The Colorado Diversity Initiative is dedicated to advancing diversity and fostering equitable educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). At the heart of our efforts is the creation and support of a vibrant community that includes faculty, staff, and graduate students. This community is committed to driving systemic change and advancing social justice within STEM disciplines. Our programs are carefully crafted to support students from historically and intentionally excluded backgrounds in their educational journeys, while also fostering an inclusive environment that values and utilizes diverse viewpoints. Through united efforts and creative strategies, the CDI works to remove systemic obstacles, promote an inclusive culture, and lead the transformation towards a more diverse and equitable STEM field at CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ.

CDI Mission & Vision

Our mission is to build an inclusive CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ graduate community by optimizing recruitment, support, and retention strategies that honor diverse backgrounds, ways of knowing, and lived experiences of students.

We envision CDI as the cornerstone for transformative shifts and institutional transformation, radically redefining recruitment, and retention to serve as a leader for equitable, accessible education.

To ensure all team members work toward theÌýmission and vision, our workplaces goals, policies, and procedures are documented within CDI's Office Handbook.Ìý

Meet the Team

Christina Alston (she/her/Dr.), Director

Dr. Christina Alston is an esteemed science educator with nearly two decades of experience in enhancing STEM education and championing diversity. As the Director of the Colorado Diversity Initiative and a faculty affiliate in the School of Education at the ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ, Dr. Alston leads initiatives designed to foster a sense of belonging among graduate students from historically excluded and marginalized backgrounds in STEM. She holds a PhD and MS in Education, specializing in Urban Education, from the University of Houston, and a BS in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Her research has significantly contributed to understanding the Racial Battle Fatigue experienced by Black women who have left the science field, advancing equity in education. Dr. Alston's commitment and contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Pre-College Engineering Education Meritorious Service Award in 2022 from the American Society for Engineering Education.

Touri White (he/him/his), Assistant Director

Touri J. White Sr. serves as the Assistant Director for the Colorado Diversity Initiative (CDI) at the ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ. Prior to his current role White served as Program Manager for the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. White also served as the Community Relations & Outreach Manager at University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine Atmospheric & Earth Science. He also served as the Upward Bound Math & Science Director at the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science; and as an Earth-Space Science Teacher for Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

White actively served as a member of the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee, Rosenstiel School of Marine Atmospheric & Earth Science Master of Professional Science (MPS) Internship Committee Chair, and served on the MPS Non-Academic Career Panel. White also served on the Task Force on Racial Justice’s Subcommittee: Community Engagement Action Team as Co-Chair. In addition, he served as member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and is a current Board Member for the Dranoff 2 Piano Foundation.

White earned his Master of Science degree in Coastal Zone Management and Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Psychology from the University of Miami. Furthermore, White earned his Associate of Arts degree from the University of West Florida. He also earned his Professional Educator’s Certificate in Earth-Space Science grades (6-12) with a gifted endorsement from the Florida Department of Education.

Ayen Yiul, Student Assistant