Janelle Williams

Janelle Williams Melendrez (she|her) is an equity practitioner with over 25 years experience in  higher education.  She has held such roles as resident director, counseling faculty, assistant director of trio programs, professor, professional development coordinator.  She currently works at Southwestern College where reimagined professional learning to be the vehicle in which transformation through equity-centeredness can be cultivated.  In her current role as the inaugural Executive Officer of Equity and Engagement (Senior Diversity Officer),  she serves as the lead equity and inclusion strategist and supports the Professional Development and Training Services Programs. 

Throughout her career, her passion for equity, inclusion has been inextricably infused with all of her endeavors.  She is passionate about creating experiences where all can belong and thrive.  At Southwestern College, among other strategic interventions, she founded The Exponential Learning Academy which later joined the statewide Umoja Program, established SWC’s first LGBTQIA+ Safe Zone Program, co-created the Advancing Equity Teaching Academy (a yearlong faculty development program focused on equitable education), conceptualized and implemented the Advancing Equity Academy ( a program focused on equitable service outside of the classroom), and The Art of Leadership program.