Programming Manager for Fannie Lou Hamer Black Resource Center
How long have you been at Berkeley?
I have been at Berkeley since Spring 2021 as an undergraduate student studying African American Studies and Sociology. I graduated in the Spring of 2023, completing my bachelors of art for both programs. After graduation, worked on campus as a Non-Academic Reader and as the Student Leadership Program Manager for African American Student Development (AASD) and Fannie Lou Hamer Black Resource Center(FLHBRC).
What do you love most about working here?
What I love most about working here is the opportunity to directly serve the student body that I am a direct alumni of. From the AASD management staff to the student workers, there is an overwhelming sense of community and vision to work towards supporting undergrad Black students of all intersectional identities. I love being supported by an amazing and knowledgeable Equity & Inclusion department, including, Fabrizo Meija, Elisa Huearta, Takiyah Jackson and Andrea Wilson. They collectively work to ensure that department goals, personal development and program growth are all achieved. Ultimately, I love building strong student connections that enable us to track student success as individuals transition through their time here at Berkeley.
What's your job?
My job as the programming manager includes supervising our student interns responsible for planning and executing all signature programs and the operations of all social media outlets for AASD. Some of the key programs include Black Student Orientation, Black Wednesdays, The Louise Patterson Awards and Black Graduation Reception. These programs provide pivotal enrichment and community building opportunities for our students. This work is designed to cultivate and encourage leadership, event planning and other skill sets needed for after graduation. Another aspect of my position is to advise the TRIAD Leadership team. The TRIAD is composed of three branches of Black student leadership working together to further support the needs of the Black student community. The TRIAD is able to complete their goals by working closely with various campus partners like the Office of the Chancellor, African American Studies, AASD and the Black Alumni Association
What's a great day at work look like for you?
For me, a great day at work starts with walking into Fannie and setting a good tone for the day. We play music, set out snacks, have some quick check-ins and share some positive energy before undertaking our days. Having check-ins with the management team to share out what we are working on and being able to give and receive best practices or helpful advice to make our work easier is always a portion of a great day. Receiving communication from one of our graduates after they have settled into the next portion of their journey always adds a bit of excitement for the day. One final piece to a great day is finishing a program and receiving great feedback from the students it was marketed to, whether by word of mouth or on our social media; it is always a fulfilling day when the hard work we put in is outwardly appreciated by the people we do the work for!
Where's your favorite place on campus?
My two favorite places on campus are the African American Studies Reading Room 6th floor of the Social Sciences Building. It is beautiful and filled with amazing history and places to convene in the department that is dear to me. The second is the concrete bench tucked underneath trees looking out onto the Hearst Mining Circle Sculpture Fountain. During my first week of classes on campus, I found this spot and just sat still and took in my surroundings and knew I was where I belonged. I still sneak over there to just center myself and recharge from time to time.
Fun fact about me:
I am a cosmetologist, so all things hair, skin and fashion are still a passion of mine! Also, for any boxing enthusiast, Terrance “Bud” Crawford is a very close family friend, and, in my biased opinion, is still the pound for pound king of the ring!