Meet Chère

Office: (213) 821-9301

Cell: (323) 547-5158

chooks@usc.edu

Education

M.A., Communication Management ’14, University of Southern California

M.A., Gerontology ’08, University of Southern California

Background

I’m a lifelong learner who is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion. I’m always looking for ways to expand my knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the world. I am also a double alumna of USC. I have a Master’s degree in gerontology and a Master’s degree in communications management. My education has provided me with a deep understanding of various dimensions of diversity, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age and socioeconomic status, and how these factors intersect to shape individuals’ experiences and perspectives. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, cooking and taking long walks at the beach.

Favorite USC Initiative

My favorite USC initiative is USC Dornsife’s support of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). DEI permeates every aspect of the research, teaching and community engagement of the College. For instance, the USC Prison Education Project provides educational opportunities to incarcerated individuals. The program aims to promote social justice by offering college-level courses to those who often have limited access to educational resources. Similarly, The USC Dornsife Equity Research Institute (ERI) focuses on promoting inclusion and social justice through research that is grounded in empirical evidence and is designed to inform policy and practice in ways that promote fairness to unrepresented communities. By focusing on topics such as housing, healthcare, education, and criminal justice, ERI can recommend policies and practices that advance equity and inclusion. By prioritizing DEI research, USC Dornsife is helping to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

Why USC Dornsife?

I am thrilled to be part of the USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. USC Dornsife is the largest and oldest of the USC schools. The College functions as the academic heart and core of the university. USC Dornsife offers courses and advances knowledge across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

As someone who is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion pedagogy, I have the opportunity to work under the leadership of Dean Amber Miller who is deeply committed to improving the lives of marginalized communities. USC Dornsife includes scholars from a wide range of disciplines who collaborate with each other on some of the most complex challenges and issues facing humanity such as environmental, social and economic injustices. The College’s interdisciplinary approach results in scholars who bring in a variety of viewpoints, experiences and expertise to their work. This can lead to more nuanced and effective solutions to DEI challenges.

Working at USC Dornsife is a rewarding experience. The College’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, educational opportunities, and community engagement provides a chance for me to contribute to creating a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive society.