30 Notables in Education Leadership

Michael Bustamante’s role at Case Western Reserve University includes oversight of all major initiatives related to diversity and equity. That includes facilitating training, as well as engaging in cultural conversations that promote knowledge and understanding.

Bustamante said he contributes to “advancing diversity through inclusive thinking, mindful learning and transformative dialogue.” His university bio states he is “a firm believer that intercultural exchange aids in fostering understanding and appreciation.”

He works on several university committees, including the Diversity Leadership Council and the Projects for Peace Proposal Committee. 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.

In 2022, Bustamante submitted a proposal to the Cleveland Leadership Center’s “Accelerate 2022: Citizens Make Change” civic competition.
Bustamante’s project, “Connecting Cleveland,” is a portable diversity and inclusion exhibit that explores and aims to spark interest in the city’s cultural diversity by guiding attendees through self-examination of social beliefs, cultural identities and DEI topics, according to information on the Accelerate web page. Named a finalist, Bustamante secured startup funding to launch the exhibition.

Bustamante previously was program coordinator in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Ohio State University.