comfort zone,” Serrano said. 

The campaign encourages students to give three compliments to three different people. It will end on World Hello Day with a “conversation ball pit” activity in collaboration with First Year Programs, where students can pick a ball with a question and start a conversation. 

“It’s an honor to work with students who are passionate about DEI,” she said. “Every initiative we do is about connection and making sure every student feels like they belong here.