Creating space, driving change: Chiquita Whittington’s impact at MSU

March 6, 2025 - Brandon Drain

For Chiquita Whittington, social work isn’t just a career—it’s a calling, shaped by her lived experiences and commitment to advocacy. 

This passion is exemplified in both of her roles at Michigan State University: As the director of the MSU FAME Program, as well as the co-director of the MSU Women of Color Community. 

The MSU Women of Color Community (WOCC) was founded in Fall 2018 by members of the Institutional Diversity: Excellence in Action (IDEA) Coordinators. It was created as a social, networking, and professional resource for all women of color administrators, faculty, academic specialists, support staff and allies. 

“Finding this community has been invaluable—it meant not feeling alone or out of place but instead finding a space where I was welcomed and understood,” said Whittington. 

As a collective, WOCC brings women of color together to discuss issues related to recruitment, retention, advancement, and overall wellness at MSU. Its meetings are designed to foster shared learning, collective support, and the exchange of knowledge and experiences. WOCC also collaborates with other women’s organizations across campus to create professional development opportunities, and its members engage in university-wide DEI initiatives to develop cultural and celebratory programs. 

“Our hope is that both women of color and our allies come to understand the unique stories, successes, hardships, and ongoing needs of women of color in higher education—particularly here at MSU,” Whittington expressed. “We want to create strong connections, support one another through challenges, and establish safe spaces where we can laugh, bond, and truly be seen.” 

Since stepping into this role, she’s witnessed growth in both interest and memberships in the group, noting, “One the most powerful aspects of this community is how it has helped so many of us navigate career transitions.” 

Whittington’s commitment to advocacy extends beyond WOCC.  

In addition to supporting women of color in higher education, she works directly with marginalized students through the FAME Program—ensuring they also have access to the guidance and resources they need to thrive. 

FAME is a resource center for foster youth alumni attending MSU as well as for youth who were in kinship care, have experienced homelessness, or are otherwise independent. FAME exists to provide support and resources to these students during their time at MSU to help them be successful during their collegiate experience on MSU's campus and during their transition to becoming MSU alumni. 

Being the director of the FAME Program has granted her the opportunity to be a voice for underserved students, she explained. “It’s not just about guiding and supporting them; I learn just as much from them as they do from me,” she continued.  

Many FAME students are people of color, and Whittington emphasizes the importance of them knowing they belong at the table. “Too often, people of color have had to fight for a seat, and I want my students to know that they don’t just deserve to be there—they belong  there.” 

Each of her roles has broadened her understanding of the ongoing needs related to equity and inclusion on MSU’s campus.  

“In both roles, I’ve observed that policies and procedures are often established by individuals who may not directly experience their impact,” she said. “It is essential that the voices of those with lived experiences are heard, considered, and supported in decision-making processes.”