Division of Equity and Inclusion, UC Berkeley

Join us for the 2026 Equity in Action Summit ✨

This year’s theme, "Thriving as a Collective Practice, Freedom as an Organizing Principle," invites Berkeley employees to explore equity, belonging, wellness, and collective thriving through community dialogue, panels, workshops, and connection.

📅 Date: Mon. 6/15
🕣 Time: 8:30am-6pm
📍 Location: Pauley Ballroom

🔗 Register via the Equity in Action Event Registration Form: https://bit.ly/4ueaDAZ

We welcome all UC Berkeley employees engaged in equity and inclusion efforts, whether through formal roles, committee work, or personal commitment.

"For the university to be a safe, welcoming space for Native Americans, it needs to better understand its history and its responsibilities. NATI does a great job making the university recognize that it's not just that we need spaces for Native students, but that we need to know there is a visible, public pathway for change."
- Martina Mapatis (Mojave, Hualapai, and Yavapai), 5th year student at UC Berkeley

The Native American Thriving Initiatives (NATI) are helping reimagine UC Berkeley’s responsibilities to Native communities through relationship-building, institutional transformation, and support for Native students, faculty, and staff.

From strengthening partnerships with Ohlone communities to expanding Native-centered programs and visibility on campus, this work reflects an ongoing commitment to building a more just and accountable future.

🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/4uPUGB2

LTI Undergraduate Convivencia Recap ✨📸

On Wed. 4/8, the Latinx Thriving Initiatives community came together for the LTI Undergraduate Convivencia to connect, build comunidad, and reflect on what it means to thrive at .

The gathering created space for staff, faculty, and students to share meaningful dialogue, exchange shared experiences, and connection rooted in belonging, care, and collective growth. Thank you to everyone who joined and contributed to this space. 💛

📢 Berkeley undergrads, we want to hear from you!

The 2026 UC Undergraduate Experience Survey (UCUES) helps UC Berkeley better understand student experiences and improve support, resources, and campus life.

Your feedback matters and completing the survey enters you into drawings for gift cards up to $100.

🔗 Take the survey by Tues. 6/30: UCUES.berkeley.edu

✨ Staff Spotlight: Omoye Akhile (she/her) ✨

Meet Omoye Akhile, Senior Financial Analyst for the Division of Equity & Inclusion at UC Berkeley. Omoye supports the financial planning and strategic budgeting that help sustain impactful programs across the division.

💚 A perfect workday for Omoye includes productive collaboration, mission-aligned problem solving, and of course, green tea in her favorite pink handmade mug.

🔗 Read more about Omoye: https://bit.ly/3PvEUMC

A Journey through Script and Ink: Arabic-Persian Calligraphy Workshop Recap ✨

In April, the UC Berkeley Center for Middle Eastern Studies welcomed artist Arash Shirinbab for an interactive journey through Arabic-Persian calligraphy and art, including:
• A presentation exploring the history, heritage, and spiritual traditions of Arabic and Persian scripts
• A live “performance” of calligraphy on a large canvas with mediative repetition of words of wisdom and verses from Rumi, one of the most prominent Persian Sufi and poets
• Hands-on opportunities for attendees to experience traditional calligraphy tools and receive personalized keepsakes

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this meaningful afternoon of creativity and reflection 🖊️

📸 Photo Credit: Reagan Calaguas

Are you teaching this summer or interested in strengthening your classroom approach?

Join the The American Cultures Center at UC Berkeley's Teaching in Summer Workshop 2026 to explore strategies for teaching and supporting students during UC Berkeley Summer Sessions This full-day workshop will include:
- Insights into key summer session policies and data, including a NEW E&I critical data analysis
- Best practices from experienced UC Berkeley Summer Sessions faculty
- Cybersecurity training led by Elijah Baucom, UC Berkeley School of Informatio n Lecturer and Cybersecurity Clinic Director
- A session on care in the classroom, with a focus on supporting undocumented students

📅 Date: Thurs. 5/21
🕙 Time: 10am-4pm
📍 Location shared after registering

Registration deadline: Thurs. 5/14 at 3pm
🔗 Register today: https://bit.ly/4vP9ZeJ

Questions? Email [email protected]

🌺✨ May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month!

UC Berkeley celebrates and honors the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, on campus and beyond. 💛

Join us throughout the month for events, storytelling, and community spaces that uplift AA & PI voices and experiences, including:
• Thurs. 5/7: Remembering Our Waves: A Lunch & Talk-Story with alumni Thomas Mangloña II
• Thurs. 5/14: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Dinner across all dining commons
• Thurs. 5/14: 2026 AANHPI Heritage Month: APASA & Ethnic Studies Library Tour + Zine Workshop

✨ Open to students, staff, and faculty. Come celebrate with us!

🔗 Explore events and resources: https://bit.ly/4n0Wgxs

May is Jewish American Heritage Month! ✨

We express our gratitude to and appreciation for the Jewish American campus community for being an important part of UC Berkeley’s legacy and culture. Check out highlights, resources, and ways to engage:
• Explore stories, culture, and community moments from across campus
• Learn more about Jewish history, identity, and resilience
• Celebrate the creativity and contributions of Jewish Americans past and present

✨ Events and resources are open to students, staff, and faculty. Come celebrate with us: https://ei.berkeley.edu/resources/heritage-and-awareness-messages/jewish-american-heritage-month

The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art & Life

SSWANA Culture Show Recap✨

This year's SSWANA Culture Show was a powerful celebration of culture, creativity, and community:
- Live performances showcasing traditional and modern SSWANA dance and music, headlined by NEMAHSIS
- Cultural fashion and storytelling highlighting diverse identities across the region
- A space centering South Asian, Southwest Asian, and North African students and welcoming the broader campus community to connect, express, and celebrate heritage together

Thank you to all the performers, organizers, and attendees who made this night unforgettable. 💛

📸 Photo Credit: Reagan Calaguas