Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at ICDS: The JEDI Initiative

Creating a university, a data science community and a society that respects and advocates diversity, equity and inclusion is a keystone value of ICDS. The Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion or “JEDI” initiative offers a framework to pursue our goals on diversity, equity and inclusion and empowers its members to advocate and take action that are aligned with these goals.

 

JEDI and ICDS

Diversity, inclusion and equity are integral to the success of ICDS’s mission to “build capacity to solve problems of scientific and societal importance through interdisciplinary, cyber-enabled research.” 

That’s why inclusivity is a core value.

Inclusivity: We foster a respectful environment that encourages the ideas, thoughts, and contributions of all members of the ICDS community.”

JEDI will function across all ICDS centers, initiatives, and activities, is designed to help guide our vision and assist us in achieving our mission.

 

JEDI and Penn State

JEDI is also in line with Penn State’s own values on diversity, equity and inclusion:

“The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.”

JEDI and Penn State students

JEDI is uniquely positioned and has been consciously organized to foster student engagement. In a virtuous circle, JEDI inspires student engagement and those students then strengthen JEDI with their feedback, commitment and deep and broad connections into the student community.

JEDI Leadership

JEDI’s Co-Chairs are:

David R. Hunter

Professor of Statistics at Penn State.

 

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Esther Obonyo

Associate Professor in Architectural Engineering and Director, Global Building Network

 

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JEDI Graduate Fellows

Solomon Obeng-Ayirebi

Master’s Degree Student in Architectural Engineering