OCCE Team

Lyonel serves as Managing Director and the Director of the Community, Operations and Engagement department within OCCE. He is responsible for the planning and management of OCCE resources. He leads fundraising efforts, contributes to the implementation of the college’s DEI strategic plan, as well as, the strategic direction of all departments within OCCE, and he creates and stewards internal and external strategic partnerships. He supports the Executive Director for Culture, Community and Equity in their efforts to help create and maintain a climate where everyone is treated equitably and feels valued for their contributions. Lyonel is passionate about helping students access the university’s resources to achieve their goals, especially students from underserved or underrepresented communities, including those who are first-generation college students like himself. Lyonel is committed to supporting several community-based organizations in Washtenaw County and he also serves as the university representative on the DAPCEP Board of Directors.

Michelle provides key support to ensure OCCE runs smoothly. She is one of the first points of contact for many of the constituents served by OCCE. Most of her time is dedicated to the operations and K-20 teams leading or facilitating processes for human resources, purchasing and reconciliation, and other administrative logistics. Additionally, Michelle provides support to Professor Sara Pozzi, the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). She enjoys co-planning the DEI Lecture series and working with faculty members who oversee DEI at the department level within the College.

Stephen creates and leads communications and marketing strategies/campaigns that promote OCCE’s mission and values. Specifically, Stephen develops and maintains all communications, including email campaigns/newsletters, printed and digital materials and high-level communication to both internal and external audiences. He also maintains OCCE and MEZ website updates and collaborates with office colleagues to create and curate resources for faculty, staff and students. Additionally, Stephen coordinates events of all sizes and provides support for staff members in various areas. Stephen has a passion for inclusive marketing, ensuring that no voice is left unheard.

LaToya oversees the practical programming and initiatives for OCCE. She advises in the area of organizational strategy, reviews and analyzes the performance of operational systems and develops and executes processes for improvement. LaToya is also responsible for fortifying opportunities that create discipline, transparency and efficiency as well as facilitating and monitoring inter-connected projects within the university. LaToya is a member of the American Association of University Administrators and encourages the development of relationships across institutions to share evidence-based best administrative practices. She enjoys traveling, cooking and volunteering in her community alongside the Coalition of Black Trade Union workers in effort to achieve economic, political and social justice.

Michelle leads the Culture, Grants and Advancement department within OCCE, supporting DEI-related components of large-scale grant proposals and fundraising efforts, leading foundational OCCE initiatives and designing and implementing DEI professional development opportunities for the Michigan Engineering community. She co-leads OCCE strategic planning and initiatives, project scoping and resourcing. Michelle also supports strategic partnerships with other units within and outside of Michigan Engineering by serving on committees and liaising with partners. She is passionate about supporting faculty and staff with their personal and professional DEI goals.

Savannah consults with faculty to develop their grant proposals and writes proposals in support of OCCE’s K-20 programs. She consults on DEI-specific sections of grant proposals, such as broader impacts, broadening participation and culture of inclusion plans for federal (e.g., NSF, NASA, DoE) and corporate/foundation funders. She works closely with the Culture, Grants and Advancement Program Director to develop resources on DEI-related research and best practices, plan strategic initiatives and create thoughtful narratives for different audiences around this body of work. With a research background in the humanities, Savannah enjoys helping faculty articulate the potential social impact and ethical implications of their research.  

Zhanar supports the Culture, Grants and Advancement department in the execution of various equity-centered engineering activities. She provides ongoing support and maintenance of various OCCE initiatives in alignment with Michigan Engineering’s DEI strategic plan, including the Culture, Community and Equity (CCE) Staff Network and the DEI Professional Development Platform. Moreover, she facilitates educational and professional development opportunities for faculty, staff and students. Zhanar was born and raised in Kazakhstan. She speaks Kazakh, Russian and English. She received her Master’s degree in Women’s and Gender Studies from Eastern Michigan University, where she researched campus sexual misconduct, violence against women and gendered nationalism. 

Amanda leads the Evaluation and Assessment department within OCCE. In this role, she manages the development and implementation of the evaluation and assessment process for the purpose of supporting institutional improvements and institutional effectiveness. She leads the content, design, quality, processes and procedures for new and existing evaluation products and services. She is also responsible for working with constituencies across Michigan Engineering to develop effective strategies for the assessment of key success indicators for the Culture Pillar. Amanda holds a Master in Public Health degree from U-M School of Public Health and she approaches her work with a commitment to advancing equitable data practices. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling and making pottery at a local art studio.

Evan Marie leads the Strategy, Innovation and Equity department within OCCE stewarding foundational strategic initiatives. In this capacity, she oversees the operationalization of the Michigan Engineering DEI Strategic Plan engaging in visioning, tracking and evaluation efforts. Fostering collaborative partnerships within Michigan Engineering and beyond is vital to this work, including serving as a co-DEI Implementation Lead to the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Further, Evan Marie leads DEI Mapping System efforts among other OCCE foundational projects. Evan Marie is passionate about advancing equity and belonging to build a more just society and has over 10 years of combined experience in the non-profit and higher education sectors serving at the intersections of social justice, leadership development and coalition building. She is a Co-Active Training Institute-trained leadership coach and holds a MA in Higher Education from the U-M School of Education. Outside of work, she is an avid outdoorswoman, martial artist and animal foster mom. She and her partner are expecting their first child this fall.

Alex provides ongoing support to and maintenance of various OCCE initiatives in alignment with Michigan Engineering’s DEI strategic plan and the vision of the Program Director of Strategy, Innovation and Equity. He is instrumental to the implementation and tracking of DEI 2.0 efforts and maintains the DEI Mapping Project. Additionally, he serves as a key coordinator of the North Campus Deans’ Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Awards and represents Michigan Engineering as a co-DEI Implementation Lead to the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI). Alex has been very privileged to work with many incredible youth and students since beginning his career in youth leadership development, youth voice and youth advocacy after graduating with an M.A. in Counseling in 2013. In his free time Alex enjoys games of all kinds, going to indie pop concerts and visiting dinosaur bones wherever they reside. 

Haley supports all K-20 programming, with a focus on the programs running out of the MEZ in Detroit, include FIRST Robotics, the Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab, and NAF Future Ready Scholars. As director of the MEZ, she is responsible for strategic planning, staff and resource management and fundraising assistance. An educator by trade, she also helps develop curriculum, lead instruction and manage programs for the MEZ. Haley has a Masters of Educational Studies from U-M’s Marsal Family School of Education, with a concentration in Educational Equity, Justice and Social Transformation. Her work focuses on ensuring all students have access to high-quality STEM educational opportunities. Outside of her work, Haley loves camping and canoeing, assembling IKEA furniture and watching women’s sports.

In his role, Eric meticulously oversees assessment and evaluation processes, fostering partnerships and collaborating with university stakeholders. Eric is a dedicated supporter and advocate for K-20 programs, focusing particularly on initiatives at our Ann Arbor campus. With a commitment to promoting access, belonging, engagement and success for students ranging from kindergarteners to PhD candidates, Eric continuously strives to empower those from communities traditionally underserved or marginalized within the engineering field. His efforts have consistently demonstrated strong support for stakeholders and a passion for advocating student success, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity and progress. Having dedicated his career to the cause of inclusion and equity, Eric eagerly welcomes opportunities to interact with all individuals dedicated to advancing this mission on campus. With Eric, you will find a passionate advocate for equal opportunities, accessibility and successful outcomes for all students.

Dulmini manages pathway programs for K-12 students, working closely with OCCE’s internal and external partners. These programs engage students in the field of engineering in order to ultimately prepare them for success in STEM college programs. With over 6 years of experience in pipeline programs in Higher Education, Dulmini also works to provide programs and initiatives that are designed to develop Michigan Engineering students in the undergraduate and graduate space. Dulmini has a doctoral degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Wayne State University School of Medicine. Guided by her own experience as a first-generation college student and passion for equitable access to education Dulmini helps create opportunities for all K-20 students to develop themselves academically, professionally and personally. When not working, Dulmini is a proud mother of two, who loves to read, try new food and travel to new places.

Ivoree is responsible for managing office administrative tasks for the Michigan Engineering Zone in Detroit during the academic year and the Engineering OnRamp outreach programs in Ann Arbor during the summer. Her responsibilities include the management of schedules and reservations, procurement of supplies, and the supervision of office emails and telephone lines. Furthermore, she is involved in financial management, event planning, student engagement, employee recruitment, and hiring. She is passionate about social and economic justice with a keen interest in the regulations surrounding technology and history-related education reform. Ivoree balances various beauty and wellness endeavors, where she promotes self-esteem and confidence for individuals of all ages. Ivoree’s overall focus is to draw attention to our continuous efforts to recognize and shift the gap of underrepresented minorities on all platforms by encouraging diversity and establishing innovative ways to learn and appreciate differences within the community.

As a Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW), LaMar provides over 300 Southeast Michigan High School students with social and emotional learning opportunities, college advising and connections to U-M and Michigan Engineering programs. A member of OCCE’s K-20 Programs department, LaMar works directly with students from two specific pathway programs, FIRST Robotics and NAF Future Ready Scholars Program. In support of these programs, they develop new relationships, recruit students and mentors, and design social-emotional and college preparation curriculum. LaMar also works collaboratively with MEZ partner teachers and school staff to coordinate, refer and identify community and institutional resources for students and their families. Their work is driven by a desire to share resources, open doors and build bridges for minority and first-gen students. Their hobbies include national politics, policy debate, & portrait photography.

Working primarily out of the MEZ, Dante leads hands-on teaching and instruction for K-20 students, covering the fundamentals of engineering and computer programming. They specifically support the University of Michigan’s Qualcomm Thinkabit Labs and FIRST Robotics programs by developing and teaching lessons centering around computer science, robotics and engineering. As a FIRST Robotics and University of Michigan alum, Dante has always been interested in connecting diverse voices with the tools they need to succeed in STEM fields. They are passionate about listening to the needs of the community they work in as they strongly believe that the best voices to understand a community’s challenges are the voices of that community. Dante has a Bachelors of Science in Astrophysics with minors in Computer Science and Physics. Outside of the MEZ Dante has a passion for experimental photography, live music and the Detroit art scene.

As part of RPM’s Finance Team, Alex provides support to OCCE to encourage responsible stewardship of financial resources

Alex works closely with the OCCE team to manage budgets, provide summary reports and projections to facilitate financial planning, and monitor financial activity for the unit.