People ask, “What is a Diversity Coordinator?”

From August 2008 through June 2014 I was the diversity coordinator and an instructor for Central Wyoming College (CWC) located in Riverton, Wyoming close by the Wind River Reservation, home of the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes.

I am a Northern Arapaho and Mexican American man with degrees in education and education administration. I was tasked with a course load that included the courses: Indians of the Wind River; Treaties and Federal Law; Tribal Government; and Public Speaking.

In my role as diversity coordinator, I worked directly with all Native American students providing support services as well as coordinating with existing CWC support services. I sponsored a native student organization, United Tribes, and was responsible for five annual powwows inclusive of finances, public relations, and coordinating with all existing CWC operations.

Additionally, I served as President McFarland’s liaison with local tribal governments, organizations within the state, and state officials requiring further articulation on CWC tribal operations. Within CWC and during the ITECC, Intertribal Education and Community Center building I served as the primary MC at its initiation and other activities within the ITECC throughout the years. Lastly, as the Diversity Coordinator I ensured good relations with both tribes, visiting Elders, tribal/ceremonial events and communicated with all CWC students sharing the benefits of a successful CWC experience. I was expected to serve as a role model for CWC and its students. I did exactly that while there.

It was truly a wonderful, positive, energy and time-consuming experience. I am pleased that I was able to play a role in the development of young men and women as they prepared for their futures as citizens of their tribe, their state, and their nation.