Advancement Ally - Monique Dozier
Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, VCUA Office
1. What is your full name and is there a meaning or story behind it?
My name is Monique Michelle Dozier. My first and last name are French, stemming from my Creole ancestry. With that said, my sister's first name is Michoe (Chinese). When I asked my mom if there was any meaning behind our names she said, "I just liked them."
2. Pronouns:
She/Her/Hers
3. How do you identify yourself or what is something you would like others to know about you?
I identify as African-American, Black-American or American of African descent.
4. What is your favorite comfort food?
My favorite food is sushi. My favorite family recipe from my grandmother is chicken and dumplings.
5. What are your favorite cultural or family traditions?
My family has huge family reunions every two years. We form a committee and determine a host city. We also have a family scholarship endowment. Awards are given to graduating high school seniors in our family. Part of the funding comes from reunion proceeds and we ask that all family members contribute annually, regardless of whether or not they attend.
6. What is something people wrongly assume about you? (biases, stereotypes, ethnic identity, etc.)
What I believe other people wrongly assume about African-Americans is that we all think alike and have the same ideologies. Racial profiling is dangerous. Implicit bias shows a lack of cultural awareness. I am an individual who was born into a family that chose my social/professional/political affiliations by determining the impact I wanted to leave on this earth.
7. If you could change/create any policy (campus, state or national) what would it be and why?
I would reverse the decision on Roe versus Wade. Although my faith is not supportive of abortion, reproductive rights should not be determined by a court system.
8. If you could have any social justice superpower, what would it be?
Universally, I am very passionate about working to remove the systemic and suppressive inequities that have been inflicted on people since the founding of this country - health, wealth, access, racial, education, etc. As a Black woman, it is important to me to be a role model for young women of color by mentoring, coaching and representing that we have no limits. "If the glass ceiling hasn't been shattered, shatter it."
9. What is something you enjoy doing for others?
When time is available, I really enjoy speaking to and mentoring young women of color. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison is a book that illustrates the negative impacts oppression had on a young woman of color. It's a powerful read to understand the "past" to inform the "future." Still work to do.
10. What is something that makes you feel most alive?
Life and family for which I am grateful every day. My daughter De'Asia and morkie Lola give me joy. I enjoy traveling, great food, and spas.
11. If two (or more) worlds (i.e. music, artists, clothing, movies, eras, genres) could collide/collaborate, what would you choose?
I believe all of the above are collaborating and cross-pollenating. Specifically, I would love to see PJ Morton collaborate with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Joffrey Ballet.
12. What is something that should be free but is not?
Education and Universal Healthcare.
13. Which affiliations/clubs/organizations/hobbies have you been involved in?
Affiliations: CASE, Aspen Institute, Microsoft, Salesforce, Ellucian, IBM Predictive Analytics, Jack and Jill Hobbies: Reading, Data Science, B1G Sports, Travel, Spinning/Cycling, and all things Sci-Fi.
14. What makes you feel uncomfortable?
Continued unrest in the country due to the divisive former administration in the White House.
15. What is your favorite thing about working at UCR or your favorite UCR memory?
I am inspired by the strong sense of community amongst our alumni, faculty/staff and stakeholders. I am looking forward to working alongside each of you to further advance the mission and vision of the university.