Conference Sessions
Best practices to create and sustain inclusive environments for nonbinary and LGBTQ+ faculty in higher education
This session aims to share best practices for creating and sustaining an inclusive environment for nonbinary and LGBTQ+ faculty to thrive in higher education institutions. GAIN attendees will receive resources to support diverse gender and sexual identities within academia at both individual and institutional levels. The inclusion resources consist of both explicitly outlined practices and initiatives and are grouped in the following categories: (a) using inclusive language, (b) creating visibility, (c) training and professional development for inclusion work, and (d) networking. The session will also include a discussion portion wherein attendees are encouraged to share their experiences with creating a culture of inclusivity for nonbinary and LGBTQ+ faculty and staff.
Presenter
Nicole Soriano
(she, her)
Nicole Soriano is a research fellow with the Multnomah County Partnership for Education Research (MCPER). As a fellow, she provides real-time research and program evaluation services to six local Portland school districts based on their current and upcoming needs. She is enrolled in the University of Portland’s EdD program and holds an MAT from the University of the Pacific. Soriano’s academic research interests lie in the areas of LGBTQ+ inclusive pedagogies, educational equity, culturally relevant teaching, and teacher education. When she is not at her desk, she enjoys observing nature and reading.