Samantha Lara

Associate Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

Samantha (she/her) serves as the Associate Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Hartwick College. She leads the SOAR Mentorship Program as its primary coordinator and oversees the DIB Advocate Program. With a hands-on approach, Samantha focuses on empowering communities and creating resilient, inclusive frameworks tailored to the unique needs of individuals and groups, helping to build institutional capacity for diversity and belonging.

Samantha holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and incorporates feminist principles, cultural humility, and strengths-based approaches into her work with colleagues and students. Her professional experience spans working with diverse and marginalized populations, including adolescents in the justice system, individuals with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI), Latinx immigrant families, and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

As an educator, Samantha’s teaching portfolio includes courses like FLP 104 – Building Sexual Wellness, WELL 201 – Relax and Restore (Socioemotional Wellness), and SCIE 150 – Inclusive Group Facilitation and Study Group Leadership. Her expertise extends to de-escalation, crisis intervention, and wellness coaching, equipping her to address challenges effectively and compassionately.

Samantha is deeply committed to strategic planning, relationship-building, and advocacy, ensuring that every initiative she supports is both impactful and sustainable. She is a trusted partner in fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging at Hartwick College.