Skip to main content

Diversity & Inclusion

LGBTQ+ Steering Committee

The LGBTQ+ Steering Committee is comprised of staff, faculty, and students who provide support, programming, professional development, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) and allied members of the Bentley University Community. Through ongoing initiatives, the committee works to educate the campus community in order to create a more inclusive and welcoming climate for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.

If you are interested in becoming involved with the LGBTQ+ Steering Committee, please contact Matt Banks (matthewbanks@bentley.edu).

Programs and Initiatives

LGBTQ+ Pride Month

Hosted annually in June, Pride Month is a series of programs for and by the LGBTQ+ community. Events include community gatherings for queer and trans community members and educational opportunities highlighting LGBTQIA+ history, accomplishments and needs. Members of the LGBTQ+ Steering Committee, in collaboration with the Office of Diversity & Inclusion and campus partners, serve on the Pride Month Planning Committee.

Pride Month
Transgender flag at Bentley University

Transgender Awareness Week

Hosted annually around Trans Day of Remembrance on November 20th, Trans Awareness Week brings together the Bentley community to celebrate the spirit, visibility and power of the Trans community at Bentley and beyond. The week's programs combine education, community celebration and a Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil to provide space for all Bentley community members to find space for themselves.

Campus Pride Index

Campus Pride is a nonprofit organization that helps student leaders and campus groups create safer college environments for LGBTQ students. Campus Pride has resources, programs and services to support LGBTQ and ally students. The LGBTQ+ Steering Committee annually reviews Bentley's Campus Pride Index submission to ensure accuracy and plan for advocacy projects for the following year.

Campus Pride Index

Ally 101 and Trans Ally Workshops

The LGBTQ+ Steering Committee sponsors and facilitates the Ally 101 and Trans Ally Workshops for faculty and staff. These two-hour workshops introduce participants to language and best allyship practices for and in the LGBTQ+ community. The workshops take participants through self-reflection activities and action planning in order to foster a more welcoming and inclusive campus community. 

Workshop Information

Current Membership

The faculty, staff and students listed below currently sit on the LGBTQ+ Steering Committee:

NamePronounsTitleOffice
Matt Banksthey/them/theirsAssociate DirectorOffice of Diversity & Inclusion
Patrick Couillard Halehe/him/hisDirectorOffice of Diversity & Inclusion
Katie Pennshe/her/hersChief Diversity & Inclusion OfficerOffice of Diversity & Inclusion
Nana Adushe/her/hersAssistant DirectorGender and Sexuality Student Programs
Wiley Daviany pronounsProfessorEnglish and Media Studies
Andrew Dolehe/him/hisStaff PsychologistCounseling Center
Leslie Doolittleshe/her/hersExecutive DirectorAcademic Support Services
Andrew Foxhe/him/hisUndergraduate Class of '25Corporate Finance & Accounting
Jessica Greher Traueshe/her/hersDirectorWellness and Prevention
John McElhennyhe/him/hisSenior Director of Strategic CommunicationsNews & Communications
Bria Milberyshe/her/hersAssistant DirectorService Learning Center
Stephanie Segalinishe/her/hersDirectorDisability Services
Kristin Sorensenshe/her/hersAssociate ProfessorGlobal Studies
Paul Stanishhe/him/hisAssociate DirectorPulsifer Center for Career Services
Ian Walshhe/him/hisAssociate ProfessorManagement