The WTCS CDO Group is made up of executive diversity officers from the Wisconsin Technical College System and is centered around the Standards of Professional Practice for Chief Diversity Officers in Higher Education. We have created a space where CDOs can focus on professional development, policy, legislation, sharing of resources, self-care, and supporting each other. In that spirit, we aim to partner with the Wisconsin Technical College System Office and System-wide committees to provide leadership around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Sara Lam- Chief Officer for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
As the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NWTC, Dr. Sara Lam leads efforts to strengthen NWTC as a culturally sustaining college where all students feel they belong, achieve success, and are empowered to take action for positive change, with specific attention to students from marginalized groups. Prior to joining the College, Dr. Lam has been an instrumental part of the DEI efforts of University of Minnesota Morris and its community. She is a co-founder of the Rural China Education Foundation. She earned a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Wisconsin-Madison, an Ed.M. in International Education Policy from Harvard University, and a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota Morris.
Rayon Brown- Vice President for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion and Interim Vice President for Student Services, Fox Valley Technical College
Rayon Brown currently serves as Executive Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) /Chief Diversity Officer at Fox Valley Technical College. This encompasses Diversity & Inclusion Services, Tribal outreach, and Affirmative Action. Brown joined FVTC in 2004. Before being named Chief Diversity Officer in July 2020, he held various positions at the College including Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Manager of Multicultural Student Services, Intercollegiate Athletics/Student Life Coordinator and Student Life Recreation Assistant. In 2014, he served as the Director of the Brother-to-Brother program, an initiative designed to increase retention rates of students of color at the College. Active in the community, Brown chairs the Ryan Community Board of Directors and co-chairs the Imagine Fox Cities Coordinating Committee. He serves on several other boards and planning committees, including the NACCE Mentoring Council, LEAVEN Community Resource Center Outcomes and Evaluation Committee, Community Health Action Team (CHAT), POINT Action Groups, Celebrate Diversity Fox Cities Board of Directors, Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team, Fox Cities Chief Diversity Officers Collaborative, and Voices of Men Fox Cities. Brown earned an Associate degree in Marketing from FVTC and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee. He earned his Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership & Administration from Concordia University in Mequon. Contact: 920-735-4820, brown@fvtc.edu
Dr. Eva Martinez Powless- Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer and Title IX Coordinator, Milwaukee Area Technical College
Eva Martinez Powless is MATC’s chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. Ms. Martinez Powless is a seasoned diversity, equity and inclusion practitioner with over 18 years of combined experience in higher education and nonprofit administration. She has held positions at Marquette University as Assistant Dean of Admissions, Director of the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Director of Diversity and Inclusion. Ms. Martinez Powless earned a Bachelor of Arts from Alverno College and master’s degree in Public Service (Leadership Specialization) from Marquette University, where she is currently a doctoral candidate in the interdisciplinary Ph.D. program, Higher Education and Leadership. She was a first-generation and low-income college student, which propelled her commitment to college access and success. Contact: 414-297-6491, marte176@matc.edu
Dr. Damira Grady- Vice President of Equity and Inclusion, Madison College
Sherry Simmons- Chief Diversity and Compliance Officer, Waukesha County Technical College
Sherry Simmons is the Chief Diversity & Compliance Officer at Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. As the CDCO, she is charged with weaving the mission, vision, and strategic priorities of diversity, equity, inclusion, and compliance into the fabric of the institution for sustainability. She provides direction to the Office of Institutional Belonging, Access, & Cultural Engagement (BACE), serves as the College’s Affirmative Action/Equity Officer, and chairs the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee. During her time at WCTC, she has held the roles of Compliance Officer, and Director of Compliance & Equity. In June 2021, Simmons was named a Notable Woman in Education from the Milwaukee BizTImes. Simmons received a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Studies from East Carolina University, and a Master of Arts in College Student Development from Appalachian State University. Simmons brings over 22 years of experience working in Higher Education. Prior to joining WCTC, she held various roles in Housing & Residence Life, such as Area Coordinator, Assistant Director of Housing & Student Conduct, and was the Director of Housing & Residence Education at two four-year institutions; one in North Carolina and the other in Illinois. Additionally, she has knowledge in Title IX, Human Resources, and International Education. Sherry is dedicated to ensuring people feel they have a voice on campus and are heard, supported, welcomed, included, and respected. Contact: 262-695-3481, ssimmons9@wctc.edu
Dr. Tammi Summers- Vice President, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Gateway Technical College
Dr. Tammi Summers is the Vice-President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Gateway Technical College and has the distinct honor of overseeing the college DEI initiatives and strategic plan. Dr. Summers began her journey at Gateway in 2006 working as a Disability Support Instructor and in that role she provided support services and accommodations to Gateway students with disabilities as they worked on pursuing their two-year associate degrees, certificates, and training. Dr. Summers received her Bachelors and Masters degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in Special Education. Dr. Summers went on to obtain her doctorate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Urban Education focusing on Adult and Continuing Education. A strong advocate for giving back to the community and helping others, Dr. Summers truly believes it is important to volunteer in the Milwaukee community. She is a 27-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she volunteers on numerous community service projects related to education, mental health, and academic scholarships. Dr. Summers has always understood the importance of having a good education and what impact education can have in transforming the lives of young people. Dr. Summers encourages students to focus on personal strengths and use them as a guide towards overcoming barriers and discovering new solutions. Dr. Summers herself is a proud graduate of Milwaukee Public Schools and believes that with hard work and dedication anything is possible. Contact: 262-564-2538, SummersT@gtc.edu