Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at GMercyU


Our Core Values place inclusive excellence at the center of our culture as a Catholic, Mercy university.

What Does “Inclusive Excellence” Mean?  

Inclusive excellence recognizes that to successfully advance our mission we must value, engage, and include the rich diversity of all the members of our community: students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the university.  

How We Achieve It 

Creating a culture of inclusive excellence begins with infusing diversity and equity into the GMercyU’s admissions, hiring, and promotion processes.  It is strategically integrated into the curriculum and co-curriculum, our student development and leadership, and into our administrative structures, practices, decision-making, and culture. 

Why It Matters 

Inclusive excellence is central to GMercyU’s mission to develop students with successful careers and meaningful lives in a global society. Challenging all community members to engage in this collaboration and transformative personal and professional work will help us continue to build a true Mercy community. 

 

Tatiana Diaz, MA

Meet GMercyU's Assistant Vice President for Diversity Equity & Inclusion.

Ella/She/Her/Hers 
diaz.t@gmercyu.edu  
215-646-7300 x210737 
Mercy in Action

Read how we put our commitment to service and our Core Values into practice throughout the year.
Commitment to Social Justice

We stand with those peacefully fighting to end racism, building up human dignity, and fostering social justice in our diverse world. 

University DEI Initiatives 


CORE Programming

A component of the Office of Student Activities, CORE Programing aims to educate the GMercyU community in topics relating to our Core Values and our focus on the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy.


Diverse Student Organizations


    Integrated Studies Program

    Integrated Studies at GMercyU is a student-centered, inclusive post-secondary program for individuals aged 18-26 with intellectual disabilities. This program is designed to provide excellent opportunities in education, career development, and social participation within an inclusive academic setting.


    Interfaith Initiatives

    In the Mercy tradition, our Campus Ministry team seeks to be an open and affirming presence for all, promoting the search for spiritual growth with an emphasis on service to society. 


    Mercy Focus on Haiti

    Through various student, staff, and faculty projects, GMercyU support the Mercy Focus on Haiti: A group of Sisters of Mercy, friends, and colleagues walking with the Gros Morne, Haiti community.


      Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Working Group  

      Led by Tatiana Diaz, AVP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, the working group is charged to develop concrete steps and metrics of progress for improving diversity, equity, and inclusion at GMercyU. The group: 

      • Serves as an organizational mechanism to cultivate and sustain synergy and collaboration of initiatives and programming related to diversity, equity, and inclusion across the University
      • Monitors and reports on the University’s progress in the execution of initiatives and work plans  
      • Makes recommendations for effective internal and external communication of University initiatives in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
      • Works to identify and advance systemic structures, practices, policies, and traditions that will advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, while also removing barriers of the same kind

      Members include:

      • Patricia Brown O'Hara, Assistant Professor, the Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions 
      • Brandi Crawford, Director of Accessibility Services 
      • Carol Evans, Assistant Professor, Director of Voices of Gwynedd 
      • Dawn Hayward,  Assistant Vice President Assessment and Compliance 
      • Ali Jabara Johnston, Associate Director for Leadership Programs 
      • Matt Lasecki, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources 
      • Holly Lightcap , Student Success Specialist 
      • Meredith Hoch-Oescher, Dean of Student Success 
      • Michelle Murray, Associate Director Residence Life 
      • Deb O'Reilly, Digital Content Specialist 
      • Lorraine Phillips, Assistant Professor, School of Arts and Sciences 
      • Atasha Quarles, Associate Director of Financial Aid 
      • Gianna Quinn, Director of Alumni Relations 
      • Peggy Rosario , Assistant Professor, School of Graduate and Professional Studies 
      • Mary Sortino, Dean of the School of Business and Education
      • Jeffrey  Wallace, Director of Campus Ministry 
      • Maria Warnick, Faculty, the Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions 
      • Sophia Zinobile, Admissions Counselor