New coordinator of DEI education Cherisse Smith advances inclusive intelligence at ACES
Cherisse Smith (she/her), the new coordinator of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) education for the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences,, is at the forefront of inclusive intelligence at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Smith joined the ACES Office of DEI (ODEI) in February 2025 and has already made an impact, creating a learning and working environment where all voices are heard, respected, and valued. As coordinator of DEI education, Smith brings educational programming to workplaces and classrooms across the college. Her goal is to help faculty, staff, and students broaden their understanding of their communities and engage with hard topics.
“At ACES, we help our students learn about agriculture, food systems, families, communities, and environmental sustainability,” said Smith. “But just as importantly, we prepare them to be active, thoughtful members of the world. My goal is to equip all members of our college with tools to engage meaningfully in a diverse global society while strengthening ACES’ dedication to equity and inclusion for everyone.”
Inclusive intelligence
The role of coordinator of DEI education is part of the college’s efforts to develop inclusive intelligence, one of the four pillars of holistic student development designed by Anna Ball, the associate dean of academic programs at ACES. Along with experiential learning, leadership enrichment, and global engagement, inclusive intelligence is a key part of the academic experience in ACES.
"We're committed to weaving inclusivity into the fabric of our curriculum and campus life,” Ball said. “This intentional approach helps students grasp the significance of diversity and inclusion, encouraging them to live out these values both personally and professionally. Through learning, open conversation, and meaningful action, we’re building a community where every individual is heard, respected, and empowered."
“Inclusive intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and effectively navigate diversity in all its forms, with empathy and respect,” said Elizabeth Olson, associate dean for DEI at ACES. “Supporting students in developing inclusive intelligence prepares them to engage in a culturally diverse society, setting them on the path towards career success and leadership. Cherisse is helping us bring that preparation into all of our ACES’ programs and classrooms.”
Smith has dedicated the majority of her career to developing culturally competent and well-prepared students, individuals who are equipped to step into the global workforce with the skills necessary to drive impactful change and thoughtfully address complex issues. As the Education Coordinator for the Principal’s Scholars Program, she developed curricula designed to foster academic success and cultural awareness. In her role as assistant director of the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center (BNAACC) and advisor for the 100 Strong Peer Mentorship Program, Smith has led the implementation of inclusive curricula and programming that empower individuals to engage across differences and build stronger, more equitable communities.
Now, Smith is bringing that expertise to ACES, creating educational programs with the needs of the college’s faculty, staff, and students in mind. Smith provides lectures, workshops, and webinars tailored to specific ACES departments, with recent topics ranging from challenges facing women in STEM, to handling microaggressions in the workforce, and understanding environmental sustainability from a multitude of cultural lenses. Smith also develops comprehensive resource guides with reading lists, videos, and practical tools so students can keep engaging with the conversation even after the class lesson is over.
“I want to help people think about how they can do their work better, by including more diverse perspectives, by working towards equitable outcomes to make positive contributions to the world,” Smith said. “And I want to help people feel more comfortable talking about issues of identities, inequities, and social justice.”
Smith said one of the most meaningful parts of her new role as coordinator of DEI education is the opportunities to enhance the confidence and competence of employees across the variety of ACES departments. “My job is not to be the only one talking to our students about these topics. I’m excited to see so many ACES faculty wanting to learn more about how to engage with students in these discussions as well.”
In addition to supporting faculty, who in turn support our students, Smith also engages directly with both undergraduate and graduate students, creating opportunities for learning about ways in which advancing their inclusive intelligence will benefit them in their lives and careers.
“This can include guest speaking in courses, organizing events, and facilitating programs that encourage them to explore issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” she said. “I joined a great class last semester, a group of seniors in our animal sciences department, to talk about the role of bias in research and how including more voices in the conversation can elevate our work. It was a great opportunity to show these students, who are about to go into the field, how understanding diversity can help them become better learners and leaders, and hopefully help them make the world a more just place.”
Someone who gets it
Smith’s passion for inclusive education was shaped by her own experiences as a Black first-generation college student navigating predominantly white institutions. Throughout her academic journey, she developed a deep commitment to advancing equity and breaking down the culture of gatekeeping that has prevented so many students from matriculating and reaching their full potential.
“I’ve sat in classrooms where I didn’t see myself or my experiences reflected in the curriculum,” Smith shared. “That absence created a fire in me to make things different — to ensure that future students can see themselves in the research, literature, and scholarship that shape so much of their learning.” These experiences continue to fuel her dedication to creating educational environments where diversity is valued, and all students have the opportunity to thrive.
Smith went on to earn a master’s degree in higher education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she focused on DEI education. “I was able to use the passion that formed from my experiences as an undergraduate student and turn that into a meaningful career, one where I get to support student success by creating a higher education system that is more inclusive of all,” she said.
Breaking bread and starting conversations
In the coming academic year, Smith plans to continue leading workshops and trainings for students and employees alike. She’s also excited to initiate new programs and opportunities to bring people together and spark new conversations. “My goal is for our community to engage meaningfully with diverse perspectives, experiences, and cultures. Ultimately, I want DEI education in ACES to move beyond definitions and introductory conversations to focus on meaningful relationships, deeper understanding, and practical skill-building that supports lasting change,” Smith said.
To that end, Smith is launching a new monthly program this year, dubbed Soup & Stories. “The program will give us the opportunity to fill our bellies while opening our minds. Speakers will share culturally impactful moments in their lives over a shared culturally-relevant dish that’s important to them. These sessions will allow us to bridge differences, make connections, and create space for bigger, nuanced conversations.”
Olson loves the idea. “Breaking bread together is such a universal way of connecting with people. And so many cultures have a soup or bread that is unique to them. This series is going to be a great way to sit in those cultural similarities and differences simultaneously, honoring our shared humanity and our unique traditions.”
To stay informed about these opportunities and more, look out for the ACES ODEI newsletter, which will be sent out to all ACES employees beginning in September. Faculty and staff interested in bringing other educational opportunities to their unit can also reach out to Cherisse Smith directly.