Dear Pacifica Community,
One year ago, I sent my first message to this campus community in honor of Juneteenth. I remember feeling both the nervous excitement of someone just beginning a new journey and the deep commitment to building a more inclusive, caring, and connected culture here at Pacifica. Today, as I write to you again from campus, I’m struck by how much we’ve grown together in just a year. I also write this with an awareness of the recent unrest and demonstrations in Los Angeles and beyond, which are a difficult reminder of the ongoing struggles many in our broader communities face. As a place steeped in compassion and committed to safety, respect, and well-being for all, it’s hard to move forward on celebratory topics without acknowledging the real suffering and unease experienced just beyond our immediate campus.
On both a professional and personal level, sending this message in the midst of such turmoil is challenging. However, at Pacifica, we’re part of a community that values thoughtful reflection and emotional honesty, which means we try not to avoid difficult topics—instead, we do our best to face them with empathy, creativity, and a sense of responsibility. My colleagues have shown me that we can hold space for both grief and growth, for solidarity and celebration.
It’s in that spirit that I once again acknowledge and honor three meaningful observances this month:
Pride Month
June is Pride Month—a time to honor the resilience, creativity, and contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities. As a depth-oriented institution, we recognize the importance of creating space for all identities to be seen, affirmed, and celebrated. Let’s continue the work of cultivating psychological safety and radical belonging.
Juneteenth (June 19)
Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States and invites us to reflect on freedom—its complexities, its costs, and the continued work it demands of us today. This federal holiday offers a powerful opportunity to explore themes of liberation, history, and healing—both personally and collectively. Pacifica observes this holiday on Thursday June 19th.
Summer Solstice (June 20)
The solstice reminds us of balance, light, and rhythm. In the longest day of the year, may we find renewal and gratitude for the cycles of rest, action, and reflection that sustain our inner and outer lives.
- Summer Solstice Santa Barbara – Pacifica will have a booth at this year’s event, so please stop by if you’re there!
We are each invited to engage with these moments in ways that are both personal and collective, reflective, and active.
In the weeks ahead, I hope you’ll find time to rest, connect with what nourishes you, and participate in celebrations that feel meaningful.
Warm Regards,
Deneatrice Lewis
Pacifica Graduate Institute
Vice President of People Culture and Belonging
Deneatrice Lewis, MS, is the Vice President of People, Culture, and Belonging at Pacifica Graduate Institute. She engages with students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and community partners to foster an inclusive culture. Overseeing Human Resources, she identifies challenges, crafts strategic solutions, and integrates Pacifica’s goals into HR and organizational development.
Deneatrice is an experienced HR professional with a background in both private and public educational environments. She has worked at the University of La Verne, American Career College, San Bernardino Community College District, Woodland Joint Unified School District, and Santa Barbara City College (SBCC). She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Leadership and Organizational Management, both with a concentration in Human Resources, from the University of La Verne.
Hired as Director of Human Resources at SBCC during the pandemic, Deneatrice advanced systems, processes, and relationships with integrity and compassion. In 2022, she became the interim VP of HR.
