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People, Equity, and Culture Division

Meet Ann Kaiser

PEC Office Assistant

Ann Kaiser smiling for her GVSU headshot.

Ann's Commitment to People, Equity, and Culture

What aspects of PEC’s mission and/or work most excite or inspire you?
What most excites me about the division’s mission is its strong commitment to people-centered opportunities. I appreciate a culture where personal growth and collective accountability are deeply valued. This focus aligns with my passion for creating inclusive environments where all voices are heard.

Please share a moment in your personal or professional journey that deepened your commitment to equity and inclusion.
My work as an executive staff with Girl Scouts, and eventually as a Girl Scout leader for my own daughter and her friends, deepened my commitment to equity and inclusion by showing me the power of intentional community-building and representation. In working with girls from diverse racial, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds and those with different abilities, I saw firsthand how critical it is to create spaces where everyone feels valued and empowered. I learned that inclusion isn't just about who is invited to the table, but also about whose voices are heard, whose experiences are centered, and how we adapt our practices to meet varied needs. Whether through adapting programming to reflect different cultural perspectives or advocating for accessibility, I became more attuned to the ways systems either support or hinder equity.

How do your lived experiences or core values shape your approach to this work?
I believe that the work of the Division isn’t just about meeting benchmarks or checking boxes—it’s about active listening, accountability, and systemic change. My values, instilled in me by my parents, push me to ask hard questions, recognize my own biases, and prioritize equity over comfort. In every professional setting, I’ve aimed to build relationships rooted in trust and understanding, while also advocating for policies and practices that create real access and belonging.  Ultimately, my lived experiences have made me a better ally and leader—one who approaches equity not as a side initiative, but as an essential lens through which all work should be done.

What is a hope or vision you carry for your time with PEC?
As an Office Assistant, my hope is to support the Division’s mission by creating a welcoming, organized, and inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued. I envision playing a behind-the-scenes but essential role in fostering equity and belonging—through thoughtful communication, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellent service. I want to ensure that daily operations reflect the Division’s values, and that my work contributes to a culture where people of all backgrounds feel supported, heard, and empowered to do their best work.

Page last modified September 23, 2025