AWC staff member honored for diversity efforts

An Arizona Western College staff member earned high honors when she was named the Diversity Champion by the Arizona chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).   

Maria Aguirre, AWC diversity coordinator, was recognized among 12 state finalists at a breakfast that included 1,000 guests at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel Thursday. She was honored for her efforts in promoting diversity awareness on the AWC campus.

"It was exciting and at the same time surprising. Of course, the level of competition, the major corporations there, to even be nominated among this group of diversity champions was awesome," she said.

Aguirre topped a field including representatives from Safeway, Boeing, American Express, Arizona Public Service, Arizona National Guard and Maricopa Community College District, among others. She received an engraved crystal trophy citing her for best practices in employment inclusion.

SHRM is the world's largest association focused on human resource management. SHRM represents 250,000 members in 140 countries with 575 chapters in the U.S. SHRM, founded in 1948, is dedicated to advancing the human resource profession by providing training opportunities and promoting national networking.

Aguirre provides learning opportunities for AWC faculty that include diversity as part of the curriculum. Because 60 percent of AWC's 12,000 students are Hispanic, in addition to a sizable international population, they want to make certain course material is more inclusive of the people they serve.

For example, while a plant science class may begin by examining the habitat native to the desert southwest, classes also include the history and culture of the people who rely upon those plants so it is more meaningful to students, Aguirre explained.

 At the ceremony she was praised as a leader and innovator. During the 2008/09 academic year, Aguirre organized 53 events. Since her hiring four years ago, her efforts have molded the experiences of most of the faculty and students, said Gail Perry, director of human resources.

"We're very fortunate to have someone of Maria's talent and commitment. She's a big impact on infusing inclusion into our curricular organization and her outreach efforts are excellent."

Aguirre was instrumental in establishing the "culture camp"  that faculty attends each week before AWC opens for the fall. Faculty question one another about what they have planned to diversify courses and they exchange ideas.

Currently, students aiming for a degree must prove their competency in critical thinking, technology, written communications and quantitative analysis, Aguirre said. But this year, AWC is planning to make it a requirement to include diversity as part of the standards.

In addition, this fall's programs will present Holly Cashman, Arizona State University professor of Spanish linguistics. Cashman's program  is titled "Spanglish, crossing linguistic fences, building linguistic bridges." She will speak at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Business Administration building room 111.

Upcoming programs has Allen Dart, archeologist, speaking about the ancient culture of the Hohokam. Dart will speak Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. in BA111. And later that month, is Jay Cravaith, a professor of music and Indian studies who will be at the Francis Morris Board Room in the 3C building.

"For me, the recognition shows the work we're doing to prepare students and faculty is in order to create an environment that is respectful and inclusive of everyone and our endeavors have shown that we have," said Aguirre

William Roller can be reached at wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.