Sonia DeLuca Fernández is the senior vice chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Colorado (CU) Boulder and reports to the chancellor. In her role, Sonia provides leadership for strategically advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

A certified change management professional, she works with community and campus constituents to operationalize a shared equity leadership model, provide DEI-focused recommendations, and mobilize leaders. Before joining CU Boulder, Sonia held various appointments, working in DEI, assessment, multicultural affairs, commuter student services, and student activities.

She earned a PhD in higher education from the University of Michigan, an MA in social foundations of education, and a BA in African American studies, both from the University of Iowa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ciji Heiser is the founder of Co-Creating Action, and a seasoned professional in educational research methodology. She teaches antiracist methodologies at American University and contemporary issues in higher education at New England College. With degrees from Bucknell University, Kent State University, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Ciji is renowned for her award-winning research and expertise, advocating for equity and social justice. She has led assessment, evaluation, and strategic planning initiatives across sectors. Recently, Ciji contributed to US National Science Foundation (NSF) grants supporting underrepresented students in STEM and conducted qualitative research on factors influencing students’ choices in pursuing postsecondary education.

Currently, she collaborates on reducing racial disparities in prison diversion programs across Illinois and is researching how policies shape equity work across a state system of community colleges. As a volunteer, Ciji co-leads the Grand Challenges in Higher Education plan, leveraging data to promote equity. She also shared her expertise as a faculty member at the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Assessment Institute and as past-chair of the Student Affairs Assessment Leaders.