Be Loud Be YOU!

Event celebrated student leaders and graduates from marginalized identities and underrepresented backgrounds

The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging at Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) and Inver Hills Community College collaborated with Student Life, the Office of Accessibility Resources, TRIO Student Support Services, and student identity-based clubs on both campuses to hold Be Loud Be YOU!, an event celebrating student leaders and graduates from marginalized identities and underrepresented backgrounds who led initiatives and promoted engagement via their student clubs and/or the college departments where they served as student workers.

Be Loud Be YOU! took place at DCTC April 23, 2025, and at Inver Hills April 15, 2025. Students were recognized for their contributions as identity-based club leaders and officers. The Multicultural Center at DCTC, the PRISM Center and Cultural Center at Inver Hills, and student workers in college departments helped present the event. Students sang, showcased their art, performed spoken-word poetry, and led mindful moments.

“Be Loud Be YOU! is an event dedicated to celebrating and uplifting all the identities of our students and a space specifically made to honor and recognize our graduating identity-based club and departmental student leaders with stoles and cords,” said Raquel Calles, a DEI partner at both colleges. “While some clubs and departments chose their own stoles and cords, all students also received a red and gold braided cord from our Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging. The colors intentionally highlighted the hearts of gold they each used to create a campus culture of belonging—red representing the love they have shown our campus and the gold representing the light they will continue to shine on in their future endeavors.”

Raquel, along with Jeremy Clark, DCTC and Inver Hills DEI vice president, and Gabriela Marín, DEI partner at both colleges, thanked each student leader for creating inclusive events that celebrate diversity while encouraging participation from those of all backgrounds.

“Our student leaders have been crucial advocates in uplifting the voice and concerns of those often overseen or unheard and were connectors between student groups and the wider campus,” Raquel added. “These students have empowered and inspired! Grads, continue to show up unapologetically, authentically YOU, be bold in your pursuits and dreams, and always be loud, be YOU!”