2025 President's Diversity Awards

The President’s Diversity Awards celebrate members of the Cal Poly community who have exhibited a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on our campus. The awards are an opportunity to recognize members from the faculty, staff, and student communities as well as contributions from a recognized student group/organization and department/unit.

Congratulations to the 2025 Awardees

Click to view all our past President's Diversity Awardees

Dolores Huerta "Si Se Puede" Award for Transformational Leadership

Nailah Dubose embodies the spirit of transformational leadership through her relentless commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a dedicated intern at the Office of University Diversity & Inclusion (OUDI), Nailah has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and compassion while working to elevate the needs of marginalized and vulnerable populations within our campus community. Her commitment to Black student success initiatives has been proven through her coordination of groundbreaking events such as the first-ever Black Fall Gathering, the annual Fortune School visit, and the ABC Conference, which reached record-breaking attendance this year. Beyond her remarkable contributions at OUDI, Nailah’s dedication to social justice extends into her roles on the CLA Student Diversity Committee, as a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and previous roles as a BEACoN Researcher and Black Student Union President. Her passion for social justice is not limited to formal roles. Nailah actively collaborates with faculty and staff members such as Dr. Denise Isom, Dr. Beya Makekau, Dr. Joni Roberts, Dr. Camille O’Bryant, and others to advocate for systemic change that benefits everyone. Her leadership style is one that uplifts and motivates those around her, providing them with the courage and tools to contribute meaningfully to a more inclusive and just campus environment. 

Excellence in Inclusion and Accessibility Award

Experience Industry Management Department

The Experience Industry Management (EIM) Department at Cal Poly is deserving of the President’s Diversity Award for its innovative and inclusive initiative, the Pop-Up Resilience Room. This project exemplifies Cal Poly’s commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by providing a sensory-friendly, neuroinclusive space at the Downtown San Luis Obispo Farmers Market. The initiative supports individuals who may have previously found such public events overwhelming or inaccessible, offering new ways for them to engage with the SLO community. The Resilience Room, available on five consecutive Thursdays this spring, offers a calm and supportive environment for individuals who experience sensory overload, such as those with autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergent conditions. Visitors of the space are greeted by low lighting, minimal noise, cozy seating, fidget tools, and noise-reducing headphones, all within a judgment-free zone. The intention behind the project is clear: to create a safe, quiet refuge that allows individuals and their families to participate in public spaces and community events like the Farmers Market, despite sensory challenges. The Pop-Up Resilience Room initiative represents more than just a physical space—it is an example of how Cal Poly’s Experience Industry Management Department is making a meaningful difference in the lives of community members. Through this initiative, Cal Poly is advancing the conversation on neuroinclusivity and demonstrating how small but impactful changes can create a more equitable and inclusive public environment. 

Student Award

Yesenia Ceja | Biological Sciences, BRILLANTE Scholar, NIH-funded U-Rise Scholar, bilingual Learn by Doing lab tutor, Microbiology research assistant, Nuestra Ciencia Outreach and Graphic Design

Yesenia Ceja has proven herself to be a paragon of inclusion in the world of STEM and beyond. In the Learn by Doing Lab, Yesenia taught microbiology in Spanish to kids in dual immersion or newcomer programs from Solvang, Santa Maria, Lompoc, Paso Robles, and San Luis Obispo. Yesenia went above and beyond to make young students feel welcome at Cal Poly and excite them about science, making small gifts for them on Valentine’s Day and drawing fun, original characters to communicate science lessons. Yesenia conducted microbiology research in Dr. Yep’s U-RISE funded lab, where she collaborated with Dr. Phelan’s group in Public Health. Together they investigated the adverse effects of farmwork on women’s health, including an increased risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs). She and her interdisciplinary team received the Baker-Koob award for their work on this project. On top of her microbiology research, she has used her artistic and language skills to make bilingual recruitment materials and help craft the surveys used in data collection. This year, Yesenia was on a team funded by an HSI mini-grant to develop educational videos about vaccines in Spanish, English, and Mixteco as a part of Nuestra Ciencia, the university-community partnership. And as an RA, Yesenia has consistently created a caring and inclusive learning environment for her residents, some of whom joined Nuestra Ciencia because of her influence. Yesenia has shown a stout commitment to inclusion at Cal Poly and beyond, whether curricular or otherwise, earning her this year’s President’s Diversity Award in the Student category.

Faculty Award

Dr. Jay Bettergarcia | Psychology & Child Development

Dr. Bettergarcia’s research explores trans and nonbinary mental health and wellness, gender-affirming therapy, interventions to reduce minority stress and increase resilience, and best practices for training providers in gender-affirming care. They are currently exploring the role of radical healing and joy in the lives of queer and trans people of color, and were invited to share their work at the 2023 annual meeting of the Western Psychological Association. In addition to being an engaged and productive scholar with 23 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Bettergarcia is also a licensed psychologist and owner of The Center for Collaborative Transformations, a therapy and training center providing gender-affirming therapy, training, and consultation. At Cal Poly, Dr. Bettergarcia directs the QCARES (Queer Community Action, Research, Education, & Support) Team, consisting of professors, students, and community members who conduct research to create queer and transgender social change and policy recommendations. In their SLO ACCEPTance (Affirming Cultural Competence Education & Provider Training) Project, they developed and trained mental health professionals in San Luis Obispo County to develop their cultural competency, greatly increasing the number of LGBTQ-affirming mental health providers in our region. Dr. Bettergarcia also shares their DEI-related expertise by teaching across both the graduate and undergraduate level in a variety of courses, and was instrumental in the creation of a new course, Latinx Psychology, which was praised by students at the PSY/CD Diversity Committee events this winter. With this award, we recognize Dr. Bettergarcia as a critical figure for transformative change for the LGBTQ+ community both at Cal Poly and in greater San Luis Obispo. 

Staff Award

Ana Garcia | Cal Poly Scholars & Chicanx Latinx Faculty Staff Association

Ana Garcia has not only supported Cal Poly as Program Coordinator of Cal Poly Scholars, but also through her volunteer role as President of the Chicanx/Latinx Faculty Staff Association (CLFSA), building community connections across Cal Poly’s campus. Under her leadership, CLFSA was heavily involved in Latinx community events such as La CASA’s La Posada, Dia De Los Muertos celebrations, Cal Poly Partners' impact video project, and CP Athletic’s Hispanic Heritage Month soccer game. She also co-launched the DEI Lunch and Learn Series, providing a space for students to deepen their knowledge of inclusive resources and engage in critical dialogue. Ana was instrumental in helping CLFSA earn one of OUDI’s HSI mini-grants to support CLFSA members in attending a prominent Chicano museum, the Cheech. Ana has also supported the organization in lovingly personal ways, such as baking a double sheet tres leches cake from scratch for the annual CLFSA holiday party, gifting each CLFSA member with a personally printed photo album, and designing CLFSA t-shirts. She has also devoted her free time to supporting the broader Latinx community at Cal Poly through her volunteer involvement in the 2024 Chicanx/Latinx Commencement and attendance of the launch of University Housing’s Spanish housing tours. Ana has repeatedly been a bastion of the Hispanic community during this pivotal time as Cal Poly steps into designation as a Hispanic-Serving-Institution, earning her a President's Diversity Award in the Staff category. 

Staff Award

Dr. Camille O'Bryant | Associate Dean for Student Success, BCSM

As Associate Dean for Student Success, Welfare, and Issues of Diversity and Inclusion in the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics, Dr. O’Bryant has led multiple efforts that continue to shape Cal Poly’s culture of belonging. She spearheaded the “Love, Empathy, and Respect” campaign, and was one of the BEACoN program’s first mentors. She currently serves as co-PI for two Cal Poly grants, the Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) grant, which supports the retention, promotion, and tenure of early-career STEM faculty across CSU campuses; and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Inclusive Excellence grant, which facilitates professional learning communities to advance equitable teaching practices in STEM. In addition, she serves as both co-leader of initiatives that center Black student success, and Chair of the Black Faculty and Staff Association, meaning that she is a leader of all members of the Black community at Cal Poly, whether staff, student, or faculty. Since joining the faculty in 1999, she has not only transformed individual lives but has also reimagined what it means to build an inclusive, accessible campus culture. Camille has been a champion of DEI long before DEI was an acronym. As Dr. O’Bryant prepares to retire from Cal Poly, we believe it is fitting that her legacy of compassion, advocacy, and institutional transformation be honored and celebrated through the 2025 President’s Diversity Awards. 

Campus Department Award

Career Services Diversity Liaison Teams

Launched in 2016 and revamped in 2024, Career Services’ Diversity Liaison Teams (DLTs) focus on connecting with specific student populations to increase their knowledge of and access to all of the offerings of Cal Poly’s Career Services. DLTs serve as a liaison between the Career Services office and other offices on campus, coordinate programming for DLT's target population, and maintain DEI career resources and website pages related to the DLT population. There are 6 liaison teams: BIPoC (liaison with NAIC, BAEC, La CASA, and MCC), Former Foster Youth & Students with Dependents (liaison with Guardian Scholars and Students with Dependents), International (liaison with the International Center), SOGIE (liaison with Pride, GEC, and M&M), Students with Disabilities (liaison with DRC), Transfers (liaison with Transfer Center and CMCC), and Undocumented (liaison with Dream Center). During the 2023 - 2024 academic year, Career Services hosted 10 resume drop-in events in DLT spaces and 6 career-focused workshops tailored to identities. This winter, the Former Foster Youth & Students with Dependents DLT hosted an event where they provided headshots, resume review, and networking tips to students, who were invited to bring their dependents along. Every quarter, the International DLT hosts a virtual workshop on preparing for the career fair as an international student, per the request and feedback of students. Recently, Students with Disabilities DLT staff have been attending webinars on ways to support students with disabilities through the hiring process. Career Services’ DLTs serve as a reminder of Career Services’ commitment to serving Cal Poly’s diverse student body with equity and inclusivity.  

Student Organization Award

Latinx Business Student Association (LBSA)

LBSA plays a vital role in supporting Latinx students in business while remaining both economically accessible and identity-inclusive. It is dedicated to eliminating financial barriers that prevent first-generation, low-income, and Pell Grant-eligible students from accessing professional development and a sense of community through its cost-free events and club membership. Additionally, LBSA covers graduation stoles for seniors, provides meals at every general meeting, and designs all programming to be inclusive of non-business majors and non-Latinx students. This year, the club hosted a slew of cultural and professional events free of charge, including panels with BIPOC professionals, cultural workshops, an inaugural conference, networking events, and corporate tours. It has also begun outreach to Central Coast high schools with large Latinx populations, and recently partnered with the Multicultural Business Program to secure ongoing funding from DEI-focused companies. LBSA has been working to formalize a sponsorship within OCOB, and has helped lay the foundation for new BUS 100 and BUS 206 sections tailored to Latinx-identifying students. The classes, which launch next year, will be led in part by LBSA board members. LBSA continues to be an exemplary campus presence, simultaneously serving as a resource center, support system, community base, and career launchpad for Latinx business students and many others.

Student Organization Award

Multiracial Students' Association (MUSA)

Just like the rapidly growing American multiracial population it represents, MUSA is a budding social-cultural club that is quickly developing into a robust space of belonging for students of countless diverse backgrounds. Half of MUSA’s general meetings are dedicated to thoughtful discussions pertaining to topics of mixedness, providing a safe and inclusive place for multiracial and multiethnic students to discuss their shared experiences, explore unique perspectives, and cultivate introspection. Each club meeting dedicates time to exploring topics within the emerging area of multiraciality in the field of ethnic studies, encouraging cultural growth and raising awareness of the under-recognized issues faced by the mixed community. This segment often covers relevant events such as cultural holidays and heritage months to honor the wide range of racial identities expressed by its members. MUSA hosts frequent social gatherings to build bonds among its diverse membership as well as cultural club collaborations to explore intersectional identities and engage in cultural exchange. With a steadfast dedication to inclusion and belonging, MUSA welcomes students of any ethnicity to participate and learn, and serves as an important home for a community that has historically struggled to find a sense of belonging.