URI’s Office of Community, Equity and Diversity recognized for leadership

KINGSTON, R.I. – Feb. 2, 2026 – The University of Rhode Island’s Office of Community, Equity, and Diversity was honored on Friday evening for its exceptional commitment to equity, belonging, and diversity. The Rhode Island non-profit organization Diversity and Inclusion Professionals named URI as the recipient of its Organizational Leadership in Diversity & Inclusion Award.

The award was presented as part of the organization’s annual Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion Awards ceremony co-hosted by the United Way of Rhode Island at Farm Fresh RI in Providence.

Markeisha Miner, URI’s vice president for community, equity, and diversity, noted that the award is especially meaningful at this time in American history.

The Office of Community, Equity, and Diversity staff attended a retreat at URI’s Narragansett Bay Campus in June 2025. (Photos courtesy of URI Office of Community, Equity, and Diversity)

“Across the United States, efforts to support every individual regardless of background or belief (diversity), to advocate for fairness by identifying and reducing artificial barriers to success (equity), and to affirm that every member of our community is welcome and belongs here (inclusion), are under increased scrutiny and subject to direct attack,” said Miner. “In times like these, it is deeply meaningful that Rhode Island’s public university has been recognized for working to advance its founding land-grant mission to serve and support all.”

Some of the considerations for the award included:

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed with First Lieutenant Chantel Rosario ’23 ’24 ’25. URI was ranked as one of best universities in the United States for military veterans in 2025. (URI photo)

Demonstrated organizational commitment to equity, belonging, and inclusion
Measurable impact on institutional culture, policies, and practices
Leadership that centers community, accountability, and courage
Contributions that influence the broader ecosystem beyond the organization

“URI’s Office of Community, Equity, and Diversity stood out for setting a strong standard across the institution for what it means to lead with purpose and integrity,” said Vanessa Vigil, vice president of Diversity and Inclusion Professionals.

Kevin Rene Matta, president of Diversity and Inclusion Professionals added, “We are thrilled to celebrate the impact URI’s Office of Community, Equity, and Diversity has had on our community. They have set a standard for leading with courage and purpose.”

Michelle Fontes, URI’s assistant vice president for community, equity, and diversity, expressed how much the award means to the department’s staff.

URI students learned about employment opportunities at a Diversity is Building Unity & Inspired Leaders of the Diaspora (BUILD) event. (URI photo)

“Being recognized by Diversity and Inclusion Professionals is meaningful because it affirms the collective work of our staff, campus partners and students that are committed to fostering belonging, equity, and care across the URI community,” said Fontes. “For our team, it is a reminder that people-centered work matters and when we lead with intention, collaboration, and accountability, the impact extends far beyond any single program or event we host.”

One of the many initiatives for which URI stands out is Building Unity & Inspired Leaders of the Diaspora (BUILD), a purpose-driven partnership with the Center for Career and Experiential Education, which creates culturally responsive, relationship-centered pathways for community and business leaders to discuss employment and internship opportunities with students.

“BUILD is a powerful reminder that equity work is collective work, rooted in care, accountability, and purpose,” said Kristy Embrack, the Office’s director of community and organizational development, and co-founder of BUILD. “When we intentionally build within our community, we create the conditions to advance equity at URI.”

Building more connected communities within URI has helped students, faculty, and staff feel supported. Some of the centers which fall under the Office of Community, Equity, and Diversity include the Gender and Sexuality Center, the Multicultural Student Services Center, the Women’s Center, and the Center for Military and Veterans Education, which contributed to the Military Times ranking URI as one of best colleges and universities in the United States for military veterans in 2025.

Over the past year, the Office has also collaborated with the College of Arts and Sciences as it has worked to strengthen its commitment to equitable outcomes, innovation, and excellence by advancing success through support for students’ academic and personal achievements.

“By understanding student needs, connecting them with appropriate resources, and providing customized, guided career pathways, the College fosters a holistic, student-centered environment that has improved student outcomes,” said Kamilah A’Vant, assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

The encouragement of the Office was instrumental to the success of the College of Arts and Sciences’ efforts.

“Our office has made significant progress in strengthening cross-campus collaboration and programming that engages the broader URI community,” said Fontes. “Our plan is to continue this work as we move forward by elevating campus-wide educational initiatives, large-scale signature events, and leadership development efforts that center equity and belonging while reaching students, staff, and faculty across disciplines and identities.”