DFC Members

NIKKI GOTTLEIB (she/her) – Assistant Director for Community Health Sciences Academic Advising and Maternal and Child Health Community Outreach

What made you decide to join DFC?
I decided to join the DFC because equity & inclusion are my core focuses as a higher education professional, and I also deeply value collaborative leadership when it comes to training and education. Creating a welcoming environment to all on campus is incredibly important, and I’m honored to be involved with a group that is working to do just that, focusing especially on helping faculty and staff create more inclusive spaces for students, which can often lag behind student-lead initiatives. Personally, the DFC provides me with an opportunity to remain directly involved with DEI work even though my career and day-to-day responsibilities have shifted away from training facilitation, and to learn from incredible colleagues who are doing this work already, who are leaders on and off campus, and who care so deeply about our community.

What is a favorite hobby of yours and why?
As a mom of young kids, I’ve recently started to shift some focus back onto myself, returning to hobbies I love but neglected – singing and running. In 2023, I became a marathon runner and I’ll be running in the Chicago Marathon with the Team to End AIDS again in 2024. Additionally, I am a member of Windy City Performing Arts and sing soprano in the Treble Quire. I also love to read, watch as many movies and shows as I can squeeze in, attend theatre, and watch sports, specifically women’s soccer, with my kids.

BILLY HUFF (he/him) – Director for Gender and Sexuality Center

What made you decide to join DFC?
I joined the DFC to represent the concerns of LGBTQ+ faculty, staff, and students.

What is your favorite spot in Chicago and why?
My favorite spot in Chicago is the Leather Archives and Museum in Roger’s Park. It is the only archive in the United States focused on preserving leather history and culture.

MARK MARTELL (he/him/siya/kanya) – Executive Director for Asian American Resource and Cultural Center

How would you describe your facilitation style?
My facilitation style involves reflection and interaction. I am a believer that one will need to “look in,” share out, and engage in order to capture the understanding and knowledge of the content. Overall, I want an environment that is supportive, interactive, and educational where everyone, including myself, learns something new.

What is a favorite hobby of yours and why?
I have been reading and collecting comic books for years. I enjoy doing this because comics give me a break from reading academic works and allow me to use the creative side of my brain.

TERI McMURTRY-CHUBB (she/her) – Professor of Law & Director of JD Concentration in Critical Race & Gender Studies

What made you decide to join DFC?
I decided to join DFC for the opportunity to be in community with DEIB educators and facilitators at UIC. It has been heartening to find each other and to share the goal of making our community more welcoming and inclusive.

What is your favorite spot in Chicago and why?
My favorite spot in Chicago is Lake Michigan. Its size reminds me of the vastness and awesomeness of the world. Its ever changing blues and greens remind me of the urgency of now and the beauty of each moment.

AISHA PLEASANT (she/her)- Director for President’s Award Program, Instructor for Intergroup Dialogue Initiative

What made you decide to join DFC?
I wanted to join DFC because I think continuing to build inclusive and diverse communities at UIC is important. With so many of our students, staff, and faculty commuting to campus from other places (inside and outside of the city), I think it’s important for every group to have their “tribe” and find community within our campus. Engaging in DEI work is hard, but it is necessary if we want to support a campus community that is proud of it’s diverse student, staff, and faculty populations.

What is your favorite spot in Chicago and why?
My favorite spot in Chicago is downtown, specifically Michigan Ave. Michigan Ave is always bustling with people and the options for shopping is amazing!

RENATA A. REVELO (she/her) – Clinical Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering

What made you decide to join DFC?
I find fulfillment in working with like-minded people across campus who are also invested in equity-driven efforts. I see this effort as a contribution to campus and also as a labor of love.

What is your favorite thing about UIC and why?
Every time I walk on the east side of campus, I am reminded of the various paths of life that everyone at UIC embodies and I feel thankful to work in a place like this

STEFANY SIT (she/her) – Clinical Associate Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences

How would you describe your facilitation style?
I like to create opportunities and spaces where everyone feels welcome to contribute, interact, and learn. I believe it is important to provide time and activities that allow individuals and groups to reflect, communicate, and connect.

What is your favorite thing about UIC and why?
UIC students and colleagues continue to inspire and motivate me. There is so much passion, innovation, and dialogue within our community. I am thankful for the opportunities I have to learn from those around me. And I feel fortunate when I’m able to grab a bubble tea, Italian ice, or tacos with my fellow UIC community members.

ZEINA ZAATARI (She/Her) – Director of UIC Arab American Cultural Center

What made you decide to join DFC?
I am very invested in shifting campus culture and praxis to ensure we are more equipped to fulfill our mission and ensure full participation and success by all of our students, staff, and faculty.

What is a book/podcast/resource you want to share and why?
Kerning Cultures is a great podcast about peoples and experiences of the Middle East and beyond. The episodes are captivating, full of important and fact checked information, and great storytelling and storytellers.

ELSA SOTO (she/her/ella) – Director, Equity and Inclusion in Engineering Program

What made you decide to join DFC?
As a higher education practitioner deeply committed to advancing equity in engineering and whose research centers the experiences of women of color in STEM, I joined DFC to continue fostering inclusive spaces where underrepresented voices are not only heard but valued. I believe in the power of intentional dialogue to challenge systemic barriers, and DFC offers a collaborative space to develop those skills and drive meaningful change.

What is your favorite thing about UIC and why?
My favorite thing about UIC is its vibrant diversity and sense of community. As a proud alumna and now staff member, I’ve seen how UIC empowers students from all backgrounds, especially first-generation college students and those historically underrepresented in STEM, to find their voice, pursue their goals, and thrive at UIC and beyond.