September 5, 2023
Jambo Black Faculty and Staff Members,
It is with great enthusiasm and a deep sense of pride that I write to you today as the newly elected President of our Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA). I consider it an incredible honor to have been entrusted with this important role. As we embark on this journey together, I would like to take a moment to introduce myself and share my vision for our community.
My name is Dawn York-Bentley, and I currently hold the position of Human Resource Business Partner Manager for the Office of the Vice President for Research. With 30 plus years of experience at the University of Minnesota, I have earned my B.S degree in Social Work and Afro-American Studies, with a minor in Family Social Science. I was a University of Minnesota McNair Scholar. I have proudly held positions in departments of the Office of Student Financial Aid, General College, The School of Social Work, Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost and the Medical School. I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative power that our association holds. Throughout my career, I have been committed to advocating for diversity, equity, inclusion, and transparency, and I am excited to apply my passion and dedication to serve as a catalyst for positive change within our community.
I firmly believe that our association is a force that can break down barriers, amplify our voices, and propel us towards new heights of success. My vision for our organization is built on three core principles: collaboration, empowerment, and impact.
Collaboration will be at the heart of our work. I am committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all member’s insights are valued and honored. By leveraging our collective talents and expertise, we can develop innovative strategies, initiatives, and programs that will strengthen our community and create a more inclusive culture on campus.
Empowerment lies at the core of who we are. I am dedicated to nurturing an environment that empowers each member, providing access to resources, mentorship, professional development opportunities, and a strong support network. Together, we will create an infrastructure that encourages and supports the growth and success of our Black faculty and staff at the University of Minnesota.
Lastly, impact will be our measure of success. The success of an organization often depends on the active involvement of its membership. I am asking each member to make a collective effort to foster a sense of community, continuity, and purpose to help reinforce that we are a part of something that through history, was and should continue to be larger than ourselves within this institution. As an organization we need to show that we have the trust, respect, and the loyalty among ourselves as a membership that will help strengthen our organization and create a positive impact that will allow us to broaden our reach. By actively engaging with other campus initiatives and partnering with community organizations, we will extend our influence beyond the confines of our campus, effecting change on a broader scale.
Our association has a proud history of being built on effecting positive change, and I am committed to building upon that legacy. I am asking each of you as a member of the Black Faculty and Staff Association to be committed to help me build upon that legacy. We will redouble our efforts to advocate for the needs and concerns of our members, ensuring that our voices are heard within the University. I along with my Vice President Tonisha White, Treasurer Denise Diffenbach, Co-Secretary Monique York and Co-Secretary Lea Scott are thrilled to serve each of you in our capacities, and I strongly encourage all members to actively participate, lend their expertise to help bring new members and strive for excellence in their respective roles. Together, we will create an inclusive and empowering environment where everyone can thrive.
I am eager to embark on this journey with you, and I look forward to getting to know members personally in the coming months. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with your ideas, suggestions, and aspirations for our association. Your voice matters and I am here to listen.
Thank you for placing your trust in me. Let us stand tall. United, and resolute as we work together towards a stronger, more equitable future for the Black Faculty and Staff Association at the University of Minnesota.
SAWUBONA,
Dawn York-Bentley
President Black Faculty and Staff Association
July 2023-2025