Spotlight on Marie Fenske, Diversity Coordinator Chair

Please join us in thanking Marie Fenske for serving as Chair for Maricopa’s Diversity Coordinators this past year.  Marie helped define the role of chair for the Diversity Coordinators. She served on the Diversity Advisory Council Steering Committee, planned and facilitated coordinator meetings and helped shape the agenda that has moved the coordinator group forward. 

Marie is Clinical Coordinator for Respiratory Care at Gateway Community College where she has been a faculty member for 20 years.  During that time she has been a program director, a division chair and served in numerous other capacities. Marie is very conscious of the importance of cultural competency in the health care professions to ensure quality treatment for all patients.  She demonstrates excellence in teaching by supporting collaborative interaction that enhances learning for students, which in turn benefits all of us!

In her free time, Marie loves to travel and her trips have spanned the globe.  The knowledge and insights she gained from her engagement with so many other cultures and environments led to her appointment as Diversity Coordinator at Gateway.  She has served with the Diversity Committee to promote excellence in education, cultural awareness, respect and competency at Gateway.  In addition to numerous speakers and activities, the committee has designated several display windows in different locations at Gateway that offer rotating exhibits addressing intercultural awareness. They have been well-received and inspire meaningful conversation among students, faculty and staff. 

Thank you, Marie, for your efforts at Gateway, as well as your contributions for the entire district in promoting an inclusive and respectful environment for us all.