At the start of the spring semester, New Mexico State University’s Office of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity updated their staff to include two new interim directors, filling the roles that Sophia Sangwanthong previously held. Dae Romero was named the interim director of LGBT+ Programs and Chadrhyn Pedraza was named the interim director of the Asian Pacific Islander Program.
Romero gave insight into their past endeavors, explaining that they have always been connected to NMSU and committed to creating an inclusive and expressive dynamic within the courses they teach.
Both Romero and Pedraza have been at NMSU as graduate students and faculty members. Romero currently works as a basic course director in the communications department and Pedraza is an assistant professor in the School of Teacher Preparation.
“I brought in the diversity programs, kind of in my first year, when I [be]came the basic course [director], or took over the basic course, I’ve been trying to practice that ever since,” Romero said. “Because I do understand that, you know, students need support in many different ways. And the EID division here at NMSU offers a lot of different types of support, not just, you know, printing and stuff, but also community places to thrive, places to transform, and places to help them belong at an NMSU.”
Romero discussed their involvement within the queer community at both NMSU and in Las Cruces. They attributed their connections in the community as a partial reason behind being appointed to their new position.
Pedraza clarified that she worked for NMSU’s TRIO Student Support Services as a peer mentor coordinator, giving her a different but important background in learning how to best support students.
“I really loved being able to serve the students at NMSU and support them through their academic endeavors and whatnot,” Pedraza said. “And then also not just their academic endeavors, but… we’re looking at them holistically. So, we’re looking at students not just with academics, but all the personal things, then professional things that come up in their lives. And so, I really love[d] that aspect of my work.”
Pedraza said a lot of her work and research “focuses on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, their identity development, their identity construction, [and] their experiences in higher education institutions.” She ascribed her research as a reason why she moved into this interim position, highlighting the excitement she has to fill this role.
EID’s assistant vice president, Mariana Ortega, shared the mindset she had when it came to choosing the new directors.
“For me, thinking about each of the programs and what they need in order for us to continue to support the students was really important,” Ortega said. “Specifically, individuals in these roles that already were connected on campus with students; individuals that were already working with students; individuals that, within their own faculty capacity, were already doing the work, and students had a positive report about them…”
Not only were faculty members considered for these positions who were involved and passionate, but their skill set and knowledge they brought to the table were considerations, as well.
“You know, you can be passionate about something but not have the skill set and knowledge, and they both possess that; in their faculty roles, or I should say, within their roles within NMSU, they have both been committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for all,” Ortega said.
Romero said they want to bridge the gap between LGBT+ Programs and the Gender & Sexuality Studies department.
“ [I’m] really wanting to collaborate and bring in community when it comes down to our programming and events,” Romero said. “I think we’re at a time right now where we really need to lean on community. And I know like, yes, we have a thriving and beautiful community at NMSU, but I do think, you know, we need to share knowledge and resources within the community, as well. So I think that’s what I’m really looking forward to, is potentially bridging any gaps that were there.”
Pedraza expressed hopes of connecting with the organizations that fall under the API Program, as well as other diversity programs. However, her biggest goal for the rest of the semester is to ensure that events and programs still occur when they were previously set to.
“That’s sort of my biggest goal — is just to make sure that everything we’ve already planned for doesn’t get canceled, or if it does, then replacing it with something that is equally important to bringing about the visibility of Asian, Asian American specific, Islanders on campus.” Pedraza said.
While neither Romero or Pedraza could give direct insight into plans for their programs following the president’s recent executive orders, they shared similar sentiments of continuing to provide a safe and brave space for all students.
“I think at the end of the day, I want to continue creating a space where students belong and feel welcome,” Romero said. “I want to continue supporting our students and helping them thrive in a world where, you know, we’re told to not thrive and to not be as strong as we are… that’s all I’m really hoping for in the future, just like, to build community, continue supporting, continue creating a space of belonging so students know, like we’re still here, we’re not going anywhere.”
Pedraza expressed her appreciation for the API Program and the path it gives students to explore their identity and sense of self.
“I really love that we’re now an official EID program, that we’re part of this, the recognition on campus, the visibility for our students to have that space, whether or not they’re still exploring their identity — but that is what our spaces are for, right?” Pedraza said. “To understand that multifaceted self. Even me, I have to admit that with my identity, it’s a constant exploration. You know, what does it mean to be Asian and American, Filipino and American, right? And to straddle these worlds in the API Program space is an opportunity to do that.”
