Our office is a testament to how crucial it is to have a strong team at the foundation of the work we do. In the world today, many full-time employees end up spending more time with colleagues than they do with their families, meaning the people we work with directly affect how we can affect others. Our office is fortunate in this respect.

Please read on for a peek at who we are, and why we do what we do.

  • A woman in white pants, a black and white blouse, and red lipstick is standing in front of some red flowers, smiling for the camera.

    Erica Taylor

    Originally from Michigan, Erica is the Executive Director of Equity & Inclusion & Title IX Coordinator for CSU Channel Islands. She holds a BA in International Relations from Oakland University, an MS in Student Affairs Counseling from Syracuse University, and is a Nationally Certified Counselor. With over 10 years of experience in Higher Education, Erica holds expertise in student conduct, Title IX, restorative justice (RJ), diversity, equity, and inclusion, policy writing, procedures creation and implementation, and prevention education training and workshops. Erica’s passion for Title IX & Inclusion is deeply rooted in her diverse conflict resolution and community engagement background.

    Erica believes people deserve to be treated with respect on the best and worst days of their lives. This personal philosophy is the grounding principle in her leadership of the Title IX & Inclusion Office and informs the goal to ensure access and transparency throughout the Nondiscrimination process. Erica has an unwavering commitment to the CSUCI community to provide education, training, and prevention workshops to cultivate a safe and inclusive environment for the entire dolphin community.

    Erica’s personal interests include virtual cooking classes, themed dinner parties, and being a consistent book club member.

  • A woman in a white shirt and hot pink blazer is standing in front of some red flowers, smiling for the camera.

    Renée Fuentes

    Although Renée has lived in California since the early 90’s, if you ask her where she’s from originally, she will tell you that growing up in a Marine Corps family never provided her an actual “hometown.” Renée is a proud alumna and product of the CSU system, having received her degree in Communication Studies from CSU Northridge. Her professional tenure with CSU Channel Islands started in 2017 and she transitioned into the Title IX & Inclusion office in 2019. Since then, Renée has branched into the roles of Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Clery Director, Investigator, and Manager of Title IX & Inclusion. The training she has received has covered a range of subjects, including but not limited to: Clery laws and reporting, federal and state compliance, pregnancy and related accommodations, annual student training, and EEOC investigations.

    As a mom to four children who are now adults, she has seen the critical role a strong foundation in a young adult’s experience plays when making decisions that have long-lasting or even lifelong impacts. Renée believes in providing a space for students to learn how to use their voice, because she believes self-advocacy skills are something that they will take into the rest of their lives.

    Renée is our resident RuPaul’s Drag Race expert and loves anything comprised of glitter. She describes herself as a “former theater kid” who once did comedy improv, and now enjoys singing, traveling, and reading.

  • A feminine presenting person in a dark purple shirt and black blazer is standing in front of some red flowers, smiling for the camera.

    Katie Johnson

    Katie is a Deputy Title IX Coordinator & Investigator here at CSU Channel Islands. Originally from the southeast, they moved to California after working in a variety of environments including higher education, non-profit, and social services. Katie holds a BS in biology, a MPH in health services administration, and a JD. The training and experience they have received covers a range of subjects, including but not limited to: ACEs and trauma, policy writing and analysis, EEOC investigations, research, community engagement, strategic planning and evaluation, restorative justice, and administrative law.

    During their last semester of law school, Katie provided free representation for civil protective orders to low-income complainants and respondents in domestic court. This experience has stuck by as a reminder of the importance of consistency, fairness, access, equity, intersectionality, compassion, and the role those concepts play in a broader system. Katie is passionate about empowering people with information delivered in a way that is accessible to them.

    In their free time, Katie enjoys trying out new recipes, cozy gaming, reading in the hammock, making art, and visiting national parks with their dog.

  • A woman with long hair wearing a white tank top is smiling at the camera in front of a green foliage background.

    Lauren Kearney

    Lauren is the Education, Prevention, and Compliance Specialist here at CSU Channel Islands. Growing up locally, she is excited to return to Ventura County after living in the Bay Area and Ireland. Lauren holds a BA in Women’s and Gender Studies, and an MPhil in Gender and Women’s Studies. Her training and education have focused on gender equity, consent education, bystander interventions, and community engagement.

    Lauren is a strong advocate for peer support and community accessibility. She strives to develop spaces where all individuals feel welcome and safe. Lauren develops monthly programs pertaining to the Nondiscrimination Policy and student rights. Her work promotes respect and care for all persons across the campus community. She is available as a resource to all students who have questions about the office or are looking to collaborate on workshops. Lauren’s goal is to ensure that every member of the campus community understands their rights and responsibilities as outlined by the Nondiscrimination Policy. She recognizes the need to make this information accessible and comprehensible.

    Lauren finds joy in trail running and cooking with friends. She is an avid crocheter and is learning Irish in her spare time.

  • A woman with wavy dark hair wearing a black jacket is smiling at the camera in front of a green foliage background.

    Kaylen Sanchez

    Born and raised in Ventura County, Kaylen provides Administrative Support for the Title IX & Inclusion Office. She is a CSUCI Alumna, with a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Criminal Justice and Criminology from San Diego State University. With over five years of experience as a research assistant, Kaylen has experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research to educate and provide data-informed insights.

    Before coming back to CSUCI, Kaylen facilitated structured interviews with justice-involved individuals on sensitive topics including homelessness, substance use, and mental health. She understands how tough some conversations can be, which is why she offers a safe space for self-expression and emotional validation. These experiences have acted as a driving force behind her passion to support members of the dolphin community and help them get connected to available resources.

    In her free time, Kaylen enjoys learning new dinner/dessert recipes, thrift shopping, watching documentaries, and going on adventures with her dog, Milo.

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