In this first episode of the spring semester, we welcome Marco Torrez-Miranda, a former faculty member of Madison College's Human Services Program and the current Director of the Institute for Equity and Transformational Change (IETC). Marco shares his journey from starting at Madison College to his extensive experience as a licensed psychotherapist and trauma treatment specialist, highlighting how his background informs his commitment to equity and inclusion in education. He delves into the mission and evolution of the IETC, its role in supporting faculty and staff, and the professional development opportunities it offers to foster a more inclusive learning environment.

Marco Torrez-Miranda (he/him/his) is a licensed psychotherapist, trauma-treatment, and substance-use disorder specialist making significant contributions to the behavioral health field in Wisconsin. He embarked on his remarkable journey through academia, earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Currently, he is a doctoral candidate at UW-La Crosse, focusing on Student Affairs Administration and Leadership, with a strong emphasis on social justice and equity in higher education. His dissertation focuses on developing systems and structures to recruit, retain, and develop employees and students of color at two-year, predominantly white institutions.

With over fifteen years of invaluable experience, Marco has been a driving force in creating interventions and innovative programs to enhance accessibility, foster engagement, and cultivate a profound sense of belonging for individuals on their path to healing. His multifaceted career includes roles as a clinician, clinical supervisor, mentor, consultant, program director, faculty member, and administrator.

At Madison College, Marco served as Faculty and Director of the Human Services Program at Madison College. He currently holds the inaugural role of Director for the Institute for Equity & Transformational Change (IETC). The Institute for Equity and Transformational Change is dedicated to developing, implementing, researching, and advocating for equity-centered and anti-racist policies and practices to foster an inclusive and affirming learning community at Madison College. The IETC serves as an inclusive hub where faculty, staff, and the college community are empowered to advance equity-based practices across data interpretation, professional development, curriculum reform, and action research to catalyze the transformation in policies and practices.

Marco Torrez-Miranda's unwavering dedication to making a difference in the fields of behavioral health and higher education has already left an indelible mark, and his journey of transformation and advocacy is far from over. His passion for social justice, equity, and inclusivity continues to drive positive change in the lives of many.

Connect with Marco via:

Email: TransformationalChange@madisoncollege.edu or LinkedIn