Oakton Welcomes New Coordinator for Access, Equity, and Student Rights

Karishma Brownlee, a resident of Waukegan, joined Oakton Community College on July 1 as coordinator for access, equity, and student rights, a newly-created position. Brownlee will serve as an advocate for students’ rights, handle formal complaints of violations of the College’s code of contact, engage with students to create a more inclusive College climate, and coordinate training for faculty, staff, and students.

“Oakton is a vibrant, thriving community and I’m very excited about joining the culture here and bringing diversity into the limelight,” said Brownlee. “I’m looking forward to diving in and working with faculty to respond quickly and efficiently to student issues and concerns. Also, I’m eager to cultivate and develop new diversity programs on campus.”

Adds Oakton Vice President of Student Affairs Joianne Smith,” We are delighted to welcome Karishma to the College. She brings a unique combination of experiences that will benefit our students and help them identify how best to be responsible citizens in our diverse society.”

Prior to Oakton, Brownlee worked for two years as an outreach educator at Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center in Gurnee, where she coordinated and facilitated violence prevention programs, trained and mentored interns, and provided crisis counseling to survivors of sexual violence. In addition, Brownlee has served as the residence director at Lake Forest College. At Minnesota State University, Mankato (part of the Minnesota State College and Universities System), she was an admissions officer and conduct hearing officer and publication specialist.

Brownlee, who also sings with the Peregrine Vocal Ensemble out of Chicago, received a master’s degree in educational leadership and a bachelor’s degree in music industry and business administration from Minnesota State University, Mankato.