Mouzon Named Director of Dubuque’s Multicultural Family Center

City of Dubuque Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware has named Antonio Mouzon as the City of Dubuque’s new Multicultural Family Center director.  He will begin on Monday, July 17.

“Antonio comes with extensive work and volunteer experience in relationship building, connection, inclusivity, and collaboration; all of which are skills that are invaluable on a day-to-day basis in the role of director. He is a servant leader focused on building and strengthening genuine relationships. Antonio is a local, national, and international public speaker and trainer on diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as emotional intelligence,” said Ware.  “His combination of work and volunteer experiences plus education is a powerful combination that aligns well with the mission of the Multicultural Family Center.”

As the Multicultural Family Center director, Mouzon will work with the Multicultural Family Center board of directors to continue to further the mission of empowering all families of Dubuque to reach their potential and build unity through diversity, equity, and inclusion.  Mouzon, as the lead of the staff of the Multicultural Family Center, will continue to build upon strong tradition of programming and partnerships that have made the center so successful.

“I am honored and thrilled to join the organization and contribute to the important work of fostering diversity, inclusion, and support for our community.  I am impressed by the commitment to promoting cultural understanding, empowering families, and creating a welcoming environment for everyone in our community. It aligns perfectly with my passion for multiculturalism and equity and my desire to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives. I am committed to implementing innovative programs, building strong community partnerships, and providing comprehensive support services that address the unique needs of the families in our community. Together, with the dedicated team at the Multicultural Family Center, I am eager to help create a positive and inclusive space where families from diverse backgrounds can continue to thrive and find the resources they need,” said Mouzon.

Mouzon comes to the director position after most recently serving the University of Dubuque where he was an instructor of personal empowerment focused on emotional intelligence.  He led work with the Bridge Scholars Program, which assists many first-generation, underprepared, and historically marginalized students to develop personally, professionally, and academically, inspiring them through a successful collegiate career.

Prior to his work at the University of Dubuque, Mouzon was a Family Support Specialist with Families First Counseling where he worked with diverse families on developing healthy social skills to improve behavior within the home and in the community, as well as connecting children and families to community resources and supports.  He also served as a Youth Care Worker for Hillcrest Family Services where he supervised diverse youth ages 12-17 in teaching skills needed to encourage healthy relationships, supportive living skills, and anger management.

Mouzon and his wife, Alicia, also launched a health and wellness studio, Mindset Nutrition, to promote educational resources that allow community members from diverse backgrounds grow holistically.  They address nutrition and the mental, emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being of community members.

Prior to moving to Dubuque in 2006, Mouzon lived in Germany for three years as part of a military family where he actively pursued many opportunities around the world to broaden his world view and love for diversity. Overseas is where he found his passion for multiculturism and the importance of embracing and uniting diverse communities.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in health, wellness and recreation and a master’s in communications from the University of Dubuque. Currently, Mouzon is pursuing a doctorate in higher education, with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, Calif.

Mouzon replaces Umaru Balde who was hired by the City of Portland, Maine, as their justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion director.