Diversity: From Here to Where You Want to Be

In December, Trinity’s Ethnic Diversity Committee welcomed Dr. Yanina Gomez ’95, a school psychologist. She presented “Diversity: From Here to Where We Want to Be,” for faculty, staff, and students.

Gomez first shared her personal story of coming to Trinity in the ’90s when she moved from Puerto Rico with her family after her father accepted a position at The Back to God Hour. Gomez discussed the challenges she faced, including having to learn the language and adjusting to a new culture, school, and community of peers.

Building on this, Gomez discussed diversity on campus today, recognizing the efforts of Trinity’s office of diversity and Don Woo, dean for ethnic diversity and multicultural programs. She encouraged faculty to continue their personal commitment to cultural sensitivity and relationship building with students in their classrooms and urged an emphasis on preparing students for careers in diverse workplaces and global competitiveness and connectedness.

Following the lecture, Gomez led a student-focused workshop. Senior Liz Fiala of Minneapolis, Minnesota, who serves as a Student Association representative on the Ethnic/Diversity Committee, said of the event: “We had a solid group of students who are committed to promoting diversity on campus. The questions and discussion were very open and honest, and we were all really encouraged by it.”

More about Dr. Gomez
Dr. Gomez has been practicing as a school psychologist for 11 years. She currently practices in Indiana where she provides psycho-educational services to children and their families, as well as supervision for school psychology practicum students and interns.

Gomez serves in the Counseling Psychology Program Advisory Board at Trinity and was a presenter at the College’s fourth annual Psychology Alumni Conference. She is a board member of The Light and Leadership Initiative, a nonprofit organization servicing children and women in shantytowns in Peru. She and her husband Sergio are actively involved in the fine arts via their art gallery, 33 Contemporary Gallery, located in Chicago, IL.