CMU selects Vice President for CMU Innovation and Online
December 9, 2025
CMU Staff & Alumni to Host CUPA-HR May Webinar
Expert Insights: Inclusive Workplace for Trans & Nonbinary Employees
Dr. Jon Humiston (they/them), Director of Noncredit and Alternative Enrollment in Central Michigan University’s Innovation and Online, and Mr. Aaric Guerriero (he/him), CMU alum who currently leads and supports efforts to create greater LGBTQ inclusion for a large, healthcare hospital system are hosting the national CUPA-HR organization’s webinar Inclusion of Transgender and Nonbinary Employees in the Workplace: A Critical Conversation. The webinar is sponsored by PageUp and will be held on Tuesday, May 14 from 1-2 p.m. ET.
The webinar is an open discussion about the workplace climate for transgender and nonbinary employees, including the overall climate, sense of welcome, and experiences with harassment. Strategies for creating a more inclusive workplace will be discussed. The webinar is free, and participants can register on the CUPA-HR website.
When asked what participants can expect from this experience, Humiston says, “The webinar provides organizational leaders with the opportunity to explore their pivotal role in fostering an inclusive climate, to understand of the needs of transgender and nonbinary employees, and to discuss approaches to meeting those needs. I’m fired up to share strategies that create workplaces where everyone thrives, and I am grateful to the leadership in Innovation and Online and the ability to partner with CUPA-HR to help make this happen.” Guerrier added, “Creating an inclusive workplace isn't just a goal—it's a necessity. Hiring transgender and nonbinary employees isn't just about diversity; it's about equity, respect, accountability, and recognizing the inherent value each individual brings to the table. Providing this space isn't just a responsibility; it's an opportunity—an opportunity to foster innovation, creativity, and belonging. This is a wonderful opportunity to partner with CUPA-HR.”
Humiston was approached after a presentation on trans/nonbinary inclusion in the workplace last October at the national CUPA-HR conference. On behalf of CUPA-HR, Julie Burrell asked if Guerrier and Humiston would consider presenting a webinar this spring. Burrell also asked for permission to use Humiston’s presentation slides to create a blog post to celebrate and recognize Transgender Awareness Week last November.
Guerriero and Humiston have been presenting workshops focused on LGBTQIA+ inclusion nationally, regionally, and on-campus since they met at CMU in the early 2000s. They have both served as former directors of CMU’s Office of LGBTQ Services.
In 2020, Humiston created the James W. Jones Memorial Scholarship, which supports Central Michigan University undergraduate students who are active in advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. Please consider donating to the James W. Jones Memorial Scholarship at giving.cmich.edu.
