Why are you serving on the Council on Equity and Inclusion?
A member since 2020, I serve filling the slot of elected staff representative. I hope that, whenever there’s an opportunity, I can ask the right kinds of questions and connect the right resources to ensure staff perspectives and concerns are amplified in whatever topic or conversation the council is addressing.
What drives your interest in and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracist work?
My mother immigrated to the U.S. after college. She came here seeking promise and prosperity and worked hard to support her family. I grew up watching, but not really understanding, the challenges she faced in this regard. My work is inspired by her life and by the hope that I can be even a small part in shaping a better place to live for my children.
When someone asks you how they can support this work on campus, what is your advice?
I tell them to get involved, to listen, and to start by looking out for opportunities to engage in the work already going on around campus. They are plentiful. For staff, it can sometimes feel hard to juggle schedules or convince supervisors to allow time for these — but reaching out to a member of the council or other leaders on campus can help you have these conversations, if you’re having difficulty.
What is your hope for the future of St. Olaf?
I hope St. Olaf can become, for students, staff, and faculty, a place that is truly welcoming and will be considered a true home. St. Olaf should provide everyone with a time that they can look back to as among the most formative, and best, years of their lives.
You must be logged in to post a comment.