Leana Amáez, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion

Leana leads the Office of Equity and Inclusion and is a member of the senior staff at Bates. She works collaboratively with campus partners to foster a campus community where all staff, faculty and students can thrive by ensuring that equity and inclusion are central to all of Bates’ policies, practices, and programs. Originally from New York, Leana holds a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University and a JD from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. She began her career as a public defender and has worked to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in a variety of sectors, including non-profit, private business, government/public health and higher education. In her spare time she can be found cheering a bit too loudly at her kids sporting events and musical endeavors, reading, gardening, and enjoying Maine’s mountains, lakes, and beaches.

Nate Menifield, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager

Nate is primarily responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of equity and inclusion programs for Bates faculty and staff. He works collaboratively to design and facilitate workshops, trainings, and other professional learning opportunities in an effort to build capacity, deepen understanding, and, consequently, more firmly embed the principles of equity, inclusion, and belonging into every facet of the Bates experience. A first-generation college student from rural Maine, Nate first studied French and Francophone Studies at Harvard College, and ultimately earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education from the University of Southern Maine. He also holds a Master of Arts Degree in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies from the Stanford Graduate School of Education. For 15 years, he served as a public school music educator and arts advocate in southern and midcoast Maine, during which time he engaged in and led arts-focused equity and inclusion work at the local and state levels. Outside of Bates, Nate conducts a local community chorus, and enjoys traveling, baking, and adventuring with his husband, toddler, and goldendoodle.   

Tonya Bailey, Associate Dean and Director of the Student Center for Belonging and Community

Born and raised in Lewiston, Maine, Tonya is an organic advocate for social justice and interpersonal growth and development. Embodied in her passion and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism, Tonya has and continues to work with individuals, groups, and communities to co-create truly inclusive spaces. 

Tonya earned a Bachelor degree in Social and Behavioral Science from the University of Southern Maine, becoming the first in her family to graduate with a four-year degree. As a first-generation college student, Tonya recognized the power of education and earned a Master’s degree, also from the University of Southern Maine’s School of Social Work. 

“While academic credentials have opened doors to my career path, my lived experience as a person with marginalized identities is the guiding force behind my work with others”. 

Tonya joined Bates in 2019 as a staff therapist in Counseling and Psychological Services where she provided culturally responsive care and connection with individual students as well as groups. With a strong desire to examine the impact of power and privilege on student success, in and out of the classroom, Tonya transitioned to the position of Director of Special Projects where she worked collaboratively across the division to identify and address systemic barriers for traditionally marginalized students through tailored program development, community engagement, and student support. 

As the current Associate Dean and Director of the Student Center for Belonging and Community, Tonya is part of a passionate team of individuals who continue to challenge inequity and support students while they navigate their personal journey and make meaning along the way. 

Meet the rest of the team at the SCBC

Lori Larsson, Assistant to the Vice President for Equity and Inclusion

Lori has over 10 years of experience supporting senior staff, including project management experience. Lori began her equity, inclusion, and justice work 3 years ago at Bowdoin College. As a first generation college student, Lori earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from DeSales University in Eastern Pennsylvania. Lori enjoys tabletop games; reading, especially sci-fi and fantasy, and going on adventures in Maine.