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ICIL Leadership Updates

Welcoming a new staff member to our team and the temporary assignments of three of our current colleagues.
Students attend the annual graduate-focused event, GOALIE.
Students attend the annual graduate-focused event, GOALIE. Credit: Nikolas Liepins/Ethography

Dear colleagues, 

I'm pleased to share that we have welcomed a new staff member to our team and the temporary assignments of three of our current colleagues in the Division of Student Affairs.

Decorative accent featuring eight dots representing the eight Neighborhood colors.

More About Our Updates

Portrait of Abiya Ahmed

Abiya Ahmed has been appointed Interim Assistant Vice Provost for ICIL and Executive Director for the Centers of Equity, Community, and Leadership (CECL), starting October 1, 2024. In this role, Abiya will oversee the work of CECL within and across the division and liaise with campus partners and leadership across the university. Abiya completed a PhD in Education from Stanford's Graduate School of Education (GSE) in 2021, and her work is focused on diverse issues impacting higher education philosophies and praxis. She has been the Director of the Markaz Resource Center and Associate Dean of Students since 2020, growing its programs and partnerships and supporting all students and campus communities through various local, national, and global events. 

Portrait of Bianca Ortiz

Bianca Ortiz, Assistant Dean of Students in the Graduate Life Office, has been appointed the fellowship position in ICIL beginning on October 1, 2024. In her new role, Bianca will be responsible for guiding the work of the Office for Military-Affiliated Communities (OMAC), the Disability Community (DisCo) Space, and the program for students who are undocumented and from mixed-status families. Bianca joined Stanford and VPSA in 2018 as a Residence Dean in Residential Education and has served as Assistant Dean of Students for the Graduate Life Office since 2021. During the past six years, Bianca has supported undergraduate and graduate students in navigating the university and working with campus partners to remove barriers to students' academic success and personal well-being. 

Portrait of Cassie Garcia

Cassie Garcia has been appointed Interim Markaz Director and Associate Dean of Students, starting October 1, 2024. Cassie has served as Markaz's Associate Director and has been with Stanford and VPSA for almost ten years. In her role, she has led a welcoming center that seeks to engage and empower a vibrant student community.  She is proud to act as a conduit between the community and the institution, providing opportunities for all students to actively shape their university. Cassie's work and research address issues of equity and inclusion within higher education, and she is committed to making education more accessible and responsive to student needs.

Portrait of Robert Davis

Robert Davis has joined Stanford University as the Program Manager of our Office of Military Affiliated Communities (OMAC). OMAC provides comprehensive support for our military-affiliated undergraduate and graduate students.  Robert brings over 15 years of experience in higher education, where he has dedicated himself to supporting student veterans and their families. His unwavering commitment to ensuring the success and well-being of those who served our country reflects a deep sense of duty and compassion. Robert's journey into higher education follows a commendable service in the United States Navy, where he proudly served for five years from 2003 to 2008 aboard the USS Boxer.  He came to Stanford from San Jose State University. He served as the Associate Director for Networks and Regional Engagement, focusing on creating meaningful connections among alums and fostering student engagement.  I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the search committee, particularly the committee search chair, Danielle West, for her exceptional leadership in overseeing a successful search process.

Please join me in congratulating our colleagues. Their work will impact our division, bringing in new perspectives and expertise in service to students along their journeys of exploration, learning, belonging, and joy at Stanford. 

Sincerely,
Samuel

Samuel Santos Jr.  Associate Vice Provost
Inclusion, Community, and Integrative Learning
Division of Student Affairs

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