Doralia Freudiger, the last of four candidates for the director of UNM's Office of Equal Opportunity, told University officials Thursday that she would use her ability and expertise to change the office for the better.
"I have the skills and I will put them to use at UNM," Freudiger said.
During the forum, Freudiger fielded audience questions, outlined plans for the office and shared her ideas for change if selected for the position.
"If you want to change something you should get involved," she said. "We must work toward change rather than just sitting on the sidelines."
Freudiger is one of four finalists for the director position. A 13-member committee began searching for finalists in March.
She added that UNM's good reputation makes it a conducive place to work since it shows that people feel good about the University.
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According to Patrice Martin, search coordinator for UNM, the next part of the selection process is collecting the data and making an assessment of all the candidates.
Freudiger said her qualifications include supervising a full time staff of 14, including attorneys, EEO Program Managers, counselors and support personnel.
She is currently deputy director of the Equal Employment Opportunity Staff for the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
The office monitors University activities to ensure compliance with local, state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination. The office is currently headed by Interim Director Theresa V. Ramos.
"We have a strong pool of diverse and experienced candidates for the OEO position," Ramos said.
The OEO director will be responsible for developing and directing a comprehensive affirmative action plan, serving as the coordinator for Americans with Disabilities Act and Title IX, the Educational Amendments of 1972 and managing the investigation of complaints of alleged discrimination and sexual harassment.
The individual selected as head of the office will report directly to the UNM president. Each candidate had the opportunity to make a presentation to the University at individual forums.
The finalists are Thomasine P. Ross, Annazette Fields, Elva Telles and Freudiger.
