Culture & Belonging

What We Do

We are committed to creating an environment where every student, faculty and staff member feels respected, connected and empowered to thrive. Through partnerships across Pratt and Duke, we cultivate meaningful relationships, support purposeful engagement and foster a culture grounded in collaboration and shared purpose.

We carry out this commitment through the following efforts:

• Steward the philanthropy of alumna Valecia Maclin, Class of 1992
• Convene our community for programs, workshops and community events 
• Provide leadership, especially through the Committee on Culture & Belonging and the Student Advisory Council
• Advise and assist colleagues as they strengthen community initiatives in departments and units 
• Maintain vital lines of communication, especially through the Community Connections newsletter (Duke NetID required)
• Collaborate intentionally with peers, including the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)

2026-2027 Pratt Executive Culture & Belonging Committee

The Pratt Executive Culture & Belonging Committee brings together representatives from departmental Culture & Belonging Committees, along with additional representatives from across Pratt, to foster greater alignment, collaboration, and connection across inclusion, culture and belonging efforts.

Meeting quarterly, the Executive Committee serves as a forum for representatives to share perspectives and priorities from their respective areas, exchange ideas and effective practices, and identify opportunities for collaboration across departments.

The committee also plays an important role in translating insights into action. Members help develop, implement, and monitor Pratt’s two-year Culture & Belonging Action Plan, informed by the results of the Pratt Culture Survey. The committee reviews progress and identifies opportunities for advancing Culture & Belonging priorities across Pratt. Members will also contribute to the annual Pratt Culture & Belonging Impact Report, which highlight progress, initiatives, outcomes, and areas of continued focus.

Through this coordinated approach, the Executive Committee strengthens communication and accountability, creates greater alignment across departmental and Pratt-wide efforts.

The committee has representation from across Pratt departments and centers. To find your department or unit liaisons, see the 2026-2027 Committee Members below.