PLUMA

ABOUT US

Mission   |   Vision   |   Origin Story   |   History   |   Board

Mission

PLUMA believes in the transformative power of unity and heritage. Our mission is to create an inspiring and inclusive environment that celebrates Latinx* identities at the University of Michigan. We champion a supportive community, elevate Latinx voices, advocate for rights, and foster mentorship and cultural connections. Together, we are PLUMA!

*PLUMA uses Latinx to include Latino, Latina, Latine, Latinos, Latinas, and Latin@. We welcome ongoing community dialogue regarding the emerging language we use.

Vision

PLUMA envisions a future where academic and workplace excellence is rooted in equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to nurturing talent and highlighting the diversity of Latinx cultures through evidence-based practices in hiring, retention, and promotion. We strive to enhance Latinx representation through equal access to opportunities, foster a diverse and dynamic academic landscape, and celebrate the cultural richness of the Latinx community at the University of Michigan.

Why PLUMA was created

PLUMA was founded at the University of Michigan more than ten years ago by passionate campus leaders who recognized the need to gather, support, and unify the Latinx community within the U-M campus. PLUMA’s original vision was to build a community that celebrated Latinx heritage and shared knowledge and provided essential academic and professional development resources supporting faculty and staff. Over the years, PLUMA has grown into a vibrant community at the University of Michigan, continuously enhancing the visibility and contributions of the Latinx community while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels at the institution. We aim to continue growing our dynamic network to foster a sense of belonging to campus while offering support, advocacy, and mentoring to faculty, staff, and students.

Milestones in PLUMA’s History

  • 2012Conversations begin at the University of Michigan to address the need of Latinx visibility

  • 2013PLUMA is formally created

  • 2013The first PLUMA board is created of Faculty (1) and Staff (2)

  • 2014First PLUMA event is hosted

  • 2015PLUMA supports Latinx student community on campus

  • 2017PLUMA expands their board to 8 Active Faculty/Staff Members

    Board members across disciplines, schools, and colleges (LSA, ODEI, Rackham, Medicine, Library, U-M Communications)

  • 2018PLUMA welcomes Dr. Ethriam Cash Brammer as Assistant Dean, at Rackham

  • 2019PLUMA board collaborates with Campus Administrators

    about current and emerging issues related to campus climate and retention for the Latinx community and other affinity groups across campus

  • 2020PLUMA hosts virtual programs during the pandemic

  • 2022PLUMA formally welcomes Dean Carlos Jackson as he joins the U-M campus!

  • 2023Karina Moore becomes the first Latinx leader in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions

    serving as the inaugural Deputy Director of Admissions

  • 2024PLUMA new website is launched to celebrate its 10th anniversary

  • 2024Catalina Concha-Ormsby becomes U-M’s first Latinx Assistant Vice Provost

Current Board Members

Sara Adlerstein-Gonzalez
School for Environment and Sustainability

Alicia Benavides
Rackham Graduate School

Ethriam Brammer
Rackham Graduate School

William A. Calvo-Quirós
College of Literature, Science and Arts

Catalina Concha-Ormsby
Office of Provost/ODEI

Patricio Herbst
Marsal Family School of Education

Ashley Lucas
School of Music, Theatre and Dance

Alexa Lynch
College of Literature, Science and Arts

Patrick Mullen-Coyoy
Center for Educational Outreach

Marissa Taylor
Center for Educational Outreach

Cesar Vargas
The Program on Intergroup Relations

  • PLUMA’s mission to unite and empower Latinx faculty, staff, researchers, and postdocs is incredibly impactful. It has provided me with invaluable mentorship and a supportive network that champions both personal and professional growth.

  • The sense of community and belonging that PLUMA fosters is unparalleled. It’s a space where our Latinx heritage is celebrated, and our professional aspirations are nurtured, making the University of Michigan feel like home.

  • PLUMA exemplifies the transformative power of unity and cultural pride. It has been instrumental in creating an inspiring environment that not only celebrates Latinx identities but also fosters academic and professional excellence.

  • Being part of PLUMA has allowed me to connect with a vibrant community of Latinx professionals. It's inspiring to see how we support each other and work together to create an inclusive and welcoming environment at the University of Michigan.

  • PLUMA's mission of fostering mentorship and advocating for Latinx rights resonates deeply with me. It’s more than a network; it's a family that champions our success and enriches the campus climate.

  • PLUMA stands as a pillar of unity and heritage at the University of Michigan. It’s a place where we can come together, celebrate our identities, and support each other in our professional journeys. Together, we are stronger.

  • Joining PLUMA has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my career. The network not only uplifts Latinx voices but also cultivates a culture of inclusion that benefits the entire University of Michigan community.

  • PLUMA's dedication to advocating for Latinx rights and creating a supportive community is truly transformative. It has enriched my experience at the university and reinforced the importance of diversity and inclusion in higher education.

  • The professional network PLUMA provides is unmatched. It's a platform where mentorship and cultural connections thrive, empowering us to excel in our fields and make a significant impact on campus.

  • PLUMA has been a beacon of support and inspiration for me and many of my colleagues. It fosters a sense of belonging and unity, allowing us to celebrate our Latinx heritage while contributing to a more inclusive University of Michigan.