Erica Acosta serves as the Director of Diversity Initiatives at Wilkes University, where she plays a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, particularly for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). With her bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish,...
Erica Acosta serves as the Director of Diversity Initiatives at Wilkes University, where she plays a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, particularly for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). With her bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, Erica effectively bridges communication gaps, ensuring that diverse student populations feel heard and valued. Her expertise in event coordination and project management has been instrumental in the successful implementation of the Diversity & Inclusion Student Conference, an initiative she has led for five consecutive years. This conference not only provides a platform for undergraduate students to engage in meaningful discussions about diversity but also equips them with essential skills for their academic and professional journeys.
In her current role, Erica is dedicated to creating a sense of belonging within the Office of Diversity Initiatives. She develops and implements programs that provide academic, social, and transitional mentoring tailored to the unique challenges faced by BIPOC students. Her commitment to leadership development and community engagement is evident in her collaborative approach, where she actively seeks to build partnerships across campus and within the broader community. Erica's skills in crisis intervention and management further enhance her ability to support students during critical moments, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to thrive.
As a passionate advocate for DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) initiatives, Erica continually assesses and refines her strategies to improve recruitment and retention of underrepresented students. Her public speaking prowess and experience in organizational development position her as a thought leader in the field, inspiring others to embrace diversity as a cornerstone of academic excellence and community growth. Through her multifaceted approach, Erica Acosta is not only transforming the landscape of diversity at Wilkes University but also empowering the next generation of leaders to champion inclusivity in all aspects of their lives.
