What impact has OADI had on your academic or professional experience? 

Being able to host students at OADI has allowed me to have more direct contact with them in a way that is less formalized than the counseling center, creating opportunity for relationship building that I would not have in that more traditional setting. It has allowed for greater collaboration and support for students, further increasing my understanding of the needs of this population and ability to effectively collaborate with OADI partners to meet these needs. 

What has it meant to be recognized for an award and as a recipient?

Being recognized for this award has meant a lot to me and helps to reinforce that collaboration works, is needed, and the work I’m doing is seen and matters to those I’m seeking to support. 

What values guide you and inspire you?

Something I always say is that God put me here to serve others and I’m so happy to do it. Being of service to others in the form of advocacy and support are of high value to me. It is equally of value to be able to support marginalized individuals directly and unapologetically. 

Tell us a fun fact about yourself?

A fun fact about me is that my form of self-care is acting. I do community theater locally in the Binghamton area and I also have done a few movies and most recently a documentary on the Underground Railroad and its connections to the Southern Tier.