The Center for Diversity & Inclusion (CSDI) advances Suffolk University's commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable campus community through education, advocacy, and student support.
CSDI serve as a campus leader in social justice education by facilitating workshops, trainings, and dialogue-based learning experiences that promote inclusion, access, belonging, and cultural humility. These workshops are designed to encourage critical reflection and to equip the student body, student leaders, faculty, and staff with the knowledge and skills to foster an inclusive community.
Our staff advises several student affinity organizations and supervises ten Diversity Peer Educators (DPEs), a student leader program dedicated to peer education and social justice advocacy. as well as the Diversity Peer Educators. We offer both new and traditional initiatives, social programming, and student trainings that help develop multicultural competencies.
As advocates for students, we collaborate with campus partners, such as Student Affairs, the Division of Student Success, Counseling, Health & Wellness, Disability Services, the CARES Pantry, and the Interfaith Center. We also work closely with the Center for Community Engagement and other campus groups to help students engage with the local community and enhance their global perspective.
Training and Resources
Education is at the heart of CSDI’s mission. We offer a variety of interactive workshops, trainings, and educational resources that explore topics such as identity, allyship, multicultural competencies, and more. Our programs are available to student organizations, faculty, and staff and can be tailored to meet the needs of different campus groups.
The DPE program serves as a cornerstone of our educational efforts by preparing student leaders to facilitate workshops, engage their peers in meaningful dialogue, and promote inclusive practices throughout the Suffolk community.
More information about Training & Resources
Bias Incidents
Suffolk's Policy Against Bias Incidents and Hate Crimes affirms that bias incidents and hate crimes have no place at the University and will not be tolerated. Our center provides education, guidance, and referrals for students seeking support while working collaboratively with campus partners to foster a respectful campus environment.
More information about Bias Incidents
Our Staff
The Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion's staff members are available for students who want to discuss concerns such as adjusting to campus, personal matters, academic progress, or career planning.
We encourage students to get in touch whether or not they need specific help. Staff members are also available to consult with students, student leaders, faculty, and staff on diversity-related issues.
Facebook | Instagram
Beatriz Patiño, Director (she/her/hers/ella)
Bea (pronounced Bee or Bey-ah) joined the Suffolk community in 2018.
I was born in Chicago, Illinois, raised in Central Falls, RI, and identify as a Latine, Mexican/Puerto Rican American, and First Generation College student. I received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Human Development from Connecticut College and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Assumption University.
My career has always been rooted in access, advocacy, and mentorship for historically minoritized and excluded students. Before coming to Suffolk, I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay, South America focusing on urban youth development, led the Cross-Cultural Center at Assumption University, and coordinated multicultural recruitment in Undergraduate Admissions. My journey in higher education began coordinating Summer Bridge Programs at College of the Holy Cross. I am passionate about empowering first-generation students and historically marginalized students in higher education navigate, challenge, and excel within predominately white spaces.
Outside of work you can find me sharing a delicious meal with family or friends, listening to a podcast on a train (and likely laughing or crying), burning off stress on a treadmill or a long walk or bingeing the latest crime documentary.
Maria Junco, Associate Director (she/her/hers/ella)
Maria joined the Suffolk community in 2022.
I identify as a Colombian and First Generation College student who immigrated to the United States at the age of six. I received a Bachelor's in Psychology and Political Science (with a minor in Latin American Studies) from the University of Connecticut, and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies: Higher Education Administration from Boston University. After my Bachelor’s, I served as an AmeriCorps VISTA member and worked at a local college in Boston helping to raise retention rates among Latinx students and other underrepresented groups.
My passion for higher education was shaped by my involvement at UConn’s Puerto Rican/Latin American Cultural Center (PRLACC) where I served as a coordinator for a peer mentoring program.
I joined Suffolk as Assistant Director of Student Leadership & Involvement and also advised commuter ambassadors and supported the continued growth of the commuter student program.
As a Colombian immigrant, the college experience was challenging and transformative for me. I am committed to supporting, advocating for, mentoring, and creating meaningful opportunities for students from historically underrepresented communities.
When I'm not at work, you can find me spending time with my beautifully-blended family, painting, reading (always open to recommendations!), or exploring new restaurants.