Office of Equity and Belonging
Mission and Theory of Change
The mission of the Office of Equity and Belonging at St. Catherine University is to develop a systematic infrastructure that ensures inclusive excellence is integrated into all operations while building a community where all identities are valued, and diversity is celebrated as a source of strength. Rooted in the values of our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, we are committed to creating spaces where everyone is seen, heard, and thrives — regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, ability, background, or any other historically underrepresented identity.
We believe that relationships are at the heart of any sustainable institutional change and that meaningful transformation requires challenging the status quo. To build a more inclusive and equitable community, we constructively disrupt inequitable norms, policies, and power structures while fostering connections across differences and within affinity groups. We also intentionally make time to celebrate progress and remain committed to ongoing transformation. We aim to lead and influence in partnership with our campus and neighboring communities — creating lasting, purposeful change that benefits our students, faculty, staff, alums, and the wider world we share.
Practices Driving a Culture of Inclusive Excellence
To fulfill its mission, the Office of Equity and Belonging:
- Fosters Connection, Constructive Disruption and Community
Creates spaces for dialogue, constructive disruption, and celebratory events that strengthen community bonds and mutual respect. - Develops and Delivers Equity and Belonging Training
Collaborates with campus offices to provide equity, inclusion, and belonging training and supports faculty in promoting inclusive curricula, pedagogy, and a universal design environment. - Promotes a Healthy, Inclusive Campus Climate
Advocates for historically disadvantaged and marginalized groups, identifies and addresses policies that hinder belongingness, and works to maintain an inclusive environment. - Advances Recruitment and Retention
Partners with departments to enhance the recruitment and retention of diverse students, faculty, and staff, with a focus on historically excluded populations. - Strengthens Campus-Community Partnerships
Represents St. Catherine University in local, regional, and global communities, enhancing partnerships that reflect our values and promote equity. - Evaluates and Improves Policies and Programs
Continuously examines and revises programs, strategies, and policies to ensure they align with the goal of creating an equitable and diverse university community
Jacqueline Font-Guzmán, JD, PhD
Jacqueline Font-Guzmán, JD, PhD (she/ella) serves as the inaugural Senior Vice President for Student Affairs, Equity, and Belonging. She provides strategic leadership for the student experience, advancing and implementing the University's vision for equity, belonging, and social justice in support of students, staff, and faculty.
Riley Swope(she/her)
Equity and Belonging Coordinator
Position Overview: This position is responsible for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for St. Catherine University students, staff, and faculty. Coordinators work collaboratively with departments across the university to advance equity, inclusion, and belonging by developing programs, offering guidance, and addressing the unique needs of historically underrepresented groups and students with intersecting marginalized identities (e.g., low-income, first-generation, persons with disability, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and more). Riley serves as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO) for the university, supporting international students in maintaining their status and providing guidance on personal, social, visa-related, vocational, and academic matters.
About Riley: Riley Swope's journey in higher education began at Saint Mary's College, a Catholic women's liberal arts institution, where she earned a B.A. in Speech-Language Pathology with minors in Spanish and Bilingual Education. Her professional path is marked by a dedication to fostering cross-cultural learning, which was further enriched by her Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Ecuador. There, she collaborated at two universities and volunteered within the community. This experience deepened her commitment to holistically supporting students while staying culturally connected to the communities she serves. This passion ultimately led Riley to St. Kate's, where she has the opportunity to engage with students, guiding them in building confidence, navigating their aspirations, understanding the identities they hold and don't hold, diving into international cultural landscapes, and discovering meaningful ways to use their voices.
Maisah Blanton
Equity and Belonging Coordinator
Position Overview is: This position fosters an inclusive and supportive environment for St. Catherine University students, staff, and faculty. Coordinators work collaboratively with departments across the university to advance equity, inclusion, and belonging by developing programs, offering guidance, and addressing the unique needs of historically underrepresented groups and students with intersecting marginalized identities (e.g., low-income, first-generation, persons with disability, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and more).
About Maisah: St. Kate's alumna Maisah started her career as a Dean's administrative assistant and has now transitioned to the role of Equity and Belonging Coordinator. Dedicated to championing diversity and inclusivity and empowering students throughout their college experience, she is honored to join the Center for Equity and Belonging team. Outside of her work with the Office for Equity & Belonging, she enjoys exploring creative outlets for self-care.
Lydia Fasteland lbfasteland@stkate.edu
Equity and Belonging Coordinator
Position Overview: This position is responsible for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for St. Catherine University students, staff, and faculty. Coordinators work collaboratively with departments across the university to advance equity, inclusion, and belonging by developing programs, offering guidance, and addressing the unique needs of historically underrepresented groups and students with intersecting marginalized identities (e.g., low-income, first-generation, persons with disability, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and more).
About Lydia: Lydia Fasteland comes to the Centers for Equity and Belonging with a passion for learning and a host of institutional knowledge. Lydia did both her undergraduate and graduate degrees at St. Kate’s, graduating in 2012 with a degree in History with minors in English and Latin and in 2017 with her Master’s in Library and Information Science. Prior to working in the Centers for Equity & Belonging, Lydia spent 10 years in the St. Kate's Bookstore in various positions. In addition to her position in the CEB, Lydia holds a seat on the University's Staff Council, is Co-Chair of the One Read for Racial Justice Initiative, and is the current Staff Advisor for the student newspaper, The Wheel. Her passion for equitable education for all has grown from both personal and professional pursuits, allowing her to focus on helping students feel empowered to claim their education and St. Kate's as their own. She is also passionate about finding and building diverse communities, both on campus and off. Outside of her role on campus, Lydia is an avid reader, focusing on science fiction, fantasy, and romance with hints of horror, mystery, and fiction mixed in. When Lydia is not on campus or reading, she can be found hiking, engaging in nerdy/pop culture pursuits, hanging with her family and friends, and loving on all the dogs, especially golden retrievers, she comes into contact with!
Equity and Belonging Events
