Veronica Calderon’s journey into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work is a personal one, deeply rooted in her upbringing and the struggles her family faced as immigrants from Ecuador. Today, as the Chief Inclusion, Belonging, and Equity Officer at DeVry University, Calderon is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces where people from all backgrounds feel empowered to thrive.
Early Life: The Foundations of a DEI Advocate
Calderon’s passion for DEI began in her early life, largely influenced by her sister, who was born deaf. Growing up, Calderon witnessed firsthand the challenges her sister faced. “People ask me, ‘When did all of this DEI work start for you?’ It really started with my sister,” Calderon shares. She remembers feeling compelled to create environments where her sister would never feel “less than” or isolated from the world.
Her own experiences with bullying only strengthened her resolve. “I was really treated terribly my first two years of high school. I was bullied for how I looked and for my heritage,” Calderon shares. The experience of being singled out for her ethnicity and appearance left a lasting impression. “I just wish they actually judged me for my character, and not for what I looked like.” These early experiences of exclusion and alienation became the fuel for her future DEI work.
From Ecuador to North Carolina: Navigating New Challenges
When Calderon’s family immigrated to the U.S. from Ecuador, they moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they were among the few Hispanic students in their school. “We moved to Charlotte and were one of the few kids who looked like us,” says Calderon. This visibility made them targets for discrimination, and Calderon experienced more bullying as she adapted to her new life in the U.S. Attending an English as a Second Language (ESL) program meant long bus rides and additional challenges. But instead of letting these experiences defeat her, Calderon used them as lessons that would later inform her work.
The Intersection of Personal and Professional: A Career in DEI
Calderon’s DEI journey took off during her time at Wells Fargo, where she worked full-time while pursuing her education. She eventually earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, a testament to her drive and commitment. Reflecting on her time balancing work and school, Calderon says, “All of those experiences, the good days and the bad days, continue to fuel me now. They gave me the power to create spaces for others.”
Her first official DEI role came at Atrium Health, where she was the first person to hold her position. She recalls being unsure if she was ready for the responsibility, but quickly finding her footing by drawing from her own experiences and passion for equity. “I started thinking, ‘What can I do to make an impact on DEI in my role?’” Calderon says. This question became a guiding principle throughout her career.
DeVry University: Building a Culture of Care
When Calderon was approached to join DeVry University, she saw it as a natural continuation of her journey. The role aligned with her personal values and mission to drive change. “I wasn’t looking to go anywhere, but when I heard about this opportunity, I knew it was something special,” Calderon explains. She took the reins of DeVry’s DEI efforts at a pivotal time, helping the institution strengthen its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
At DeVry, Calderon fosters a “Culture of Care,” which is foundational to the university’s ethos. This culture extends beyond students, to faculty and staff, creating an environment where everyone feels they belong. “When I joined, I went on a listening tour,” she says. “I wanted to hear from colleagues and students about how we could impact the mission. That feedback was essential in shaping our DEI strategy.”
One of the standout accomplishments of Calderon’s time at DeVry has been the development of a strategic plan that runs through 2027. This plan, however, is not static. “It’s a working document that adapts as we go,” she stresses. This flexibility allows the university to respond quickly to societal changes and ensure a steadfast commitment to closing the opportunity gap.
Empowering Others Through BRGs and Allyship
At DeVry, Calderon has also focused on developing Business Resource Groups (BRGs) to foster a sense of community. “We currently have seven BRGs, and they are designed to be open to everyone,” she says. The goal is to create larger communities where people can learn from each other and grow as allies.
Calderon emphasizes the importance of allyship, explaining that even those who aren’t part of a particular community can play a significant role in supporting that community through their BRG participation.
The first BRG at DeVry that set the standard for others is EDGE, which stands for Empowerment, Diversity, Growth, and Excellence, and was created to accelerate the advancement of women working at DeVry. In 2023, it was recognized as a top 25 Employee Resource Group by the Diversity Impact Awards, a moment that Calderon is particularly proud of. “It’s not about the awards, but it’s great to see the work of our volunteers recognized,” she says.
Closing the Opportunity Gap: Initiatives for Hispanic Students
Another DeVry initiative Calderon is proud of as they continue to grow is the Next Gen Hispanic Scholars Program, designed to support Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx students. This program provides mentorship, community, and educational resources to ensure that these students have the same opportunities to thrive as their peers. “We’re working to close the opportunity gap, and this program is a big part of that,” Calderon explains. The initiative aligns with DeVry’s broader mission to provide equitable access to education for all students.
Calderon’s work is not limited to internal initiatives. She is also focused on how DeVry can make an impact externally, ensuring that the university’s mission reaches beyond its walls. “It’s not just about what we’re doing internally, but also what we’re doing externally to impact our mission of closing the opportunity gap,” she says.
Looking Ahead: The Future of DEI at DeVry
For Calderon, DeVry’s DEI work is far from over. “There are times when we don’t see as much movement as we’d like, and that can be discouraging,” she admits. But even setbacks are learning opportunities. “Every step is a step forward, even if sometimes we take a few steps back”.
As she continues to lead DEI efforts at DeVry, Calderon remains focused on her ultimate goal: to create spaces where everyone can thrive, just as she once hoped for her sister. “If there’s not a seat at the table, let’s build a bigger table,” Calderon says with determination. It’s this commitment to inclusion and equity that defines her work and inspires those around her.
Veronica Calderon’s work at DeVry University is more than a job—it’s a personal mission to create spaces of belonging and opportunity for all. Her journey, shaped by her own experiences of exclusion and perseverance, fuels her drive to make a difference. Through strategic initiatives, BRGs, and a culture of care, Calderon is building a more inclusive future for DeVry and beyond. As she looks to the future, her message is clear: DEI work is never done, but every step forward is progress.
Lin Grensing-Pophal is a Contributing Editor at HR Daily Advisor.
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