Diversity

Experience

My identities – African American female, first-generation college student, and Veteran – have provided me with a unique understanding of the word “diverse” and a sense of urgency when it comes to solving diversity and equity issues. My first-hand experiences give me a sense of empathy for others who struggle to get their needs met in homogenous spaces. As a result, I have infused equity into my service and research endeavors. For example, I served on Grand Valley State University’s community & culture Workgroup – a university wide initiative focused on developing a culture of inclusiveness. I served on the strategic enrollment committee for that same university. In both capacities I created plans for university initiatives that would attract and retain diverse student populations.  Since then, I have served as the diversity and climate student representative for the Department of Political Science at Michigan State University where I created a Diversity Focused Research contest. This project upholds my equity, and inclusion principles by celebrating diversity of people, ideas, and perspectives in Political Science research.

​

Philosophies & Future Impact

Diversity cannot be truly achieved until there is equity in opportunity. Equitable opportunities translate into equity in access. Equity in access is a prerequisite for diversity. My future service will focus on this tenant in the realm of education. As a graduate of a predominantly Black, urban school district, I understand that issues such as funding, poverty, and social problems (i.e., violence, pollution, etc.) impact learning outcomes and how prepared students are to matriculate through higher education. I also recognize that these experiences (along with other systematic issues) have led to lower numbers of minority students who enroll, thrive, and graduate from college. I plan to use my influence as a faculty member to create more equitable outcomes for graduates of urban school systems. I hope to implement a summer institute for first generation and non-traditional students. In this course I will focus on mentorship, positive identity development in the institution, skill building, and the hidden curriculum of higher education. My goal is to increase retention rates for first-generation and minority students while diversifying the demographics of college graduates.

​

Research

Lastly, my research takes a diverse approach to examining urban education. Social issues in minority schools are disparately discussed in academic research to create a deficit framing of America’s Black and brown students. I have dedicated my research to highlighting the strengths of these schools/communities. My dissertation project aims to demonstrate that social policy has created disproportionate academic outcomes, not the capability of the students. I also highlight the strengths of urban schools to shed light on the resilient, passionate, and hardworking students these schools produce. This approach to studying urban schools lends a diverse perspective to the education and political science disciplines. While diversity is an important thing to have for any organization, it is especially important for universities. Having students, faculty, and leaders with diverse experiences leads to diversity in thought. It is the creation of new ideas that fuel innovation and societal progress for our nation.