Caltech’s Center for Inclusion and Diversity to Present Programs before the Pasadena Human Relations Commission

Dr. Tashiana Bryant-Myrick, Director of the Caltech Center for Inclusion and Diversity (CCID), will present the Center’s programs before the Pasadena Human Relations Commission during its meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m. at the Jackie Robinson Community Center, located at 1020 North Fair Oaks Ave. in Pasadena. 

Dr. Bryant-Myrick is expected to provide valuable insights into the programs offered by the Center and its mission to promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility within the scientific community and at the Institute.

The CCID, established in January 2009, is the result of the merger of two departments at Caltech: the Minority Student Education and the Women’s Center. Caltech said the CCID is committed to enhancing the holistic experience of all Caltech community members through education, advocacy, cultural exchange, leadership development, and coalition building. 

Serving as a resource hub, the CCID collaborates with multiple stakeholders to advance inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility, both within the Institute and throughout the scientific community.

The range of programs and training initiatives that CCID pursues include Discussion & Affinity Groups, Diversity and Inclusion Ambassadors, and the First-Year Success Research Institute (FSRI), a comprehensive orientation and academic support program designed to ease the transition from high school to college while providing a strong research foundation. The FSRI introduces incoming underrepresented and underserved first-year students to Caltech’s research and math curriculum, culture, academic rigor, and student support services.

Throughout the year, the CCID hosts a series of events aimed at supporting the Institute’s endeavors to create a culture of inclusion and equity for all. These events play a vital role in educating, advocating, and fostering allyship to build a community characterized by equity and inclusive excellence.

Dr. Bryant-Myrick is a dedicated professional with a strong background in higher education and a passion for supporting underrepresented students. She was born and raised in Long Beach and holds a BA in Sociology with a minor in Africana Studies from California State University, Dominguez Hills, as well as a MS in Higher Education from California State University, Fullerton.

In 2019, Dr. Bryant-Myrick completed her Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership at CSU Long Beach. Her doctoral research focused on the persistence and experience of Black women in STEM majors from an anti-deficit and Black Feminist perspective.

In her role as Director of CCID, Dr. Bryant-Myrick collaborates with community members to develop achievable goals that incorporate inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible frameworks and practices. She prioritizes the Institute’s commitment to ‘a more Inclusive Caltech’ by identifying areas of support for historically excluded groups in the Caltech community. Simultaneously, she strengthens successful programs and resources designed for these groups.

Dr. Bryant-Myrick also coordinates the Black Ladies Association of Caltech (BLAC), an affinity space dedicated to supporting African-American women in STEM. The BLAC provides networking and professional development opportunities for African-American women at Caltech, serving undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, postdocs, and alumni.

The Human Relations Commission meeting is open to the public. 

Composed of nine members, the Commission aids the city in achieving better human relations in city government, and provides assistance to private persons and groups in promoting goodwill and better relations among all people.

For more information, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/human-relations-commission/. 

To learn more about Caltech’s Center for Inclusion & Diversity, visit https://ccid.caltech.edu/.