All students deserve equity in how they are mentored, sponsored, supported, and empowered to experience Wellesley. We are dedicated to ensuring that each of our students is able to take advantage of Wellesley's rich learning and living environment.

—Paula A. Johnson, president of Wellesley College

A diversity of viewpoints and life experiences produces better outcomes not only in the classroom, but also well into adulthood. ... Diversity enhances the academic and life experience for every student and graduate and for society overall.

—Joy St. John, dean of admission and financial aid

Our campus is full of diverse young women from all over the world, but inclusive excellence means continuing to build our community through representation of different lived experiences, identities, talents, and backgrounds. Making sure that we are seeking out and attracting talent from populations that may not be as familiar with Wellesley through our fly-in programs, our partnerships, and our recruitment travels is key to building a stronger community.

As a first-generation student of color who did not attend Wellesley, I am in awe of the support Wellesley first-generation and students of color have access to. From the First Gen Network to Wellesley Plus, to our many affinity and cultural organizations, it is wonderful to see students come together in fellowship around shared identities with the goal of supporting each other navigate their journeys.

—Natasha Robinson, associate director of admission 

As a new counselor at Wellesley, I am inspired daily by leaders that puts equity and inclusion front-and-center. Regarding diversity initiatives, I do the work that comes full circle to me reflecting back on my own college process. I am a first-generation Native American from rural Idaho. I was supported by my school and community, and that support was bolstered by a non-profit organization I cared about. When I am on the road or reading applications, I think about the applicants and their potential to thrive.

—Cody Riggers, assistant director of admission

It sounds cliché, but the moment I stepped onto Wellesley’s campus for the first time, there was this spark of something that I couldn’t quite explain at the time. Now, looking back, I know that spark was a sense of belonging that I had never really felt before. Aside from the outstanding professors, picturesque campus, and tight-knit community, what made me choose Wellesley was the fact that walking around this campus makes me feel like I can do anything I set my mind to, with my incredible Wellesley siblings changing the world by my side. Wellesley is a magical place, and I’m so happy that I ended up here.

—Aminah, diversity team intern

As a first-generation student, my knowledge of higher education was extremely limited growing up. When I first heard about Wellesley, I fell in love with the idea of attending a school in which there is a strong sense of community, a rich variety of courses offered, and so many organizations for students to feel safe in. I chose Wellesley because I knew this was a place where, regardless of background, I would be able to achieve great things and I would have the support of so many faculty and staff along the way.

—Kate, diversity team intern