I have just recently joined this commission, however, my experience in and passion for multicultural issues has been in existence for many years.  I have produced a documentary entitled, "The African American Experience," that voiced the thoughts, opinions, and concerns of black students and faculty in a university setting.  In graduate school, I was mentored by a professor of Multicultural Counseling who was also a certified Diversity Trainer.  The two of us collaborated on several projects related to the field. One of which was the creation a mock course entitled, "Educating Educators: A Course in Multicultural Education," that was designed to enhance the multicultural awareness and knowledge of future teachers.  I also did extensive research on how minority students compared with white students regarding academic and social success at a predominantly white university.  Since 2007, I have been a member of UNLV's Faculty Senate Multicultural and International Commission, which evaluates courses on their relevancy in satisfying these specific general education core requirements.

What do you believe are the most important goals and initiatives for this unit in meeting the strategic plan for both the unit and the Association?

I believe that in this current climate, retention of our students is in the forefront.  Assessing the needs of diverse groups is critical, not only to benefit the experience of these students, but the university's goals as well.  I also feel that creating a culture that is inclusive strengthens the university as a whole.  Providing workshops, events, films, exhibits, etc., reflecting varied cultures and underrepresented groups, demonstrates a university's commitment to diversity.

As advisors, we are the main point of contact for students, so cultural sensitivity and awareness is an essential component of having a successful rapport with our advisees.  I believe that diversity training for advisors, whether through conference sessions or campus workshops, can help to increase that knowledge.

Why are you interested in serving in this leadership position or what influenced you to run for this leadership position? 

When I was 17 years old, I watched Jane Elliott, the award winning educator, perform an experiment on a group of blue eyed and brown eyed adults.  She separated them into two groups based on their eye color, and awarded one with privilege and respect, and the other with rudeness, judgment, and unfair treatment. I was in complete and utter amazement of the uproar and revolt expressed by the group that was treated poorly and discriminated against.  I appreciated the fact that, if only for a short period of time, a room full of people who otherwise may not have known, had a glimpse of what it was like to be a minority in this country.  As a young minority student in a predominantly white high school, this experiment had a profound effect on me, and since that time, I had developed a passion for multiculturalism and diversity.

That same year, I went on to represent my high school as a finalist in the Coca-Cola "Share the Dream" essay contest, based on my views of multi culturalism and diversity. Aside from my interest in multicultural issues, I also am seeking to increase my involvement in NACADA, and to use this experience as a means to study and learn how to incorporate multicultural awareness into advising, as well as recruitment and retention.

Provide any additional comments or information (either personal or leadership-related) that you want potential voters to know about you that is not covered elsewhere in your platform information. 

I am very dedicated to multicultural issues and the advising field, and wholeheartedly enjoy what I do.  I have a strong and committed work ethic and am always seeking to better myself and the experience for our college students. I believe, strongly, in taking initiative and responsibility, and have demonstrated effective leadership skills in my current position.  I am very confident in my abilities and what I am able to contribute.  I feel that my experience and passion make me a great candidate to lead the Multicultural Concerns Commission.

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 3 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

Regional Activities/Offices Held, including accomplishments achieved while in office:

• Actively involved in the programs and progression of Region 9, 2009-present
  
• Attended Region 9 Conference, 2009, Las Vegas, NV
  
• Attended Region 9 Drive-in Conference, 2008, Las Vegas, NV
  
• Regional Conference Volunteer and attendee, Region 3, 2006, Nashville, TN

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current member: Multicultural Concerns Commission, Advising Education Majors Commission, Advising Administration Commission, Probation/Dismissal/Reinstatement Issues Interest Group

Other:

• Wrote the Academic Advising Today article, “Representing our Clients: Advisors as Defense Attorneys and Prosecutors,” Volume 32, Number 4, December, 2009
• Will begin second Master’s Degree in Academic Advising, Spring 2010, Kansas State University
• Attendee, NACADA Annual Conference, 2008, Chicago, IL
• Activities and Honors at University of Nevada, Las Vegas:
• Supervisor and Trainer of Graduate Assistant Academic Advisors, 2008-present
• Member of UNLV’s Advising Assessment Commission, 2008-present
• Member of UNLV’s Faculty Senate Multicultural and International Commission, 2007-present
• Member of UNLV’s Academic Advising Council, 2007-present
• Creator and editor of UNLV’s College of Education Advising Center newsletter, 2007-present
• Recipient of UNLV’s Professional Development Award, 2008
• Activities and Honors at Tennessee Technological University:
• Taught courses in University Success and Learning Strategies, 2006-2007
• Nominated for Instructor of the Year, 2007
• Created the program, “Proactive Advising for Student Success (PASS),” 2005
• Wrote, “Social and Academic Success of Minority Students, as Compared with White Students, Attending a Predominantly White University,” submitted in 2004 for completion of M.A.
• Created a mock course entitled, “Educating Educators: A Course in Multicultural and Diversity Training,” 2004
• Produced the short documentary, “The African American Experience,” 2004, which was presented at the 2004 annual conference for the National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME).