Social justice, diversity and multiculturalism make for murky waters, but one center on campus intends to clarify these issues.
The Multicultural Leadership Center was founded last fall to promote diversity on campus and reach out to minority students. And now the center's director, Michelle Espino, is envisioning something bigger.
"There is a fear out there in talking about things like ethnicity and sexual orientation," Espino said. "What has not happened on this campus is an opportunity for dialogue between communities."
The MLC, located on the fourth floor of the Student Union Memorial Center, is not much larger than a room in a residence hall, but the issues Espino wants the center to address reach every corner of campus.
Espino's primary concern is social justice, and she wants the center renamed the Social Justice Leadership Center.
"We are trying to get people to support issues of social justice, because in the end, it affects everyone," Espino said.
For Espino, the term "multicultural" doesn't fully represent the underlying ideals of the MLC. People usually only associate concepts like race or ethnicity with "multicultural."
Social justice is more inclusive, emphasizing issues like class, ability, gender, sexual orientation and privilege, Espino said.
Students and administrators alike are excited by Espino's vision, saying they share her passion for social justice issues.
Saundra Taylor, executive vice president for Campus Life, supports the center's new direction. She said the center is doing something different on campus by moving the diversity agenda in a more political direction.
"This is good because political action can change agendas," Taylor said. "Michelle is trying to call attention to activism and advocacy for change."
The MLC will help tie up the loose ends of UA's diversity programs, said Monica Vega, the program coordinator for the department of multicultural programs and services.
"We are excited about the focus that the center is trying to take," Vega said.
Amanda Kraus, a higher education doctoral student, met with Espino last week to talk about ways to use involve students and use the MLC's space.
"We'd love to start a social justice organization for students," Kraus said.
"Social justice is about equity, systems of oppression and who has privilege," Kraus said. "People are becoming passionate about these issues."
The center hosts a monthly program called "Food for Thought" where people bring a lunch and talk about women's issues in different contexts, such as American Indian or Hispanic women. Espino expects the MLC to host more discussions on issues like this.
Most importantly, Espino said she wants the MLC to be a place where someone from one background can learn about others.
"A straight, white male can come and learn about issues affecting another community," Espino said.
Espino's vision and expertise extend beyond the MLC. In January, she was an integral member of the programming committee that organized Leadership UA, an annual weekend retreat held for 60 students in the Blue Chip Program.
Corey Seemiller, a leadership coordinator for the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, worked with Espino on the committee and at the retreat.
"This year we did smaller group sessions on ability and class," Seemiller said, adding that they also had a discussion panel on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues.
Judy Kiyama, a CSIL leadership coordinator, also worked with Espino at the retreat.
"Having Michelle and her insight helped take our retreat to another level," Kiyama said. "Students walked away with a very positive experience."
Espino's vision for the center's future is making other multicultural leaders on campus optimistic.
Socorro Carrizosa, director of Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs, worked with Espino last semester planning the reception for the unveiling of a border art exhibit.
Retention is the main focus of Carrizosa's center, making it difficult to devote resources to other issues.
"Having the Multicultural Leadership Center is going to be great," Carrizosa said.
She said the MLC will offer students who may not come into the campus' four culture centers a place to connect. She is hopeful Espino's center will be successful.
Starting in March, Espino will have applications for students who want to become social justice advocates. She envisions training these students to put on programs and games, help with retreats and facilitate discussions.
"We want to do stuff that really tries to make a change," Espino said. "I want it to be a place where students can feel empowered."