Staff DEI Consultation

Office of Culture, Community and Equity (OCCE)/Staff DEI Consultation

The Equity, Strategy and Innovation (ESI) team within OCCE offers consultation and thought partnership to staff on DEI initiatives. We collaborate closely with staff to support and enhance their DEI efforts, fostering a comprehensive approach to achieving organizational goals. We are available for consultation regarding:

Developing Equity-Based Policies and Practices

  • Equitable hiring practices
  • Evidence-based DEI practices
  • Equity auditing

Fostering Inclusive Working and Learning Environments

  • Culture of belonging
  • Addressing bias
  • Gathering community input

DEI Initiatives Strategy

  • Unit DEI strategic planning and implementation
  • Identifying alignment opportunities with the College’s DEI Plan
  • New initiative visioning 

Across all these areas, we strive to identify opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration to bolster our effectiveness. For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

Meet the ESI Team

Evan Marie Allison Pieknik

Evan Marie Allison Pieknik (She/Her)

Program Director of Equity, Strategy and Innovation

Evan Marie leads the Equity, Strategy and Innovation 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 a mom, an avid outdoorswoman, martial artist and animal lover.

    Gabrielle Sarpy

    Gabrielle Sarpy

    Program Manager

    Gabrielle helps to coordinate DEI 2.0 strategic planning, implementation, reporting, and evaluation efforts in collaboration with OCCE staff and partners. She manages collaborative initiatives such as the Culture, Community, & Equity Staff Network, Public Policy Forum and North Campus Deans’ MLK Spirit Awards. She also provides consultation to Michigan Engineering staff regarding departmental DEI initiatives on topics such as developing equity-based practices, fostering inclusive working and learning environments, and leading strategic change. Gabrielle is a firm believer in the power of collaborating across hierarchies and institutional silos to create equitable and inclusive environments that meet the needs of all community members. She earned her Ph.D. in English with a concentration in African-American Literature from the University of Michigan.