Who are the members of the Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education and Research, and what do they do? This time, we would like to introduce Milly Kock. Milly is an educationalist and training specialist, senior advisor, and Diversity & Inclusion advisor at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. In her daily work, she is committed to more inclusive education, with a specific focus on curriculum development, pedagogy, and didactics.
Pilot safe and brave spaces
Milly: ‘My work has always been supported by research and collaboration. For example, I recently conducted a pilot study on 'safe and brave spaces’ based on research. This pilot took place in secondary education. Safe and brave spaces in education are two related concepts that focus on creating supportive environments for students, teachers, and other participants. These concepts are often discussed and applied in the context of promoting inclusivity, social justice, and equality in education, and can contribute to creating more enriching and empowering learning environments for everyone. ’
Equal opportunities for everyone
‘Within the advisory committee, I am versatile and enjoy discussing a wide range of topics related to diversity and inclusion. My main focus is on creating equal opportunities for everyone in education. This means paying attention to others, becoming aware of (unconscious) prejudices, and how we as education professionals can respond to them. As a representative of higher professional education, I believe it is important that we incorporate the knowledge and experiences from higher professional education and continue to learn from each other by sharing experiences and knowledge.'
Making a difference
'My strength lies in my (international) experience with higher professional education and my expertise in the field of inclusive education. I connect the perspective from practice, such as research in practice and student welfare, to structural improvements in curriculum and didactics. This allows me to make a difference in creating a more just and equal educational environment for everyone. I know from my own experience what it feels like to be excluded in all kinds of areas because of my background.'
Justice and equality
‘My motivation lies in creating equal opportunities and inclusive education, strengthening a safe and courageous environment, student welfare, and involving the higher professional education perspective. My goal is an educational environment in which we treat each other with respect, are open to other perspectives, and where no one is excluded. For me, fairness and equality are the core.’
Really seeing each other
‘I contribute by remaining analytical and critical about how systems within education are structured and whether they really offer space to all students and staff. I ask questions, offer perspectives for action, and work on awareness and concrete change. I believe that an inclusive environment starts with a willingness to listen and really see each other.’
Milly Kock, MSc