Dear Pacifica Community,
On February 1st, my niece reached out to wish me a happy Black History Month, and I must admit—I was caught off guard. January felt so long, filled with events that weighed heavily on my mind: the devastating California wildfires, the tragic DC plane crash, and the ever-intensifying political discourse surrounding DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging). By the time February arrived, I felt emotionally unprepared for the celebration, and if I’m honest, a little cynical—reflecting on how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go as a people and as a society.
Then I happened to speak with a student in the parking lot. In a brief but meaningful exchange, I shared my feelings, and they shared theirs. They reminded me that many in our community are looking for connection, acknowledgment, and a sense of belonging. It was a simple yet profound reminder: I am not alone in my mixed emotions. This moment—this month—is an opportunity to reflect, to honor, and to engage in solidarity and kinship.
Black History Month invites us to hold multiple truths at once. It is a time to celebrate the rich history, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals across generations. It is also a time to reflect on the ongoing struggles for justice and equality, recognizing the depths of our shared history and the work still ahead. I am learning that my growth relies on me not ignoring my emotions and instead taking time to embrace and reflect on them —acknowledging both the weight of the past and the possibility of a more just future.
As we move through February, we also approach Presidents’ Day (February 17th) —a holiday that can stir a range of perspectives about leadership, history, and the evolving American narrative. Holding space for these reflections while tending to our personal and collective well-being is no small task, especially in a world that often feels heavy with uncertainty.
Yet, in these moments, we find each other. We find meaning in shared conversations, in honoring history, and in allowing ourselves to embrace both the discomfort and the hope that come with deep reflection. My conversation in the parking lot reminded me that we don’t navigate these feelings alone— PGI is uniquely situated to provide such a space as a community dedicated to sharing compassion, open, respectful communication, consciousness, and exploration of meaning.
I invite each of you to take a moment this month to engage—whether that means celebrating, reflecting, learning, or simply sitting with the emotions that arise. However, you choose to honor this time, know that you are part of a larger journey, and your experience is valid.
With care and solidarity,
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.
