Twelve recipients in our USM community received a mini-grant of up to $500 to fund programs or events supporting the mission of the Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity Council (IDEC) and our work in diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. Learn more about the projects awarded with funding and how they support the mission of IDEC.
Community Event with the Cobscook Institute:
Moving stories of moral courage
Recipient: Dr. Adele Baruch and graduate students Briana Attalia, Jennifer Leonard, and Jessica King
Amount awarded: $500
The proposed event brings together Dr. Baruch, Counselor Education, Dr. Duffy, Director of Clinical Support and Innovation at Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, and Kara McCrimmon, Co-Director of Cobscook Experiential programs. Together they will introduce “moving stories of moral courage” an approach that blends sandtray work and storytelling to introduce true stories of courage and moral choice to support social-emotional learning.
Deaf New Americans (DNAs)
Recipient: Regan Thibodeau
Amount awarded: $500
As the coordinator of an interpreter training program, Regan Thibodeau is committed to building a bridge between the Deaf New Americans community and the local interpreting services. Many Deaf New Americans face challenges not only because of language barriers but also cultural differences, which can make communication even more complex. This event will include workshops, cultural exchange sessions, and opportunities for interpreters to practice their skills in real-life scenarios, while also allowing Deaf New Americans to share their experiences and challenges.
Hair Story
Recipient: Armandine (Cecilia) Tangi
Amount awarded: $500
Armandine (Cecilia) Tangi, a member of the Black Student Union, will develop the Hair Story event to celebrate and highlight the beauty and diversity of Black hair, from afros and braids to locs and natural styles. This event aims to educate and empower participants by exploring the cultural and historical significance of Black hair, while also offering practical hair care tips. Armandine believes black hair is a significant topic and this event will create a comfortable space for people to ask questions and learn about the complexities.
“Just Say Fat” A Community Conversation About Size Inclusivity
Recipient: Brittney Smith
Amount awarded: $500
Brittney Smith, Academic Support Program Coordinator, will screen the documentary “Your Fat Friend” for the USM community and have a panel discussion about the work through Libraries & Learning. She would like to use the film, and the work of its subject, Aubrey Gordon, as a jumping-off point for a conversation about anti-fatness and size inclusivity.
Maine Transgender Poetry Anthology Release Party
Recipient: T Love Smith
Amount awarded: $500
As a GRO Scholar, T Love Smith’s project “The Transgender Poetics Archive” has two main components: a series of Trans Poetics events throughout Maine including panels, features, and workshops; and a Maine Transgender Poetry Anthology Contest in collaboration with their mentor Pink Eraser, Professor Justin Tussing, and staff from The Telling Room and Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance.
Ramadan Dinners for Students
Recipient: Arzou Sayed
Amount awarded: $500
Represented by Arzou Sayed, the Muslim Student Association plans to host Iftar dinners during Ramadan to bring USM students together to share a meal and strengthen community bonds. This event promotes inclusivity and cultural understanding. It supports IDEC’s mission by providing a welcoming space for students of all backgrounds to connect and learn about Ramadan.
Skate to Relate
Recipient: Jocelyn Giammarino
Amount awarded: $500
Jocelyn Giammarino, Clinical Program Director at More Women+ Surf and a student in the Post-Professional Occupational Therapy program, is currently working on her capstone for a therapeutic skateboarding program she co-created and directs called Skate To Relate at Next Step High in Lewiston, Maine. The program’s mission is to bring occupational justice to urban youth who do not have access to sports in their high school. In addition to enabling urban youth to skateboard with their peers, the program provides mentors who teach socio-emotional learning, social skills, life skills, and more. The IDEC mini-grant will be used to better serve their students and expand the program.
Veteran Peer Mentor Program
Recipient: Lorrie Spaulding
Amount awarded: $450
The Veteran Peer Mentor Program (VPMP) aims to provide support, guidance, and resources to veterans transitioning to civilian life. By leveraging the unique experiences and insights of veteran mentors, the program seeks to enhance the mental health, well-being, and community reintegration of veterans. Lorrie Spaulding, Director of the Military-Affiliated Student Hub and the primary School Certifying Official (SCO), requested funding to implement and sustain the program, which will serve 60 veterans over the spring 2025 semester.
Chinese New Year cultural experience
Recipient: Na Hu
Amount awarded: $300
Na Hu, Professor of Chinese, will use the mini-grant to organize two cultural experience classes for her students to immerse them in the rich traditions of Chinese culture. The class will consist of various hands-on activities, including calligraphy, traditional food preparation, and other culturally significant practices such as music appreciation, craft-making, and storytelling.
Dr. Diya Abdo: Refugee Resettlement and Campus Mobilization
Recipient: Marina Chakmakchi
Amount awarded: $250
Marina Chakmakchi, Global Talent Navigator in EICI, sought funding to invite Dr. Diya Abdo, a renowned expert in refugee resettlement and campus mobilization, to USM. Dr. Abdo will engage with faculty, staff, and students to discuss refugee resettlement, immigrant integration, and the role of higher education institutions.
First Gen Day at USM
Recipient: John Robert O’Connor
Amount awarded: $250
The University of Southern Maine (USM) First-Generation Celebration Committee represented by John Robert O’Connor seeks to continue its annual First-Generation College Celebration Day, engaging a wide range of stakeholders to raise awareness and support for first-generation college students. This year’s celebration is scheduled for November 7, 2024. The grant will be used to support activities including morning info tables with coffee on all campuses, distributing “I am” or “I support” First-Generation buttons and stickers, a “Garden Party” mixer in the Husky Brew for students to connect with other first-generation peers, faculty, and staff, and storyboards showcasing the experiences of first-generation USM alumni.
Monthly Intercultural Mixer Events in the new Adult Student Success Center
Recipient: Gina Capra
Amount awarded: $250
The Adult Student Success Center (Gina Capra), Intercultural Student Affairs (Meghan Barrett), and Global Talent Navigation (Marina Chakmakchi) will hold a series of monthly intercultural mixer events in the new Adult Student Success Center for adult undergraduate students (ages 24+). They have also extended an offer to Jared Lank, Native American Student Coordinator, to be a potential partner for these events.
About IDEC Mini-Grants
IDEC mini-grants are offered annually in the fall. Funding proposals should be for programming and events that align with the IDEC mission statement and support co-curricular learning and professional development for students, faculty, staff, and community members. Eligible applicants are faculty, staff, and students at USM. Applications are reviewed by a subcommittee of the IDEC Programming Committee and priority is given to applicants planning programming and events designed to serve 20+ individuals.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, grant funds must be spent by June 30, 2025 and recipients are required to submit a short evaluative report when their program or event is completed. Learn more about the IDEC Programming Committee.