Museum Diversity Committee
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Museum
What is Diversity?
The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences, in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. The San Bernardino County Museum’s Department Diversity Committee recognizes that diversity is a large part of what makes our organization strong.
Mission Statement
Our purpose is to recognize diversity around us by developing and supporting inclusive activities, and highlighting the unique voices in our communities. Our commitment to internal, public, and interagency collaboration celebrates our diverse regional identity.
Museum Diversity Committee Members
Department Advisor – David Myers, Director
HR Representative – Dominique Bryant
Chairperson – Tiffany Talavera
Vice Chairperson – Erica Watkins
Recorder – Eliana Zacarias
Committee Member – Tamara Serrao-Leiva
Committee Member – Andrew German
Committee Member – Heather Hill
Committee Member – Drisel Perez
Committee Member – Mackenzie Smith
Committee Member – Maria Gutierrez
Committee Member – Lee Coughlin
Succession Planning
Members serve a one-year term with options to remain or rotate with others of the same unit level. Terms are tied to the fiscal year as events may also be linked to programmatic funding. In the interest of ensuring a smooth transition, new committee members may join as early as February each year to allow time for outgoing members to share their experience and provide a base for the coming year.
Meeting Schedule
The Museum Diversity Committee meets every other month to discuss current topics, coordinate programs & events, and schedule social media outreach. Additionally, the committee will meet with the department advisor in advance of each quarterly HR meeting.
Diversity Celebrations
Cultural Diversity Cookie Exchange 2022
The San Bernardino County Museum staff celebrated cultural diversity by sharing cookies and desserts that represented their nationality and family traditions.
Dia de Los Muertos 2022
The San Bernardino County Museum staff celebrated Dia de Los Muertos by creating ofrendas (Offerings) to honor their departed family members that have passed. These ofrendas included the favorite foods and drinks of the one being honored. The offerings are believed to encourage visits from the land of the dead as the departed souls hear their prayers, smell their foods and join in the celebrations!
Women’s History Month 2022
The San Bernardino County Museum hosted a “Celebrating Women in Museums” webinar by hearing from six women in the museum industry to gain insightful tips about entering the field! No matter your professional background, whether you are looking to break into museums or are curious about our specific institution, this discussion offers a fantastic opportunity to hear from our panelists as they speak on their experiences and journey to success in the field.
Meet the Panelists:
Melissa Russo, Former Museum Director
Jennifer Dickerson, Curator of History
Tamara Serrao-Leiva, Curator of Anthropology
Jessika Vazquez, former Curator of Integrated Biology
Ashley Lothyan, former Curator of Art and Education
Sara Mercado, Registrar