YOURSELF

my family.”

Two years ago, Werchouski was offered an opportunity to work at UWS. A new department, called Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) was being developed, and Werchouski was named assistant director. Today, Werchouski serves as the director of the department, and is also the senior diversity officer for UWS. She was personally appointed for this role by UWS Chancellor Dr. Renee Wachter.

Werchouski explained a bit about what her duties entail.

“As assistant director, I oversaw the First Nations Center, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Gender Equity Resource Center, the Veterans Center and the Office of International Programs. I also worked with a lot of first-generation students.

“As director, I directly supervise a great team of six people, along with a whole army of students,” she continued. “I help make sure all students are represented in the future planning of the university. I do a lot of advocating, to ensure our students have visibility. Our department tagline is, ‘Everyone deserves to be successful and be supported.’”

Werchouski also teaches a class at UWS – an upper-level, First Nations Studies independent research course.

A special award

In September 2019, UWS named Werchouski the recipient of the Women of Color in Education Award. This special recognition is given annually to faculty, staff, students or community members to recognize their achievements in advancing equity and inclusion for people of color within the UW System as well as communities across the state. Regents, chancellors, provosts and UW System leaders recognized Werchouski at a ceremony on Nov. 7 in Madison.

“It’s huge,” Werchouski said of the award. “It was a surprise and a huge honor to receive recognition for the work I do. It means that good work – especially in the areas of student support and diversity – is being put in the forefront and is being acknowledged and supported.”

She also noted that she wouldn’t be in her current position without the support of her parents, along with many mentors, colleagues and students along the way.

Civic duties

When she isn’t working, Werchouski performs a variety of civic duties. She was recently invited by Superior Mayor Jim

Paine to serve on the Mayor’s Commission on Communities of Color. She also returns to Bayfield many weekends to work as a volunteer ambulance driver for the city of Bayfield.

She serves on the board of directors for the Wisconsin Indian Education Association and is also their regional representative. She retains membership to the National Indian Education Association and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society.

Personal life

Werchouski and her partner of 10 years, Heather Rickerl, were married two years ago in New Orleans. They enjoyed a honeymoon in Mexico, a country where Werchouski has family ties (her grandfather was originally from Jalisco, Mexico). The couple makes their home in Superior, just a few blocks away from UWS, where they are both employed. Rickerl works as UWS’ assistant director of Career Services.

They both love to travel and attend hockey games and band concerts. Werchouski also enjoys photography, as well as spending time on the shores of Lake Superior.

Werchouski was diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease four years ago, but it was discovered early enough to be improved with treatment. But it has been an eyeopening experience.

“It’s made me grateful and helps me acknowledge the good days,” she said. “You really find out who your true supports are. It’s been a test in finding the good things.”

As far as life goals, Werchouski remains open to whatever experiences come her way.

“Personally, I want to continue to travel, and pay honor and respect to indigenous people wherever we go. Professionally, I want to model humility, honor and respect, and encourage my students to chase their dreams. I really enjoy challenging the systems that create barriers for people to succeed.”

Werchouski is fulfilled to be working in a field where all people are treated with dignity and respect.

“This wave of diversity work is so rewarding. I think we all want to see a world where we support and encourage each other.” D