New Diversity and Inclusion Appointments for Four Women Leaders

Marilyn Ortega has been named the inaugural assistant director of belonging and strategic initiatives for the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. In her new position, Dr. Ortega will focus on creating a culture of inclusivity at the college and oversee community engagement and programming.

Dr. Ortega received her doctorate in American studies from the University of Kansas.

Christine Navia, the vice president for inclusive excellence at Marquette University in Wisconsin, has been named the university’s acting vice president for belonging and student affairs. Prior to joining the Marquette University administration in 2022, she served as chief diversity officer at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi.

Dr. Navia is a graduate of Carleton College in Minnesota where she majored in political science. She received her master’s degree and doctorate in higher education from the University of Michigan.

Ha Nguyen has been named district vice president of equity, engagement, and belonging at Pierce College in Washington. She most recently served as the inaugural vice president of equity, diversity, and inclusion at Green River College in Auburn, Washington.

Nguyen holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Central Washington University and a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, Washington.

Renee Wells has been appointed assistant vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion at Queens University of Charlotte in North Carolina. Wells most recently served as assistant vice president of education for equity and inclusion at Middlebury College in Vermont.

Wells is a graduate of Auburn University in Alabama where she received bachelor’s degrees in English and education. She holds a master’s degree in English from Miami University in Ohio and a master of fine arts degree from Southern Illinois University.