Meet the Team
About the Team
The Accessibility, Belonging and Community (ABC) team is committed to creating a respectful, safe, accessible, inclusive, representative and equitable campus free from harassment, discrimination and bullying.
As a team, we are committed to leading by example, being agents of change and building a legacy of belonging to the University of Lethbridge for all.
From left: Hernando (Nando) Ortega Arango, Vicki Grisack, Katie DeLucia-Burk, Melissa Villeneuve, Martha Mathurin-Moe, Arturo Tejeda Torres
Meet the Team
Martha Mathurin-Moe (she/her)
Originally from the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia, I have spent the past twelve years in Regina, Saskatchewan. Before coming to University of Lethbridge, I worked for the Government of Saskatchewan in the Public Service Commission as the manager of talent development. Previously, I worked for the University of Regina for over eight years in international education where I held several roles, including the associate director for Study Abroad. My background is a bit of a mosaic; I have an undergraduate degree in psychology, a Master of Education in education psychology and my doctoral studies are in curriculum and instruction. I have also spent several years in banking and finance and human resources.
My vision is to create a sustainable, impactful ABC framework that makes our campus inclusive and safe for all. It is about creating a University that is committed to Truth and reconciliation, that is representative of the community were serve. A University that is an institutional leader committed to doing the complex work on Anti-racism, Decolonization and Indigenization.
Hernando (Nando) Ortega Arango (he/him)
Originally from Colombia, I have lived in Alberta for the past 13 years, in Edmonton, Calgary and now Lethbridge, so I have a good understanding of the province. My work experience in Canada has been working with non-profit agencies in Calgary, managing and leading social service programs particularly in the field of settlement and integration, as well as working on equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives. I hold a BA and MA in anthropology and have previous experience in Colombia, Mexico and Ecuador working with local governments and universities in qualitative research and social inclusion projects.
My vision is to steer and influence systemic change through specific projects, initiatives and interventions. To generate a meaningful impact for the University community and facilitate the consolidation of a space where current and prospective students, faculty and staff feel safe, included and are treated equitably in all interactions with and within the institution. This vision includes a great deal of personal learning and desire to collaborate with partners and allies, as well as the intention of building on top of lots of great work different groups and individuals have already developed.
Melissa Villeneuve (she/her)
As a multi-faceted communications specialist and former journalist, I provide strategic communications support to the ABC office as a Communications Specialist. Born and raised in Lethbridge, I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication (Honours) from Royal Roads University. I also hold a Diploma in Communication Arts (Honours) from Lethbridge College. I have a variety of experience in newspaper and magazine journalism, as well as strategic communications planning, digital storytelling campaigns, marketing and graphic design.
I’m passionate about communicating ABC initiatives and the important work being done to ensure a fair and equitable campus for all. I strive to ensure a sense of belonging where students, staff and faculty members can be their authentic selves within a shared campus community.
Katie DeLucia-Burk (she/her)
I am a Registered Social Worker, holding a Bachelor in Social Work from the University of Calgary. My work centres around community-based advocacy, trans-feminist theory and research, and developing resources and policies to support marginalized communities. I have spoken at several national conferences on topics related to gender and sexuality, including the 2023 Moving Trans History Forward Conference at the University of Victoria. Born in Connecticut, USA, I now call Lethbridge home, along with my wife, Emily, and our cat, Remington.
Arturo Tejeda Torres (he/him)
Originally from Mexico, I arrived in Alberta five years ago as an international student to pursue a Ph.D. in Cultural, Social, and Political Thought at the University of Lethbridge. My research critically engages with political and public discourse on gender-based violence protests, emphasizing the polarizing narratives that influence these discussions. Throughout my academic journey, I have been deeply committed to Accessibility, Belonging and Community, in my roles as a student, research assistant and sessional instructor in the Sociology Department at the University of Lethbridge.
As a racialized immigrant, my dedication to creating inclusive and equitable spaces within academia is central to my work. My vision as a member of the ABC team is to amplify the voices of historically marginalized groups, ensuring they are heard, respected, and empowered within the university setting.
