AIC Establishes DEIB Office and Names Figueroa-Santana as Director

American International College (AIC) is taking a step toward implementing its diversity and equity objectives by establishing an Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).

The College also announces the appointment of Bianca Figueroa-Santana as director of this newly created office, effective February 1, 2023. In her former role as AIC’s assistant director of Diversity Education, Figueroa-Santana demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the work and principles of DEIB.

Figueroa-Santana says she is eager to work with faculty, staff, and students to assess the College’s current DEIB infrastructure, look at perceived barriers, and author a DEIB plan that includes initiatives for strengthening the College’s infrastructure as outlined in its new five-year strategic plan AIC Reimagined. “I am excited to step into the role of Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. This is a pivotal moment for the College in its journey to ensure our diverse community feels a sense of inclusion on campus. This new office not only reaffirms the College’s commitment to DEIB but also empowers us to make positive changes on campus through thoughtful programming and targeted initiatives”.

AIC President Hubert Benitez, DDS, PhD Hubert Benitez congratulates Figueroa-Santana, adding, “We look forward to supporting Bianca as she takes on this new and important responsibility. By continuing to work together, we will transform the AIC climate to create an environment where we all belong and can thrive.”

The creation of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is made possible, partly, by two recent grants; One for $30,000 awarded to AIC by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and another for $35,000 from the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation.