University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross announces the new UW System Diversity Council, which is an advisory body to the President on critical issues of diversity and inclusion affecting educational achievement, workforce development, and the future of Wisconsin’s economy.  The Council includes business and community leaders from across the state.

“The Council’s connections to our communities will be key in helping our state prepare for an increasingly global world that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. I look forward to working with the Council to better connect the UW System with communities statewide,” says UW System President Ray Cross.

On May 10, President Cross convened the inaugural meeting of his Diversity Council in Madison, where he thanked members for their participation and service on the advisory group.  Three important themes emerged during the conversation: education, employment, and health.  President Cross and the Council agreed that the next step is to develop a plan with specific ideas and action items based upon input from the Council members.

Member Company Title Community
Cecil Adams African American Mutual Assistance Network, Inc. CEO and Founder La Crosse
Craig Anderson American Indian Chamber of Commerce of WI President Milwaukee
Shenita Brokenburr UW System Senior Associate Vice President Madison
Jessica Cavazos Latino Chamber of Commerce of Dane County Executive Director Fitchburg
Rep. Jason Fields Wisconsin State Assembly State Representative, 11th District Milwaukee
Carl Hampton UW System Special Assistant – Diversity & Inclusion Madison
Corey Hoskins UW-Parkside Student Government Vice President Kenosha
Jaimes Johnson UW Credit Union Director of Community Partnerships Madison
Timothy Mahone Mahone Strategies President Kenosha
Reggie Newson Ascension Health Vice President & Chief Advocacy Officer Glendale
Rev. Tony Patterson Marathon County Diversity Affairs Commission Chair Wausau
Paula Penebaker YWCA Southeast Wisconsin President and CEO Milwaukee
Asifa Quraishi-Landes University of Wisconsin Law School Associate Professor Madison
Gerard Randall Milwaukee Education Partnership Executive Director Milwaukee
Toni Rivera-Joachin Council for the Spanish Speaking, Inc. President and CEO Milwaukee
Sabrina Robins TAPFIN, a ManpowerGroup Company Director-Operations Appleton
Rep. Jessie Rodriguez Wisconsin State Assembly Majority Caucus Secretary Franklin
Dennis Shields UW-Platteville Chancellor Platteville
John Sims U.S. Bank Private Banking Relationship Manager Madison
May yer Thao Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Milwaukee
Manny Vasquez Pfefferle Companies, Inc. Vice President Appleton
Bee Yang Hmong American Partnership Fox Valley, Inc. Executive Director Neenah

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