Michael Bustamante

Director of Diversity and Strategic Initiatives
the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Engagement

Michael Bustamante is a firm believer that intercultural exchange aids in fostering understanding and appreciation. He is deeply passionate about multicultural affairs, international relations, as well as social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Conscientious, strategic, and globally aware, Bustamante has more than 10 years of dynamic experience working at non-profit organizations, government offices, and higher education institutions. He received a master’s degree in cross-cultural studies with concentrations in ethnic/racial studies and women, gender, and sexuality studies. He is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.

In addition, Bustamante has presented at a Harvard World Model United Nations Conference in Holland, studied intercultural communication in Costa Rica, and secured a Saudi Arabian Exchange Fellowship.

As a first-generation university graduate and second-generation American, his lived experience, education and professional background have taught him that although we may have different childhood upbringings, speak different languages and be of different cultures, we can still stand on common ground. He serves as an emissary in search of that common ground, all while establishing an environment for mutual understanding.