DEI Lead - Fall 2024
For the past two years, I’ve worked at The Butler Center as an Identity and
Cultural Programming Intern to organize and plan events for the CC community.
I helped plan for 4 separate programs such as Behind the Masc, Table Talk,
Advocates for Immigrant Justice, and MSLE. I really enjoyed providing and creating
spaces for minority and underrepresented students. I think part of my reason for
running is a natural evolution from the previous. I want to challenge myself in
moving forward by taking on the responsibility of organizing for minority groups
at the school level not just through Butler Center.
Especially with affirmative action being struck down just last year on top
of the campus being in a state of conflict because of issues regarding
Palestine and Israel I believe the student government is responsible for
addressing these issues. Firstly supporting POC students within the boundaries
allowed. Secondly by promoting and moderating the student body to have
challenging conversations in a way that a college should. CCSGA should be
more active in the student's everyday life to show that not only is CCSGA here
but also competent. I think last year CCSGA had some incidents which from
what I’ve heard and understood have left a sour taste in some student's mouths.
I hope to further understand how the student body sees CCSGA and to build
more trust with the student body. Although I am not thoroughly familiar with
CCSGA, I trust the visions of those in CCSGA, the knowledge they’ve accumulated,
and my talents and experiences to be able to move forward with the student body’s
best interests in mind.
I think one of the biggest issues on campus right now is in the community
specifically with affinity groups. Starting with the larger CC community as
a whole CC is a campus that talks the talk but doesn’t walk the walk. What
I mean by this is that the CC student body shows a lot of verbal interest/support
but is hard to motivate into action. Whether that be a protest, showing up for events,
or others, without incentives like food it is hard to move the student body. This goes
into my vision for the 2024-2025 school year as although I doubt that change could
happen over the course of a single year we (hopefully) as CCSGA should understand
how to move the student body to action. More thoroughly what does CC react to what
events don’t work, what is and isn’t worth for the student government to do. Secondly,
POC affinity groups are great spaces for minority and POC students to interact and build
community but I feel like the spaces do not create community outside of meetings.
Affinity groups I feel like with some support from CCSGA could run more efficiently
and represent their members outside of events.
As mentioned previously I did two years of organizing with The Butler Center
promotingminority groups. In this process, I’ve had to work with campus,
community, and student partners alike. Collaborating with others is work I am
thoroughly familiar with and more than happy to participate in. This past summer
I worked with Texas Organizers to advocate for undocumented individuals and to
protest against Texas bills. This past summer I was a bridge mentor helping welcome
minority, low-income, and rural students with their first time on a college campus.
I’ve planned events where everything went wrong and had to adapt, and I’ve had
events where everything went perfect and I still didn’t get the results I wanted.
I share these failures because I think that CCSGA will be filled with things that
don’t go our way or moments we must adapt to and seize. I was both a bridge
scholar and mentor I understand who I will be working to uplift, represent, and
support. I am confident in my ability to work alongside the rest of CCSGA to better
our community.
Hi, I’m Yumna! ♡ I’m running to be a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Lead on
CCSGA because I am deeply passionate about representing diverse voices and
promoting inclusivity within our campus community. My goal is to amplify these voices
and break down the social, cultural, and religious barriers that often hinder our sense of
unity and belonging.
In my vision for the 2024-2025 student government, I aim to foster a campus
environment that is truly inclusive and equitable. I envision a student body where every
individual feels respected, valued, and heard. This involves not only celebrating our
diversity but also actively addressing challenges faced by different groups. I want to
initiate and support programs that encourage open dialogue, understanding, and
collaboration across various cultural and social spectrums. By promoting educational
equity and antiracism, I believe we can work towards a campus where every student
has an equal opportunity to succeed and thrive.
Moreover, my involvement in a range of student organizations on campus has equipped
me with a multidimensional understanding of the diverse experiences within our student
body. Additionally, my experience as a three-year-long Business Operations Associate
apprentice for Denver International Airport has reinforced my belief in the power of
respect and collaboration. My leadership, time management, and organizational skills
as a DEI Lead will be beneficial to ensure that the needs and concerns of students are
addressed and heard.
Currently, my greatest concerns revolve around the need for enhanced representation
and support for underrepresented groups, as well as the need for more inclusive
dialogue on campus. Many students feel that their voices are not adequately
represented in decision-making processes, and there is a need for more proactive
efforts to address cultural, religious, and social barriers. To address these issues, I
propose implementing initiatives that promote transparency in student government
operations, increase the visibility of underrepresented groups, and host events/create
workshops for constructive dialogue.
In conclusion, my candidacy as a DEI Lead for CCSGA is driven by my commitment to
amplifying diverse voices, promoting inclusivity, and addressing the unique challenges
faced by our student body. With my experiences, leadership skills, and dedication to
fostering respect and understanding, I am confident in my ability to make a meaningful
impact. Together, we can work towards a more equitable and inclusive campus
environment that celebrates diversity and supports our student's success!
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