A DJS Journey

Sara Lopez is a 1983 graduate with a BA.Ed in Physical Education. Originally from Canoga Park California, Sara serves as a Director for the Center for Leadership in Athletics and Program Director for the Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership (IAL) M.Ed. at the University of Washington. For the past 10-years she has contributed to the growth of efforts to develop leaders in athletics committed to the positive impact sports can have on students and the community. She believes her work is important because this potential is often lost or twisted into negative experiences we read about in the headlines. The leaders she is preparing understand and enable the promise of enriching sport experiences and the transformational impact sports can achieve. They are making a significant difference in the organizations they are working in as program administrators and coaches. So far, what's one of your greatest accomplishments? Through my work in various professional roles – an educator, as a

Rieke Scholars are committed to social justice, equity, reconciliation, and action. They embody the values of The Diversity Center: Critical Reflection, Perspective Taking, and Community. Maya, Maria, and Antoinette share what tools they believe are necessary in order to engage and thrive in The dCenter community. ___ Dear Rieke, Welcome to the D-Center family! You’re about to enter this exciting space that requires a lot of love, patience, and compassion. You were selected to be a Rieke because you will clearly bringing something positive and unique to this space, so above all don't forget to be yourself! This position will require you to be thoughtful, how do you want to engage with people in difficult conversations or even just daily conversations? The people I have seen be most successful in this role have been open and authentic about where they are at mentally and emotionally, and are also willing to meet others where they are as well. Be open about how you are

The 2nd Annual The Diversity Center Alumni Weekend was May15-17.  Over 20 dCenter Alumni came from near and far to reconnect with the people, space, and community that at one time or another they all called home. Xochilt Coca ('13) shares why she, as a dCenter Alumnae, continues to engage with the community. Xochilt Coca '13 "I stay connected to the PLU Diversity Center because this community has become an extension of my family. As a first generation student of color I was able to find my "home away from home" as well as a community that helped me grow into a leader on campus. As a Rieke scholar I was able to serve as an advocate for issues of social justice such as immigration by facilitating and creating a scene for Tunnel of Oppression along with other students. Without the love and support from the dCenter I do not believe I would have had as rich of an experience at PLU. I am forever grateful to this community for its positive impact on my life

Rieke Scholars are committed to social justice, equity, reconciliation, and action.  They embody the values of The Diversity Center:  Critical Reflection, Perspective Taking, and Community.  Maya, Ingrid, Maria, and Alice share their reflections of programs that had the most impact on them this past academic year. ___ Sounds of Solidarity - Maya Perez I don’t think I could have ever expected what was to come when I began dreaming up Sounds of Solidarity. What inspired me was a large combination of things; wrestling with my own privilege, loving to hear friends’ stories, Black feminist thought, and creative forms of activism. While I was in Costa Rica for the semester, it started with an email to Angie about how to create an event that captured the importance of sharing stories. I really couldn't ask for a better boss, she is amazing and has so many incredible ideas. When I returned in the spring, I began by booking a room and choosing a date. We chose the Wednesday of Ear