Nanook Diversity and Action Center welcomes new staff
December 4, 2019
![Jo Malbert Narvaez and Caitlin Bernard. UAF photos by JR Ancheta.](https://uaf.edu/news/archives/wordpress-images/2019/12/Jo_and_Caitlin_portrait-500x369.jpg)
Caitlin Bernard and Jo Malbert Narvaez have joined the Nanook Diversity and Action Center staff. Bernard and Narvaez join the Center for Student Engagement from the Department of Residence Life, where they have served as resident directors.
As the NDAC prevention and wellness coordinator, Bernard will lead programming to prevent power-based personal violence and alcohol and drug misuse, and will raise awareness about mental health concerns. Through trainings like QPR suicide prevention and Green Dot bystander intervention, and programs like the 21st Birthday Project, Bernard's work will be focused on cultivating student safety and wellness.
Narvaez, as the NDAC diversity and inclusion coordinator, will develop programs to raise awareness, develop knowledge and skills and encourage action around issues of social justice. She will coordinate safe zone training and will work closely with campus partners on initiatives like First Gen AK and the Virgie Dunlap King Academy for Social Change.
NDAC, located in the Wood Center, promotes equity, inclusion, diversity and wellness through student-focused programming and events. By encouraging students to explore issues of social justice, NDAC aims to support a community free of discrimination, harassment, and violence. Students can get involved through the Nanook Diversity and Action Council, and student organizations can request funding for events that align with NDAC's mission.