Newton DMACC honors employee for work in the community

A Newton DMACC employee was honored for her work in promoting inclusion in the community by receiving the Tapestry Award, the college announced in a press release March 4.

Administrative assistant, instructor and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Advisor Sveta Miller received the award from the DMACC Diversity Commission. The award recognizes individuals whose character embodies a welcoming spirit, contributes to the culture of valuing diversity and promoting awareness at DMACC and engages in activities and events in the community.

“DMACC has been a big part of my life for many years, so I was surprised and honored to receive this award. I am very lucky that I work for an organization that cares about the community and understands and champions diversity, equity and inclusion,” Miller said who has been in her current position since 2019 but had ties to the college that extend farther than that.

Miller was recognized for establishing the Newton Diversity Alliance (NDA) to promote inclusion in the Newton area for schools, businesses, social services agencies, city and county government; serving on the OPEN (Organization Promoting Everlasting Neighbors) Board for global outreach to improve peace and understanding; being named a recipient of the Early Achievement Award from the DMACC Foundation; facilitating the 21-Day Equity Challenge on the DMACC Newton Campus, and serving on various community boards, including: the Chamber of Commerce Board, United Way Appropriations Committee and Project AWAKE/Newton Arboretum.

“I am very fortunate to work for (Provost) Joe DeHart, who encourages and supports my community involvement,” Miller said. “Seeing the Tapestry plaque by my desk is a daily reminder that each one of us can make a positive contribution to our society and that our actions create the community we live in.”

DMACC recognized employees through all of its campuses in a virtual President’s Day All-Staff In-Service. Miller was one of four employees to be bestowed the Tapestry Award for work in their community. Other awards honored distinguished service and committee awards.

Contact Pam Pratt at 641-792-3121 ext. 6530 or pampratt@newtondailynews.com