Louie Lainez

...the work of DEI may be exhausting, but your/our work is needed. Find the joy in partnerships, it's certainly an exciting component of the work in DEI.”

What is your role at Northwestern and how long have you been here?
I would say that I am two-time employee at Northwestern. My Northwestern career experience began in 2006 with what was known as the Searle Center for Teaching & Learning (now the Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching), overseeing the then-known Gateway Science Workshop program - a peer based learning program for undergraduate students enrolled in STEM courses. Throughout the years, I have been able to work in various areas of the university including Undergraduate Admissions and Student Affairs (particularly Multicultural Student Affairs). After a brief stint away from Northwestern (but still in the field of higher education), I returned in 2018 to be part of the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion (OIDI).  I currently serve as Associate Director for Administration and Operations.  I would describe my work in OIDI, as one that works in partnership with our Vice President / Associate Provost for Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Office to oversee daily operations of the office and aid the Vice President in expanding the mission of the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion priorities and initiatives.  Within in my role, I work to integrate unit and university diversity, inclusion priorities, facilitate an increasing complex field of financial planning including budget and reporting of financial activities, while continually systematizing operations and initiatives by the office.

What has been a highlight during your time at Northwestern?
Throughout my time at Northwestern, I have had the fortunate opportunity to experience multiple highlights. One that comes to mind is back during my time in Student Affairs and Multicultural Student Affairs. I participated in leading change and developing initiatives that honor the various experiences of students from various backgrounds (particularly the development of an event/initiative to honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Desi-American student community).  A more recent positive experience has been within OIDI and being able to contribute to the growth and development, as it embraces and upholds the values of inclusion, diversity, equity and assessment on an institutional/enterprise level.  I was able to lead in the application process for INSIGHT Into Diversity's Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, which ultimately lead to Northwestern being selected to receive the award in 2021 and again in 2022.

How is diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) incorporated in your work?
DEI is an important part of the professional experience, not only because I am currently within an institutional diversity office, but DEI is the work.  It is central to creating and sustaining a supportive environment where members of the organization (in this case – Northwestern) feel valued, are honored for the diversity of perspectives and experiences one brings, are respected and empowered to contribute to the success of the organization.

What has helped you succeed in your career thus far? 
I believe what has been helpful in my career thus far is engaging in conversations by listening intentionally and then leading with questions, not answers.  Also, by learning to what motivates those around me. This includes previous colleagues and other team members I have worked with in the past, students that I have worked with and advised and understanding their motivations, and leaders that I have a had the privilege to serve and how I can be able to contribute to the success of the organization. I also believe that I have been able to play to the strengths I have developed, while attempting to enhance areas that I may not have had the chance to fully develop yet. I guess you can say I would like to think of myself of having a “learner” growth mindset.

How has the Northwestern community changed over the years when it comes to DEI? 
Throughout my time, the Northwestern community has evolved in the areas of DEI.  While there is certainly a long way to go, the Northwestern community is one that is committed to continually establishing and maintaining an environment that enables members of the campus community to learn through inquiry, especially be asking questions, while exploring our own ideas as well as those from others.  The work of DEI certainly does not only take place within the OIDI, but throughout the university.  From units such as Student Affairs, HR, Facilities, as examples have developed various initiatives and have put in place individuals who are “DEI centered” to ensure that Northwestern continues to strive to be an institution of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

In regard to OIDI, we have continually worked in leading a more diverse and inclusive campus environment over the years.  Through the development of various initiatives to create an inclusive, diverse, equitable and welcoming environment throughout Northwestern. An example of this, is the convening of the IDEA Leaders. The IDEA Leaders, is an advisory body comprised of diversity leaders representing academic and key units that convene on a regular basis to share their inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability (IDEA) successes and best practices, seek counsel for problem-solving and future planning, as well as participate in developmental opportunities to support ongoing IDEA units. 

Another example has been the progress made within Native American Affairs that is led by Director, Jasmine Gurneau. The expansion of the gender inclusive initiatives led by many of our campus partners has also been a part of the progress.

What advice would you give DEI practitioners? 
A piece of advice I may share with DEI practitioners is, the work of DEI may be exhausting, but your/our work is needed. Find the joy in partnerships, it's certainly an exciting component of the work in DEI.

What’s a fun fact about you most people don’t know? 
A personal fun fact is, I have had the privilege of bowling a perfect 300 game.

On the professional side of things, I have had the opportunity to work at public land-grant institution, private institution, and community college.  Having the opportunity to work at the various institutions has allowed me to understand the various cultures/environments of higher education.