Culture and Connections Commission

The mission of the Culture and Connections Commission is to promote diverse, welcoming and just environments within the Association and its respective colleges through leadership and professional development for the greater good.

Welcome From the 2024 Culture and Connections Commission Chair

I am so excited to serve as your new C3 Commission Chair. I humbly seek your partnership. Together we can make a difference in the lives of those we touch. We are not a one size fit all organization, but we all fit well within the organization. We learn from each other and grow in different directions. We share our talents in hopes of gaining a better understanding of why we exist. AFC is a valuable resource that allows you to develop both personally and professionally. What I know for sure, wherever you are in the organization you are making a difference and being transformed in the process. Here is my plea: Join C3 and let’s continue to make a difference. If you are already an C3 member, let’s get to work!

Best,
Pat

Patricia McGee
Culture and Connections Commission Chair

WHO WE ARE

Historically, the Culture and Connections Commission's purpose was to provide leadership, advice and counsel on EA/EO/Equity matters, to recommend equity legislative issues to AFC, and to provide a vehicle for professional development. We have expanded our scope by adding elements of general diversity and inclusion work that would be relevant to all AFC members, even if they do not serve their institution in an official equity role. True diversity involves EVERYONE. We are Stronger Together!

WHAT WE DO

Serve as a resource to build awareness for C3 issues relevant to college and student communities
Assess the needs of diverse and underrepresented populations
Share best practices of C3 initiatives in higher education
Bolster the infusion of a variety of cultural perspectives
Build a network of communication and support for all those interested in influencing positive C3 change at their institutions

2024 EXECUTIVE BOARD

Chair: Patricia McGee, Pasco-Hernando State College; email: [email protected]; Phone: 727-816-3169

Immediate Past Chair: Wanjiku Jackson, Northwest Florida State College, email: [email protected]; Phone: 850-729-5202

Chair- Elect: Joseph Porta, Hillsborough Community College; email: [email protected]; Phone: 813-253-7690

Secretary: Ronteryl Black, Pasco-Hernando State College; email: [email protected]; Phone: 352-340-4809

Treasurer: Dr. Hanan Hanna, Pasco-Hernando State College; email: [email protected]; Phone: 727-816-3364

Co-Chair Website/Social Media: Obi Kalu, Pensacola State College; email: [email protected]; Phone: 850-484-2357

Co-Chair Website/Social Media: April Leake, Northwest Florida State College; email: [email protected]; Phone: 850-729-4903

Region I Representative: Sonja Quinn, Northwest Florida State College; email: [email protected] ; Phone 850-502-2895 ext. 6690

Region II Representative: Dr. Asha M. Brunings, Santa Fe College; email: [email protected]; Phone: 352-381-7144

Region III Representative: Dr. Cynthia Moody, College of Central Florida; email: [email protected]; Phone: 352-873-5800 ext. 1462

Region IV Co-Representative: Luther Buie, Pasco-Hernando State College; email: [email protected]; Phone: 727-816-3192

Region IV Co-Representative: Adriana Bridger, Pasco-Hernando State College; email: [email protected]; Phone: 727-816-3367

Region V Representative: –Vacant

ANNOUNCEMENTS

We are seeking the following positions:

Chair
Chair-Elect
Secretary
Treasurer
Webmaster/Social Chair
Region Representatives

Why should you volunteer to serve on a commission?

You build leadership skills!
You broaden and deepen your network of colleagues in the Florida College System
You gain knowledge of best practices occurring at other colleges that will benefit you and your institution

Please contact Patricia McGee, [email protected] if you are interested or know someone who would be a great addition to the C3 board.

Check back here and on our Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/AFCEDI/) for updates.

Thank you for your support!

Commission Resources

BYLAWS

Recognizing the need to establish procedures and guidelines as they reflect the rights, responsibilities, and objectives of its membership, the Culture and Connections Commission hereby adopts these Bylaws and Standing Rules:

Bylaws (Updated 2015)

The Culture and Connections Commission Newsletter is published electronically twice a year. If you wish to be included in our mailing, please officially register with AFC as a member of the Culture and Connections Commission. C3 does not need to be your "primary" commission to receive our communications.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Exemplary Practice Award Winners:

2022: Exemplary Practice Winner – Isabel Duque, Miami Dade College

2022: Best Practice: Award of Merit Winner – Ismelda Alvarez, Santa Fe College

2022: Shining Star Award Winner – Dr. Hanan Hanna, Pasco-Hernando State College

2018: Daniella Pierre, Miami Dade College - "Appreciative Interactions in Advising"

2016: Tabitha Parker and Isi Ogwude, Gulf Coast State College - "Diversity Lunch & Learn Series"

2014: Rachel Luce-Hitt, Valencia College - "Beyond Compliance: Creating an Inclusive Environment for the LGBTQI Community"

2013: Aminah Nicols and Darrius Demps, Santa Fe College - "My Brother's Keeper"

2012: Rachel Allen, Valencia College - "Peace and Justice Initiative"

SOCIAL MEDIA - GET CONNECTED

Follow us on Facebook via https://www.facebook.com/AFCEDI/

Tweet to us @AFC EDI

See us on Instagram at afc_edi