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College admissions recruiters are important for attracting a diverse group of students. To engage with different socio-demographics, these recruiters need to be aware of their positionality and understand the perspectives of others. This awareness helps them limit their biases and foster stronger connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Headshot of Jairo McMican.Jairo McMican, first name pronounced Hi-rrow, is the Associate Director of
Equity Initiatives at Achieving the Dream. He has spent the last seventeen
plus years working in higher education. McMican currently serves on the
AACRAO’s Strategic Enrollment Management Quarterly Editorial Board, and the
NACADA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Education Advisory Board. He also
serves as the vice chair of the North Carolina Education and Workforce
Initiatives Commission. Previously, McMican held a dual position as the dean
of college access services at Central Carolina Community College and as the
director of equity and pathways for the North Carolina Student Success Center.
Currently, McMican is pursuing an Ed.D. in adult and community college
education at North Carolina State University. He holds a master’s degree in
strategic leadership and a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

comiska-s--smSade Comiska earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in history and literature from
Fitchburg State University and her Master of Arts degree in public history
from the University of North Carolina – Greensboro (UNCG). In the past,
Comiska worked as an admissions counselor in the Department of Enrollment
Management at an HBCU. Additionally, she gained experience as a peer tutor and
teaching assistant at both Fitchburg State University and UNCG. Currently,
Comiska is employed at UNC-Chapel Hill where she supports students in
realizing their individual and academic aspirations.

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