Project Spotlight

Initiative Description

WFOCI creates spaces to build community for women of color in Watts.

“ASU Watts College Women Faculty of Color Initiative (WFOCI) has provided the first ever, intentional community to help retain and support tenure track and non-tenure track faculty, including fixed-term faculty and adjunct faculty, who self-identify as women of color. WFOCI activities have included community building events/ luncheons and a professional development workshop (“Next LevelTips for Winning Grants and Fellowship”).”

Initiative Impact

ASU students and migrancy advocates engaged in different aspects of this initiative.

“Activities have included community building events/ luncheons and a professional development workshop.” – Dr. Hsueh

“During the process of forming WFOCI and talking to the larger community, we learned that there are non-tenure track fixed-term faculty and adjunct faculty as well as staff members who are experiencing a lot of institutional challenges and biases that are just as relevant, just as important, and that we share many similar challenges. We can come together to support each other. This is all part of what it means to be antiracist, inclusive, and diverse.”

What’s next?

Dr. Hsueh hopes to institutionalize WFOCI in Watts college and recruit more members.

“We are in the process of institutionalizing WFOCI as Women of Color Initiative (WOCI) at Watts College. We have expanded the organization to include staff members as well. Toward this effort, we have formed a steering committee and continue to recruit members across Watts College. There are currently three leaders: Dr. Lily Hsueh (founding organizer, School of Public Affairs), Dr. Tina Jiwatram-Negron (School of Social Work), and Dr. Natasha Mendoza (School of Social Work). We have also drafted formal bylaws describing the origin, goals, activities, membership, and leadership of the organization.”