SW New Mexico News

New Mexico State University's Office of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity has appointed two interim directors to manage diversity programs. Dae Romero will take on the role of interim director for LGBT+ Programs, while Chadrhyn A. A. Pedraza will serve as the interim director for the Asian Pacific Islander Program.

Mariana Ortega, assistant vice president of diversity initiatives at NMSU's Office of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity, stated, "We are excited to welcome our newest team members, as they bring a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives that will strengthen our collective efforts to achieve great things." She added, "We look forward to accomplishing much together while fostering inclusion for our NMSU community."

The LGBT+ Programs initiative was founded over ten years ago to support wellness and success among students, faculty, and staff regarding gender and sexuality expression. It offers advocacy, resources, education, and programming tailored to the needs of LGBT+ Aggies and their allies.

Romero has been part of the NMSU community since 2015 in various roles. With a master's degree in communication studies from NMSU, Romero aims to create an environment where all students can grow through diversity and inclusivity.

The Asian Pacific Islander Program emerged from a student-led effort aimed at increasing representation on campus. Established in 2023, it focuses on enhancing experiences for underrepresented groups by advocating for resources and community building.

Pedraza is an assistant professor in NMSU’s School of Teacher Preparation with nearly two decades of experience working with diverse student backgrounds. Her research includes exploring higher education experiences for Asian American and Pacific Islander students.

NMSU plans to conduct a search during the spring semester for a permanent director for the Asian Pacific Islander Program.

For further details about these programs or updates regarding their progressions: visit https://api.nmsu.edu or follow @nmsu_api on Instagram; visit https://lgbt.nmsu.edu or follow nmsu_lgbt on Instagram.