‘Aunties’ Circle’ creates community for Indigenous students 

From left to right: Kitty Hill, Natalie Hanson, Tracie Sparks and Jacqueline Schram pose together.

The “Our Roots Say That We’re Sisters” podcast series features women students, faculty, staff and alumnae of color who have exhibited leadership, positive impact or social change in their personal or professional roles, especially those who remain unsung “sheroes.” 

Associated with Marquette’s campus mural project, this project showcases the diversity, richness and complexity of our campus and provides a way for campus community members to see themselves and their potential elevated.  

It also makes visible the interconnected nature of the experiences and struggles of many women of color.

An icon graphic representing A Culture of Inclusion from the Beyond Boundries Strategic PlanThis month, we honor the story of the “Aunties” — Kitty Hill, a member of Marquette’s Council on Native American Affairs; Natalie Hanson, registered nurse in the engagement center operations nurse triage at Advocate Aurora Health and nursing instructor at Bryant and Stratton College; Tracie Sparks, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging manager for North America at ManpowerGroup; and Jacqueline Schram, director of public affairs and special assistant for Native American affairs at Marquette — Indigenous women who have taken an active role in building community and support for Indigenous students at Marquette. Listen to episode 17 of the podcast online.

For more information about the Our Roots project, contact Jacki Black, director of Hispanic initiatives and diversity and inclusion educational programming.