ERICA ACOSTA: Talking the Talk and Walking the Walk ERICA ACOSTA, director of diversity initiatives at Wilkes University, loves to talk. She's excited to tell people about her upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, and her home in Forty Fort, Pennsylvania. She reflects on a 16- year career in diversity, equity and inclusion. She talks about her volunteer work and passion for community-building. Acosta also talks about her fear of public speaking - a surprise considering her vibrant personality - so if she's speaking in front of a group, she has something important to say. "I step outside of my comfort zone and I hope other people can see themselves in me," Acosta says. In two recent speaking engagements, Acosta focused on topics close to her heart. For the 2024 DEI Forum with the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce, Acosta presented "The Death of DEI in the Workplace." The presentation focused on the notion that while some organizations shy away from terms like diversity and DEI, the work still needs to be done. "Why do we need an office of DEI?" says Acosta. "As long as we have people in these spaces, we need to have the support." Acosta also spoke at the EMPOWER Women's Leadership Conference to share "Girl in the Mirror" for the teen track. The session encouraged young women to get to know themselves and examine their personal ethics in a social media world that overemphasizes physical appearance. While public speaking does not come naturally to Acosta, she feels it's vital to challenge herself like she would challenge her students. Plus, it opens the door for people to share ideas in a welcoming setting. "We need to hear different points of view," Acosta says. "Oftentimes we don't hear the other side." For Acosta, her career at Wilkes and her volunteer work are woven together. "My mission is to connect with the community so we can thrive at the same time," she says. "It's also important so I can have a seat at the table and bring students with me." The students better clear their schedules because Acosta has a spot at tables all over northeastern Pennsylvania. She's the vice chair of the DEI council for the Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce and the secretary of the board for Maternal and Family Health Services. She's a member of WVIA's Latino Council, and also serves on the board of directors for Dress for Success, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Diversity Education Consortium and the Greater Wyoming Valley YMCA. Though Acosta has a full plate, she has no plans to slow down. Instead, she hopes to inspire others to join her on the journey. "This is who I am on- and off-campus," says Acosta. "I come from a Catholic household where we were taught at a young age to serve and volunteer in our community. These collective efforts can lead to positive changes, making it a better place for everyone." Wilkes University AT WILKES, YOU WILL. wilkes.edu ERICA ACOSTA : Talking the Talk and Walking the Walk ERICA ACOSTA , director of diversity initiatives at Wilkes University , loves to talk . She's excited to tell people about her upbringing in Brooklyn , New York , and her home in Forty Fort , Pennsylvania . She reflects on a 16- year career in diversity , equity and inclusion . She talks about her volunteer work and passion for community - building . Acosta also talks about her fear of public speaking - a surprise considering her vibrant personality - so if she's speaking in front of a group , she has something important to say . " I step outside of my comfort zone and I hope other people can see themselves in me , " Acosta says . In two recent speaking engagements , Acosta focused on topics close to her heart . For the 2024 DEI Forum with the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce , Acosta presented " The Death of DEI in the Workplace . " The presentation focused on the notion that while some organizations shy away from terms like diversity and DEI , the work still needs to be done . " Why do we need an office of DEI ? " says Acosta . " As long as we have people in these spaces , we need to have the support . " Acosta also spoke at the EMPOWER Women's Leadership Conference to share " Girl in the Mirror " for the teen track . The session encouraged young women to get to know themselves and examine their personal ethics in a social media world that overemphasizes physical appearance . While public speaking does not come naturally to Acosta , she feels it's vital to challenge herself like she would challenge her students . Plus , it opens the door for people to share ideas in a welcoming setting . " We need to hear different points of view , " Acosta says . " Oftentimes we don't hear the other side . " For Acosta , her career at Wilkes and her volunteer work are woven together . " My mission is to connect with the community so we can thrive at the same time , " she says . " It's also important so I can have a seat at the table and bring students with me . " The students better clear their schedules because Acosta has a spot at tables all over northeastern Pennsylvania . She's the vice chair of the DEI council for the Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce and the secretary of the board for Maternal and Family Health Services . She's a member of WVIA's Latino Council , and also serves on the board of directors for Dress for Success , the Northeastern Pennsylvania Diversity Education Consortium and the Greater Wyoming Valley YMCA . Though Acosta has a full plate , she has no plans to slow down . Instead , she hopes to inspire others to join her on the journey . " This is who I am on- and off - campus , " says Acosta . " I come from a Catholic household where we were taught at a young age to serve and volunteer in our community . These collective efforts can lead to positive changes , making it a better place for everyone . " Wilkes University AT WILKES , YOU WILL . wilkes.edu