Kevin Jones, Ed.D., IUPUC Associate Professor of Management in the Division of Business, and Yamileth Martinez, IUPUC student, recently won Indiana University’s Building Bridges Award. Award-winners were announced in January at IU’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration and third annual Social Justice Conference.
The Building Bridges Award recognizes individuals and organizations who capture Dr. King’s vision, spirit, and leadership in ways both big and small. One student and one community member (faculty, staff, local organization, etc.) from each IU campus and IU’s School of Medicine were recognized.
Jones has dedicated decades in service to Dr. King’s legacy, including leading a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) faculty council subcommittee, and routinely leading and contributing to multiple DEI initiatives and social justice programming.
“In my role as an educator, I recognize the importance of sharing my experiences and working to create opportunities for success,” Jones said. “It is my sincere hope that through my work and example, others will be inspired to work toward positive diversity, equity, and inclusion outcomes.”
“I am a small piece of the puzzle of creating a more just and equitable society, but I hope my work contributes to Dr. Martin Luther King's vision of a society of justice, fairness, and equal opportunity for all,” he added.
The IUPUC student recipient, Yamileth Martinez, is a senior in the School of Education. Her honors project examines how undocumented immigrants are perceived. Through this project and other coursework in anti-racism, she continues to pursue an Office of Student Research project to understand further how discrimination against national origin, language, and citizenship status are perpetuated.
As part of the award, IUPUC received a $500 grant for the Latino-American Organization of Volunteers in Education (LOVE) for continued outreach and work in the community. LOVE events prepare, encourage, and support members of the Latinx community to pursue higher education and enhance their careers.
To learn more about IU’s Building Bridges Award, visit mlkcelebration.indiana.edu/building-bridges.