Q&A: Francellis Quiñones

NECC’s First Chief Officer of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

who we are, how we do things, and who we dream of being. It has been a fun and exciting start to a long and worthwhile journey.

What drew you to this role at NECC?

I’m a local resident and am very interested and invested in the success of NECC to help our communities. The work required for this job to help foster further success for all NECC students, staff, and faculty is of great interest to me due to my extensive teaching, advocacy, and community-building experiences and my excitement and passion for social justice work.

What is the importance of having a role like this at NECC?

The importance of having a chief JEDI at NECC is an increase in the sense of belonging and community, a cohesive collection and acknowledgment of all DEI work already happening, and a vision for that work moving forward. It also addresses the historical and facts-based evidence that there is a significant achievement gap to overcome! We can do it together!

What’s next for JEDI work at NECC?

I need to meet many more people, build bridges from and into the college to the communities we serve, and continue and build upon that work.

Quiñones oversees the Center for Equity and Social Justice, created two years ago. The center is designed to identify opportunities for the college to develop or contribute to new services and partnerships or enhance existing ones that will benefit students through strengthening their communities, ensuring equity, and addressing social justice needs.