SARATOGA SPRINGS — Empire State University has announced the hiring of Xiomara Giordano to the position of assistant vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion and chief diversity officer. She will be based in the university’s Saratoga Springs location beginning Nov. 1, according to a press release.
Giordano currently serves as director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and deputy college diversity officer at Bennington College, where she helps leadership identify and establish opportunities to support diverse student populations and implement programs fostering cultural education and awareness, the release states. She also held roles as academic services and study away counselor at Bennington College, assistant director of undergraduate enrollment at Russell Sage College, academic advisor at Rockland Community College, and Spanish teacher at Saddle River Day School in New Jersey.
“I am committed to advancing our institution’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion and fostering an environment where all members of our community thrive,” Giordano said in the release.
As AVP and CDO, Giordano, who uses she/they/ella/elle pronouns, will work with SUNY Empire students and employees to continue to build an inclusive community, and will also lead initiatives, programs, and training programs, the release states.
Giordano earned their bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Smith College and their M.S. degree in higher education at University at Albany. She holds professional certificates in diversity and inclusion, standards of professional practice, and Title IX.
