2023-2024 awardees

Dailyn Despradel, MechE

Dailyn has been an instrumental part of executing MechE’s DEI efforts this year, especially Black History Month-focused events, including MLK: Now is the Time VR Experience and a Hidden Figures movie night. Both offerings were incredibly successful, thanks to her meaningful contributions.

Nitya Mathur, iii

Nitya exemplifies what it means to be a champion for social justice and an advocate for her student community. She champions initiatives that she believes will make a positive impact within iii and has helped implement beneficial resources within the department (specifically related to accessibility and mental health).

Min Young Hwang, CEE

Min consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication to the CEE department, as well as a collaborative spirit. This year, she spearheaded the organization of the inaugural CEE DEI Hackathon, showcasing her proactive leadership and commitment to fostering inclusivity.

Christa Jones, INI

Christa is a warm and thoughtful colleague who advocates for DEI within the INI team. From generating inclusive websites and marketing materials to thoughtfully choosing images, messaging, and providing resources, she is committed to fostering community.

Nahom Mossaghazi, BME

Nahom heads a first-of-its-kind National Society of Black Engineers Healthcare Innovation Special Interest Group (NSBE HISIG) on campus, which grew out of the BME department. His vigor and willingness to support DEI initiatives and events is commendable.

Brittany Jade Reyes, ECE

Brittany created and currently chairs the ECE Peer Mentoring program. Her leadership in building this program from the ground up has been invaluable to its success and the significant impact it’s had on the department’s culture.

Yvette Underdue Murph, CMU-Africa

Yvette advocates for inclusion work in different spaces by bringing visibility to the different efforts and accomplishments of CMU-Africa. She also participated as a panel speaker in the Gender in STEM forum and collaborated on planning a special session with President Harriet Nembhard of Harvey Mudd College.

Katelyn Jones, MSE

Katelyn serves on the MSE department’s DEI committee and the college-level DEI student advisory committee. In 2020, she was central in establishing a graduate student DEI working group, which went on to coordinate a media club discussion group and launch the Graduate Application Support Program (GrASP).

John Kitchin, ChemE

John has advocated for DEI initiatives, both within ChemE and across the college, for many years. His passion for this work is clear to those he works with, and he continues to impact meaningful progress through his resolve and intellect.