Aims Community College Launches the MOSAIC to Enhance Student Belonging and Inclusion

The existing Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) is reimagined as the MOSAIC: The Multicultural Office for Student Affinity, Inclusion, and Community. This transition enhances the College’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and self-advocacy while emphasizing student community-building.

“Building upon the work of the CDI, the MOSAIC will delve deeper into concepts and topics in diversity, inclusion, belonging, and more,” said Dr. Larry Pakowski, Vice President of Student Engagement, Inclusion & Success. “The MOSAIC strives to create opportunities for shared community and belonging among all Aims students through programming and engagement efforts. The MOSAIC is a space for all students to be ‘all in.’”

Ashley Becker, who has directed the CDI for two years, emphasized creating a welcoming environment. “Inclusion, community, and belonging must be intentionally intertwined in every aspect of our work,” Becker said. “It’s vital that this sense of belonging directly impacts our student body because it’s linked to their wellbeing, success, and confidence in what they can achieve beyond Aims.”

Students who are involved with the MOSAIC report positive experiences in its Seeds Leadership Program. “That changed everything,” said Aims student Jeremiah Silva. “It introduced me to opportunities and inspired me to push myself beyond my comfort zone.” The MOSAIC instilled a sense of belonging in Jeremiah as he met new people and got more involved in campus life. 

New Programming and High-Profile Events Set to Inspire College Community

The MOSAIC will continue to support student affinity groups, offering spaces for individuals with shared interests, purposes, or identities to connect. “Our goal is to help students get more in tune with bridging across cultural differences and engaging in meaningful interactions,” Becker added. Groups are expanding beyond categories such as LGBTQ+ and student parents to also include migrant students, first-generation students, military veterans, neurodivergent students, and more.

At the MOSAIC, signature programming will grow in scope. “The thing I’m most excited about are some of the events and speakers we are starting to line up,” Pakowski said, hinting at a major Black History Month event that promises to attract significant interest across Aims campuses and beyond. Becker shared the excitement, noting the impact of recent events like hosting Eduardo Chavez, grandson of civil labor rights leader Cesar Chavez, for Hispanic Heritage Month. “It was a great way for our students to engage one-on-one with someone so prominent,” she said.

Additional events will build on previous successes, including celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Pride Month, and raising awareness during Disability Awareness Month. 

The MOSAIC’s relocation near the main entrance to Student Commons in January 2025 will boost visibility and encourage engagement. The new space will be a community hub to foster more open dialogue and collaboration. “Having our space front and center gives us the chance to reach even more students and make belonging a tangible experience,” Pakowski said.

Visit aims.co/MOSAIC for more information about the MOSAIC.