Nicole Price’s arrival at Wentworth in 2020 was not happenstance. Building upon a commitment to Inclusive Excellence, President Mark Thompson created the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and hired Price as its inaugural vice president.
Twenty years of advocacy work focused on underserved and underrepresented populations preceded Price’s time at Wentworth, as she developed and led comprehensive DEI strategies and programs in higher education. She served as a Title IX coordinator, established career pipeline programs, led admissions initiatives and served as a legal advocate on immigration and other issues. Most recently, she was chief executive officer for the Northeast region, and chief equal opportunity and compliance officer, at KIDSVAX, LLC, which ensures the funding of vaccines in a five-state region.
Price talks about the importance of her division at this moment in time, who inspires her and how games like Sudoku help her find answers in everyday life.
1.
Wentworth: Why is this such an important moment for Wentworth to foster a more accessible, equitable and inclusive environment?
Nicole Price: We are behind and need to catch up. The time was yesterday. But all we have is the present, so we start today. We live in a world where everything is caught on camera and more people than ever before are exposed to the realities that many face each and every day. Even though stories have been shared in the past and written about, videos in real time are inspiring the masses to advocate for and demand sustained changes. The pandemic has also challenged us to do some things differently. We are learning to be more adaptable, more creative, better listeners and more gracious. These changes are integral to fostering an environment where equity matters, accessibility matters and inclusion can thrive.
2.
Wentworth: Understanding that this type of work is forever ongoing, what kind of accomplishments do you hope to achieve over the next year?
NP: This is truly lifelong work. We should always be evolving as individuals as well as institutions, so the work is never done. We are constantly changing as a community. As changes occur—if we do this right—new innovations appear, more people are inspired to connect and we become something special.
After six months, I am learning who we have been and, to an extent, who we are. I have been meeting with people, analyzing data and listening. I will continue this process over the next six months and beyond. This year we will have a diversity dashboard for the first time. We are auditing our policies and procedures and doing a gap analysis so that we can fill some of those gaps to create a more equitable experience for everyone at Wentworth. I am focusing on increased communication, understanding that it is imperative that we have a shared language in order to communicate effectively. Finally, strong programming and making impactful resources available are a focus, as this gives people tools on how to embrace inclusive excellence, and it grows a more accessible, equitable and inclusive community
3.
Wentworth: What has the response been from students, alumni and other members of the community? Have you been able to identify strong partners?
NP: The response has been varied. I am very encouraged that many people are excited that my position has been created. I believe it has offered many people a sense of hope that there will be substantive and sustained change in areas where there have been discrimination, harassment and inequity. Still others are skeptical that anything will be different because they have been waiting for change for such a long time. And while no one has said this directly to me, I know there are some who may not be happy I am here. My position indicates that diversity, equity and inclusion will be given consideration in how we move forward as an institution. As time moves along, it is my hope that everyone will see that being intentional about these matters is beneficial to us as individuals and integral to our sustained flourishing as an institution.
As for partnerships, there are definitely student organizations—the Black Wentworth Coalition, Equity & Community Union, NOMAS (National Organization of Minority Architects) and the Women’s Council—that have reached out and told me what they need, and they are willing to join me in our collaborative effort. Members of the faculty and staff have also indicated their willingness to collaborate in leading our institution on a path focused on thriving for all community members. I have met a few alumni and look forward to meeting more and finding ways to collaborate to enhance our students’ experience and strengthen connections with each other.
4.
Wentworth: Is there an influential person or moment in your life that you believe had the greatest impact on what you do now?
NP: My parents were both born and raised in the South and came of age during the civil rights movement. I stand on their shoulders as well as many others of a variety of diverse expressions of the reality of humanity. I am driven because they were driven, and we have a ways to go. I desire for our Wentworth community to serve as leaders in this work.
5.
Wentworth: Do you have a hidden talent or something else about you that people might be interested in learning?
NP: Not so much a talent, but I really enjoy puzzles. Sudoku, Wordscapes and jigsaw puzzles. I find them relaxing, and at the same time they challenge my mind to find different possibilities. One letter or number or piece can directly impact your next move or solution. Over time I realize that this actually impacts the way I approach problem solving, attempting to bring different people together, creating spaces that allow for everyone to feel comfortable. This is not why I started doing puzzles, but I have realized there is a definite benefit outside of the enjoyment and relaxation I gain from them.
