Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Staff

LaVar J. Charleston

Dr. Charleston is the inaugural Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the School of Education. In this role, he provides leadership to faculty, staff, and students in developing and implementing strategic initiatives that promote the School of Education and UW–Madison’s mission for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Ida Balderrama-Trudell

Director of Student Engagement

Ida has over 20 years of higher education experience, ranging from her own graduate education, to student services, academic administration, advising, teaching and health and wellness. She practices a socio-ecological approach to her work at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is a fierce social justice practitioner and advocate. She holds a master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from UW–Madison and bachelor’s degrees from Texas Tech University, in both Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies and is currently an EdD student at UW–LaCrosse.

She enjoys making meaningful connections with students and being a small part of their life journey. She’s also a Girl Scout leader for her daughter’s Girl Scout Troops, loves cooking, time with her partner outdoors, reading and most importantly spending time with loved ones and dear colleagues. She is committed to life-long learning, self-care and advocacy and is a proud Chicana, born in California, raised in Texas, and living in Wisconsin.

Justin Brown

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Program Associate