2024 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee Candidates

College of DuPage, IL  

For the past two years, I have been an appointed member of the ACCT DEI Committee, and on my state’s Illinois Community College Trustee Association (ICCTA) DEI Committee for four years. Throughout my career (I am a retired academic), I devoted significant effort to addressing equity issues in the STEM discipline and I learned firsthand the responsibility of our academic institutions to provide our students with opportunities, role models, financial support, positive reinforcement, and a sense of belonging. As a trustee at the College of DuPage (COD), I continue to advance my commitment to DEI as the chair of our Board’s Academic Success Committee. I am excited about the prospect of continuing to contribute to the work of ACCT’s DEI efforts, which I understand to be critical to the mission and success of COD and all other community colleges. 

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, IA  

Adding being a Community College Trustee to my repertoire has been an amazing journey. As a small business owner for 17 years, I bring inspiration and insight to my Trustee role in advocating for Community Colleges. I feel that being a Trustee is an opportunity to make someone’s life better. I serve at Eastern Iowa Community College, Community Colleges for Iowa State trustee, and appointed by ACCT Chair, Jay Nardini to ACCT National Board of Directors. I also serve on the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee for ACCT. 

There is a need for more collaboration and wise counseling to ensure that all our precious students are included. Working together to create a sense of belonging is paramount to fostering a more inclusive college community. I am honored to run for the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee and would appreciate your support.

Bunker Hill Community College, MA

I am deeply honored to offer myself as a candidate for the New England regional member position on ACCT’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. As a Governor-appointed Trustee of Bunker Hill Community College since 2018, I’ve actively collaborated with the City of Boston Mayor’s Office to enact progressive state legislation benefiting community colleges statewide. My dedication extends to spearheading initiatives such as the inaugural tuition-free community college program and advocating for increased access for undocumented immigrant students. With over 26 years of executive management roles in community nonprofits and public agencies, I’ve consistently championed DEI efforts, leveraging substantial funding to support marginalized populations and implementing inclusive policies and hiring practices. If selected, I aim to apply key DEI principles, mobilize diverse coalitions, eliminate systemic barriers, and uphold our commitment to DEI as a trustee, public servant, and Boston resident. This opportunity aligns with my professional expertise and aspirations to contribute to ACCT’s DEI objectives while fostering personal growth through networking and learning.

Highline College, WA

Sharmila Swenson has served on the Highline College Board of Trustees since 2019 and on the ACCT DEI committee since 2021. 

DEI is the issue that first led Swenson to service as a Trustee, with a desire to see more people of color in leadership positions to support students from diverse and underserved populations. 

Her career has been dedicated to service and public policy - her professional background includes experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Swenson is currently an insurance VP and leads the Government Affairs and Social Impact programs, which she has focused on issues of equity and inclusion. 

Swenson is a passionate, dynamic leader with a history of coalition building and the ability to drive results. She continually seeks to engage and lift-up diverse perspectives, and her broad mix of personal and professional experiences make her uniquely positioned to continue providing valuable perspective to the committee.

Aiken Community College, SC

I am Keyatta Priester, a proud Executive Committee member (secretary) and a commissioner appointed to the Aiken County Commission for Technical and Comprehensive Education, the governing board for Aiken Technical College. As the Community Development Manager at Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AEC), I am honored to be the first African American woman to hold this position, paving the way for others in the industry. In my role, I provide strategic leadership in mission-related programs, shape the company’s direction, and execute initiatives to achieve our goals. Cultivating relationships with key organizations, advocating for our objectives, and monitoring industry trends are integral aspects of my responsibilities. With over 25 years of experience in the utility sector, I bring a wealth of knowledge to my role. I hold and have held membership in numerous local, state, and national organizations including Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, ACCT Board member, Vice President of Rotary Club of Aiken/Rotary International; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Chair of South Carolina Association of Technical College; Registered lobbyist for Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina; American Heart Association Heart Walk (2018) Co-Chair raising over $700K for the CSRA; United Way of Aiken County Chair, Vice Chair Women Leadership Council; Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce Board Member; Leadership Aiken County; Aiken Partnership Board Member. I am passionate about this opportunity and look forward to continuing to serve.

Kansas City Kansas Community College, KS

I am seeking reelection to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for such a time as this when DEI is under attack because the work must continue. A life-long educator, Linda Hoskins Sutton retired from Kansas City Kansas Community College in 2014 after 30 years of service. Having worked in all aspects (financial, continuing education & community services, student services and adjunct faculty), she knows that community colleges are the bedrocks of higher education. As a retired community college employee and now trustee, her motto is still the same: “Students First”.

Linda started serving her second four-year term as a Trustee at Kansas City Kansas Community College in January 2022. She currently serves as Chair on KCKCC’s Board Policy Committee. Her other trustee committee assignment is the KCKCC Foundation Board.

Linda is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for all and enjoys working on ACCT’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. DEI benefits all of us because we are all part of the same humanity.