Xiomara Giordano, Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer

Xiomara J. Giordano serves at the Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at SUNY Empire. 

Xiomara possesses a Master of Science in Educational Policy and Leadership, specializing in Higher Education from the State University of New York at Albany, complemented by a BA in Spanish and Portuguese Literature from Smith College.

During her tenure at Bennington College, Xiomara made significant strides in the realm of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Serving as the Director of the Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion and as the College’s Deputy Diversity Officer, she spearheaded transformative initiatives. Her efforts were aimed at cultivating a more inclusive campus environment through the development and execution of comprehensive DEI strategies. These included organizing workshops and training programs for faculty, staff, and students, as well as forging partnerships with local organizations to promote diversity and inclusion in the wider community. In her personal time, Xiomara volunteered as a guiding scholar with the Adirondack Diversity Initiative. Here, she played a pivotal role in co-creating a tailored, comprehensive DEI curriculum for small businesses. Her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion extends beyond her professional obligations, showcasing her unwavering dedication to creating sustainable change.

Xiomara's impact in DEI extends far beyond academic boundaries, leaving a profound imprint on educational institutions and the broader community. Her steadfast commitment stands as a testament to her dedication to addressing issues related to culturally relevant pedagogy, ensuring equitable access to higher education, and integrating alternative resolution systems into learning institutions, all while emphasizing the pivotal role of diversity and inclusion.