April is Diversity Month

Gain a greater appreciation for our differences and learn more to build an inclusive community for all

OCC is celebrating April’s Diversity Month by offering events and resources that recognize and honor the diversity surrounding us all. Join us as we build a greater sense of belonging through our differences, where all people feel valued.

Celebrate & Build Community

Diverity Month

  • Sign the Pledge - OCC believes every individual deserves the chance to do their best, to be respected, and to feel safe and supported. Each of us has an opportunity to make a difference—to learn and to grow as part of our personal journey. Together, we are asking members of our community to commit to making OCC a more equitable, diverse and inclusive community and champion DEIJ forward.

  • Empowerment Summit - (Employees Only)
    Friday, April 12, 10 a.m. - Noon | Virtual 
    Keynote Speaker: Leah C. Georges, PhD, MLS - Associate Professor and Director, EdD in Interdisciplinary Leadership Program Creighton University.
    This employee event will address mainstream media myths of generational warfare in the workplace and provide insight about generational preferences and strengths with special attention to Generation Z. Event keynote speaker Leah C. Georges’ research has been cited in Forbes magazine; her Ted Talk about ‘how generational stereotypes hold us back at work’ has been translated into 18 languages.

Recognize & Honor 

  • Zoom Backgrounds - Download new backgrounds to celebrate Diversity Month, virtually. 

  • OCC's 2024 DEIJ Excellence Award - Recipients will be announced Friday, April 12 at the College's annual Empowerment Summit. Nominees for the award are advocates who speak out against insensitivity and prejudice or continually envision new ways of inclusion for all.

Learn & Grow Your Understanding 

  • Understanding Ramadan - This time of year is filled with many important celebrations of faith. We call special attention to Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. Ramadan is March 11-April 10.

  • Training: Supporting Transgender Students
    Mon, April 1, 10 -11 a.m. | Virtual
    In recognition of Transgender Day of Visibility, join OCC to learn the basics of what gender is, why it matters in education and how to create gender inclusive spaces. You will also learn about trans people and the obstacles they face in education and society.

  • Reflections of Arab American
    Wed, April 3, Noon-1 p.m. | Virtual
    Panel Moderator: OCC Vice Chancellor for External Affairs Christina Ayar
    During April, the United States celebrates Arab-American Heritage Month, which also includes a celebration of all Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Americans, by honoring the rich and distinct cultures and accomplishments of our Arab American community. Panelists will share their perspectives on how their identity as Arab Americans has shaped who they are, the impact of stereotypes and the importance of representation.

  • Understanding the Deaf Culture
    Tue, April 9, Noon-1 p.m. | Virtual
    American Sign Language plays a central role – as all spoken languages do – in the context of understanding the culture of the people who use it to communicate. Deaf people throughout the world have developed unique and distinct forms of sign language; even regional dialects exist in geographically diverse areas within individual countries.