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Featured in This Issue
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Flor de Toloache: Latin Grammy-winning mariachi comes to Merced
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Native American/Indigenous Community Gathering: Celebrate community, culture, and connection
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Rhymes & Recipes: Music, food, culture, and conversation
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Latinx Luncheon:
Celebrate our 2026 Honorees
Join us as we celebrate the achievements and contributions of this year's Latinx Luncheon honorees:
Josue Medellin Azuara, Zenaida Aguirre-Muñoz, Felicia Rhapsody Lopez, Maria-Elena Young, Richard Gomez, Alejandra Diaz Mireles, Wendy V. Puquirre, Denise Lopez, Linda Singh, Enrique Guzman, and Ana Marquez.
Seating is filling quickly, so RSVP today to secure your spot! A waitlist will be available once capacity is reached.
October 15 | 12 - 1:30 PM
Dr. Lakireddy Grand Ballroom
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Ritmos y Raíces
Presented by the Office of Student Involvement, Ritmos y Raíces is an evening celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month through culture, community, and connection. Experience an evening of culture and connection with cultural club and organization tabling, food and refreshments, engaging performances, and live banda music!
October 16 | 5 - 10 PM
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Flor de Toloache
UC Merced Arts presents Latin Grammy Award-winning Flor de Toloache brings the power, beauty, and brilliance of mariachi music to UC Merced Arts. As a groundbreaking all-women mariachi group, the ensemble honors the rich traditions of mariachi while bringing a fresh, contemporary, and boundary-expanding perspective to the genre. With soaring vocals, dynamic musicianship, and irresistible stage presence, Flor de Toloache creates a performance that is both deeply rooted and unmistakably current. Free for UC Merced students.
October 16 | 7:30 PM
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Lunch & Learn: Intersectionality
Examining Our Complex Identities
Join us as we examine how the overlapping aspects of our complex identities shape our lived experiences and influence the ways we navigate the world.
Open to all staff, faculty, and graduate students. Lunch will be provided. RSVP is required to ensure sufficient food.
October 22 | 12 - 1 PM
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Immigration: Know Your Rights
Join us for a vital training on UC policy and practice, featuring Chief Campus Counsel, Cesar Alvarado-Gil, as we discuss supporting undocumented students, safeguarding privacy, and responding to immigration enforcement.
Open to all staff and faculty. Light refreshments provided.
October 27 | 1 - 2 PM
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3 Practice Circle
Co-facilitated by the Office of the OMBUDS and EJIE, 3 Practice Circles are a structured, intentional space designed to foster genuine understanding and community connection. This isn't a lecture or a debate. It is a collaborative "workout" for your curiosity, where everyone is given an equal voice to share what matters to them. Participants and observers are equally welcomed. Open to all staff and faculty.
Light refreshments provided. RSVP encouraged.
For more information, contact Nick Mundwiller.
October 28 | 12 - 1 PM
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Accessibility Basics for Newsletters and Online Documents
Kick off your accessibility journey with the first workshop in an 8-part digital accessibility series presented by UC Merced Library, OIT, CETL, and EJIE. Learn practical techniques to make newsletters, and online documents more accessible, including heading structure, alt text, accessible fonts, descriptive links, and more.
Bring your laptop for this hands-on session and gain skills you can apply across a variety of digital platforms.
Light refreshments will be provided, and RSVPs are required.
October 29 | 12 - 1 PM
Teaching Commons Workshop Room (KL 316)
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Día de los Muertos
Collective Ofrenda & Reception
Join us as we come together for EJIE’s annual Día de los Muertos Collective Ofrenda, a time to celebrate the lives, memories, and lasting impact of loved ones. Enjoy food, refreshments, activities, and meaningful opportunities to connect while honoring this cherished tradition.
Can't attend in person? Participate in the Virtual Ofrenda by sharing a photo and remembrance. Participants may also request to have their photo displayed in the physical Collective Ofrenda.
November 2 | 1 - 3 PM
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Native American/Indigenous Community Gathering
Join Admissions and EJIE in celebrating Native American Heritage Month at the Native American/Indigenous Community Gathering. Connect with students, faculty, staff, and community members through a welcoming gathering featuring a prayer and blessing, remarks from campus leadership, a talking circle, and refreshments. All are welcome.
November 3 | 3 - 5 PM
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Inthrive Film Festival
Presented by the Inthrive Film Festival, this free community event celebrates the voices, talents, and lived experiences of incarceration survivors through film, art, and community engagement. Attendees can explore films created by or featuring incarceration survivors, connect with local organizations, and experience artwork from local jails.
Events are free and open to the public.
November 5 - 6 | UC Merced
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Food For Thought Series:
Rhymes & Recipes
As part of the Food for Thought series, Chef Mitch welcomes acclaimed hip-hop artist and Dinner in Place host Lyrics Born for Rhymes & Recipes, a special conversation exploring the intersections of music, food, culture, and creativity. In celebration of National Hip Hop History Month, guests will enjoy an evening of storytelling, inspiration, and food inspired by Dinner in Place. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP information coming soon.
November 5 | 6 PM
Conference Center, Lakireddy Ballroom
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Film Screening: The Last Drop and Discussion on Coercive Control
Join CARE , EJIE, and the Dean of Students' Office for a screening of The Last Drop, a 40-minute sci-fi film that explores relationship violence through a powerful and thought-provoking lens. The film highlights non-physical forms of abuse, including coercive control, isolation tactics, possessiveness, gaslighting, and emotional manipulation.
Following the screening, director Adam Joel will present on recognizing the early signs of coercive control and engage in a Q&A discussion with attendees.
November 12 | 5:30 PM
Conference Center, Lakireddy Ballroom
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Inclusion Champion Spotlight:
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Congratulations to Edward Flores, UC Merced sociology professor and faculty director of the Community and Labor Center, on receiving the Distinguished Contribution to Sociological Praxis Award from the Pacific Sociological Association. The award recognizes his work advancing research, community engagement, and efforts to improve the lives of working families and underserved communities throughout California's Central Valley. We are proud to celebrate this recognition and the lasting impact his work continues to have on our communities. Learn more about this accomplishment here.
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Recharging our Campus
Affinity Groups & Advisory Councils
New Members Sought
Looking to connect with colleagues, build community, and contribute to a more inclusive campus? UC Merced's affinity groups and advisory councils offer opportunities for engagement, advocacy, leadership, and professional growth.
New members are encouraged to explore available groups and get involved. Current foci: status of women and queer issues for advisory councils, and staff and faculty of color, Black issues, and language accessibility for affinity groups. Ideas for new groups are very welcome. If you are interested in joining one of these groups or starting a new one, please fill out the form through the link below or contact Karla Seijas with questions.
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EJIE Zen Den is Now Open
We’re happy to share that the Zen Den is now open to all UC Merced employees. Treat yourself to up to 20 minutes of relaxation in our massage chairs—a calming way to ease stress and reset during your day.
First‑time users: Please complete the waiver before your first visit.
Guidelines:
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Up to 20‑minute sessions
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One reservation per day
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Open to all employees
We warmly invite you to pause, breathe, and recharge.
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Help Shape More Accessible and Inclusive Field Research at UC Merced
Faculty and students who have participated in field research at UC Merced are invited to complete a brief survey on accessibility in field science and research.
Your feedback will help identify best practices and opportunities for improvement, supporting more inclusive research and training experiences beyond traditional lab and classroom settings.
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In this section, EJIE highlights initiatives, ideas, & programs beyond UC Merced that offer food for thought, inspiration, & success in advancing inclusion.
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Honoring Southern Sierra Miwuk
Leadership & Stewardship
Tara Fouch-Moore, Secretary of the Southern Sierra Miwuk Tribal Council, has been appointed to California’s Native American Heritage Commission. The appointment recognizes her leadership in advancing Indigenous cultural heritage, community, and stewardship of ancestral lands. Fouch-Moore also serves as Director of Land Stewardship for the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation, supporting efforts to preserve Indigenous knowledge and care for the land.
Congratulations to Tara Fouch-Moore on this important achievement and new role in service to California’s Native American communities.
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WeRNative
Created by Native youth, for Native youth, WeRNative offers culturally centered resources that support physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Explore articles, stories, and tools designed to foster healthy living, strengthen community connections, and celebrate Indigenous resilience.
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Indigenous Collections Care Guide
Learn how collections stewardship can be grounded in respect, cultural knowledge, and community partnership. This guide offers practical guidance for emerging and experienced museum professionals seeking to support Indigenous-centered approaches to caring for collections.
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Campus Confidential Podcast
Tune into Campus Confidential, a podcast exploring the realities of higher education leadership through candid conversations with campus leaders and change-makers. The podcast offers insights into navigating organizational change, building community, and leading with authenticity in today's higher education landscape.
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In this section we share photos of recent EJIE/UCM events.
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Chef Mitch welcomed guests to Reel Roots for an evening of cultural storytelling, community connection, and cuisine, featuring filmmakers Gabriel Durán and Eugenia Rentería and Chef Maria Maravilla's loved pozole.
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Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
79th Annual Installation Dinner—Oct 2
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The Filipino Faculty & Staff Association (FFSA) kicked off Filipino American History Month with bringing together students, faculty, staff, and community members to celebrate Filipino culture, heritage, and connection.
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Congratulations to our bobcat plushie winner!
Congratulations to Ellie Feliciano, winner of the Bobcat Plushie Drawing featured in our last digest! We hope you enjoy your new Bobcat companion.
Be sure to stay tuned and continue reading the Digest. Each month, we'll be featuring a new drawing opportunity for readers, so be on the lookout for your next chance to win in the upcoming issue!
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We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this digest and help us make future editions even better by filling out our feedback form. Your input is valuable.
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Missed an issue? Explore our most recent EJIE digest and access past publications on our website.
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In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories. All EJIE events and programs are open to people of all identities.
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![Flyer for the Native American/Indigenous Community Gathering hosted by the Offices of Admissions and Equity, Justice, and Inclusive Excellence at UC Merced. The flyer features the UC Merced EJIE logo at the top and a photo of the UC Merced campus entrance with palm trees. Large text reads “Native American/Indigenous Community Gathering.” Event details list November 3, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in Conference Center Room 110. A QR code is included beside the text “Tell Us You're Coming!” [https://ucmerced.my.salesforce-sites.com/admission/targetX_eventsb__events#/esr?eid=a0bWj00000AXtYSIA1] A gold banner at the bottom states that the event celebrates Native American Heritage Month and will include a prayer and blessing, welcome from campus leadership, a talking circle, and refreshments. Contact information is provided for questions.](https://mcusercontent.com/55c2b7a16e6fc2da65fad6c45/images/db4cc871-738b-caca-499e-636f6b659cca.png)
![Promotional flyer for “An Intimate Evening with Kalani Pe‘a.” The flyer features a large portrait of the Grammy Award-winning Hawaiian recording artist wearing a purple sequined jacket and a matching cap, set against a dark background with purple floral accents and gold typography. Text highlights the artist as a 4-time Grammy Winner and Hawai‘i Male Vocalist of the Year. A section on the right lists South Pacific Dance Company as the special guest, accompanied by the group's logo. Event details at the bottom read: Merced Theatre October 25, 2026 A QR code [https://tickets.mercedtheatre.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=440] is provided for ticket purchases, along with a contact phone number: (209) 383-1435. The overall design uses rich purple, gold, and black tones with a formal, elegant concert-style layout.](https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/55c2b7a16e6fc2da65fad6c45/images/fb3b3869-3bd6-da83-f896-14e8eccddff4.png?dpr=2&rect=0%2C877%2C1080%2C369&w=660&h=226)
