What do you do?
I’m the Director of Diversity & Social Justice Education (DSJE). Our office is under Student Affairs, in the Student Success Inclusion and Belonging unit. We offer courses, programs, trainings, and workshops that are designed to expand students’ capacity to effectively engage in dialogue and perspective-taking through creating transformative learning spaces that encourage critical self-reflection and intersectional solidarity, advocacy, and action. One of our main goals is to empower our students with the knowledge and skills to become social justice leaders and positive community change agents. I also facilitate PSYC 496, Intro. to Facilitating Group Dialogue, a course offered under our office that is designed to give students a general overview of the skills needed to facilitate culturally diverse group interactions. Some of our regular programs offered through our office are: Friday Forum +Conversation Café, where we partner with the YMCA to host weekly lunch talks with guest speakers and these are open to everyone both campus and community, our I-Journey and I-Connect programs are both workshops for students on campus, and Racial Justice Ally & Advocate Training that is offered to both students and faculty & staff.
What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?
The personality or behavior traits that I attribute to my success would be my communication skills and having an empathetic heart. I laugh to myself because I remember getting in trouble in school for talking to my friends. As I got older, I realized that talking to my friends was a great skill to have. It helped me be more comfortable in new spaces and I can honestly talk to anyone-I never met a stranger! Having strong verbal communication skills also aided in public speaking and my background in teaching/facilitating. An empathetic heart is important in my daily life. My mother raised us to think about others and how things may impact them. This foundation led to me being able to listen to other’s points of view, even if I do not necessarily agree. Having this skill set also helps me lead and guide difficult conversations around topics that are not always comfortable for everyone.
What’s a song or type of music you listen to puts you in the best mood and why?
I listen to all genres of music and have my go-to’s for different things. If I need some motivation, I’ll put on my gospel playlists. Having grown up and singing in the church choir, that is my foundation and anchoring when times get tough. If I want to enjoy myself and turn up a little, then some 90s-early 00s hip-hop or even some recent artists like GloRilla would be on my playlist. My ultimate favorite would be 80’s and 90’s R&B/Soul music. I really do love all kinds of music!
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment so far?
One of my greatest accomplishments thus far has been to parent two wonderful children who are kindhearted, respectful, hardworking, and both love to give back to their community. It excites me to see where their future will take them.
