Diversity Leadership Ambassadors present at national conference

Ohio University’s Christine Blay and Alexis Thomas turned their commitment to diversity into a rewarding trip to Honolulu, Hawaii, where they showcased their work at the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity (NCORE). Blay and Thomas attended NCORE through OHIO's Diversity Leadership Ambassador (DLA) program. This premier event is recognized for its comprehensive focus on race and diversity in higher education, providing a platform for students and professionals to engage in meaningful dialogue and learning.

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Blay and Thomas presented a compelling poster session titled "Peer Education & Storytelling to Foster an Inclusive Campus." Their presentation emphasized the critical role of peer education and storytelling in fostering inclusivity and cultural awareness within university communities. By sharing their experiences and insights, Blay and Thomas highlighted how these approaches can be instrumental in creating a more inclusive campus environment.

The students' participation was made possible through funding from the Office of Experiential Learning student grant program, with additional support from the College of Health Sciences and Professions Dean’s Office. Dr. Vanessa Morgan-Nai, assistant director of Diversity and Inclusion programs and the director of the DLA program, accompanied Blay and Thomas to the conference.

During the NCORE conference, Blay and Thomas attended numerous sessions and events that broadened their understanding of diversity in higher education. Blay said the experience has made her more resilient and equipped her to mentor younger students. She reflected on how overcoming challenges helped her grow as a leader and had insights to share with her fellow students.

Thomas echoed similar sentiments, describing the conference as "phenomenal" and a unique opportunity to network and learn from people with similar missions. She highlighted the importance of learning from diverse perspectives and preparing for the conference by researching the culture and other universities.

The Diversity Leadership Ambassador Program is dedicated to empowering students to use their personal narratives to drive impactful change. Ambassadors actively promote evolving perspectives and dismantle stereotypes by engaging in conversations on diversity-related topics. 

These discussions take place in various settings, including classrooms, staff meetings and community events, making the program's impact widespread and far-reaching.

The DLA program provides students with essential leadership, communication and social skills while also fostering connections with university administrators, faculty, staff and peers. Thomas, who is also the outgoing vice president of the Black Student Union and co-founder of the It-Girl to It-Girl mentorship program, shared that these connections are invaluable. She encouraged students interested in joining the DLA program to reach out and engage with staff in the Division of Diversity and Inclusion.

By participating in conferences like NCORE, DLA students like Blay and Thomas gain valuable insights and strategies to bring back to Ohio University. These experiences enrich their campus initiatives and empower them to contribute to a more inclusive and culturally aware environment. As the ambassadors continue to grow and develop, their efforts and leadership will have a lasting impact on the university community.