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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Staff

Phyllis Mirabella

Phyllis L. Mirabella, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Kean University
Pronouns: She, her, hers


Phyllis L. Mirabella serves as Assistant Vice President, Administration for the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Phyllis’ community involvement and social justice advocacy includes having served as a Roselle Park Councilperson, past president and member of the Education Enrichment Foundation of Scotch Plains-Fanwood, Program Director and Senior Counselor at several student leadership training programs and conferences. She served on the Union County Commission on the Status of Women for fifteen years.  In 2011, Phyllis was awarded the Women of Excellence Award by Union County Commission on the Status of Women for excellence in civic and community leadership. In 2021, Phyllis was awarded the Union County SHero Award. She was recognized for her exceptional leadership and commitment to the community during the COVID-19 crisis. Phyllis sits on the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Board of Education. She continues her community advocacy in support of human rights and the LGBTQ+ Community as a Member of the Union County LGBTQ Democratic Caucus and the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee.

Phyllis’s unwavering commitment to social justice through community volunteerism and organizing, promoting racial, gender and religious equity, and LGBTQ+ advocacy has brought her to Kean’s Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion. In her role, she works to empower staff as allies in the pursuit of social justice. Training programs, awareness campaigns, and opportunities for staff to contribute to social justice initiatives are implemented, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for creating an inclusive and equitable campus environment.

Before joining Kean University in 2022 as their Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, Phyllis worked for Union College in 2017 as the Director of Purchasing and implemented the College’s first Communications Center in 2018. Phyllis has worked in Operations Management in Corporate America for over 30 years. 

Phyllis holds Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a minor in Economics from Rutgers University - Newark. Phyllis has her Six Sigma Green and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certifications. She holds the designation of Chartered Insurance Operations Professional (C.I.O.P) and has earned her Women’s Leadership Institute Certificate from The John E. Anderson Graduate School of Management, UCLA.

 

Erin Lester

Erin T. Lester
Pronouns: She, her, hers
Assistant Director
Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion


With a dynamic career spanning the intersection of multicultural affairs coordination, legislative research, constituent service engagement, and community service, Erin Lester has emerged as a dedicated advocate for social justice. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Women and Gender Studies and Political Science from Rutgers University - New Brunswick. She is pursuing her Masters Degree in Psychology of Human Behavior and Organizations from Kean University.

Beginning her journey in the realm of Multicultural Affairs, Erin demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering a rich tapestry of cultures and perspectives. As a coordinator, she orchestrated initiatives that celebrate diversity and promoted cross-cultural understanding within the campus community.

Fueling her passion for social impact, Erin delved into legislative research with the NJ Assembly, acquiring a comprehensive understanding of policy dynamics and the intricate workings of governance. Recognizing the importance of direct community engagement, Erin transitioned seamlessly into constituent service, dedicating herself to addressing the diverse needs of the community. Hands-on experience enabled her to build meaningful connections, understand the concerns of various constituents, and develop tailored solutions that resonated with the community's unique fabric.

Elevating her trajectory, Erin assumed a pivotal role as the Assistant Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. This reflects not only her leadership in steering initiatives that championed equity and inclusion. In this capacity, Erin has developed organizational policies, fostering an inclusive culture, and advancing initiatives that promote fairness and equality for all.

Beyond the professional sphere, Erin continues to embody their commitment to community service. Their dedication to social responsibility extends beyond the confines of the workplace, with a track record of actively contributing to civic engagement through community development.

With a strong background in multicultural affairs coordination, legislative research, constituent service engagement, and community service. Through her journey, she has not only navigated the complexities of diversity and governance but actively contributed to building a more inclusive and equitable future for our students, faculty and staff at Kean University.