Stevie Edwards, Assistant Director of LGBTQIA+ Outreach and Title IX Resource Provider

An avid fan of Dungeons and Dragons and originally from Duluth, Georgia, Stevie now resides with his partners in the city of Ģ������Ƶ and comes to us with a bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from New York University. As the Assistant Director of LGBTQIA+ Outreach, Stevie oversees the new LGBTQIA+ Community Center and social and educational programming for the center and campus. He also serves as an advisor for the LGBTQ+ Alliance, our major organization dedicated to supporting our queer community as well as allies, and he also advises the Drag Club. Stevie also serves on the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee, which is a campus-wide committee made up of faculty, staff, and students that discusses issues and provides programming for the campus community. Stevie has found the environment at WSU very welcoming since he started in April. He feels that he doesn’t need to be as stringent, as on-guard, as defensive a leader as he had to be before coming to WSU.

Stevie has already accomplished a lot in his short time at WSU. In addition to advising the student organizations, Stevie opened the LGBTQIA+ Community Center with a grand opening in September of this year, which provided an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to check out the new space and learn more about the resources that are available through the center and his office. Developing programming specifically for the space, as well as programming for the entire campus community, is another area where Stevie has put a lot of work into since arriving in April.  His first large-scale event was Lavender Graduation in May. This nationwide ceremony is held on university campuses to celebrate seniors who identify as members of the queer community. Faculty and student speakers address the attendees and graduates with well-wishes and messages of resilience and strength, and graduating seniors receive lavender cords to wear at commencement. Consistent monthly and weekly programming as well as educational training, has also been a focus of Stevie’s this year. Programming has included the Allyship Workshop, Transgender Day of Remembrance, Queer BBQ during Welcome Week, and many queer socials held throughout the semester. Stevie also partners with Counseling Services to provide a monthly support group for students in the queer community.

Steve’s Leadership Perspective

Stevie has learned many lessons during his career as a leader. He defines a great leader as “someone who can mess up, apologize, and work to do better next time. It’s okay to make mistakes and to own them! Making mistakes is part of learning, and it will only make you a stronger leader to acknowledge and welcome your mistakes and work to recover from them.” Stevie believes that the biggest misconception of what makes a good leader is that a leader is never wrong. “We’re all going to be wrong at some point! It’s unrealistic to expect anyone to be right 100% of the time.” Stevie believes that taking ownership of decisions made, whether right or wrong, will make us better leaders as we continue through life.  

Identity and Leadership

Identity and culture play into how people define their leadership style as they progress through their lives. Identifying with the queer community has really shaped Stevie into the leader and professional that he is today. “I am a trans man, and before I transitioned, I was labeled as “annoying” and other less-flattering words. But after I transitioned, suddenly I have “leadership skills”! It’s been interesting to live on two different sides of gender and see how differently people treat me. Ultimately, I think my transness has taught me how to incorporate joy and resilience into my leadership, to celebrate the wins and small victories, and to welcome others for who they are.” Through his own personal experiences, Stevie serves as a valuable resource for students exploring and/or struggling with their own gender and sexual identities. His most valuable experiences at WSU, so far, have been with the students he works closely with through the LGBTQIA+ Community Center. “In the short time I’ve been here, I would say students trusting me with their stories has been the most meaningful experience. They still don’t know me very well, and they choose to trust me with part of themselves, which I think is a profound gift.”

Advice for Leaders

When asked if he had any advice for future leaders, Stevie focused on a message of taking in as many experiences as you can to become a better leader. “Lean in as much as you can– there is something you can learn from every experience, from every person. Even if you think you know better than someone else, chances are that they have something they can teach you, either about leadership or life or other people’s perspectives. Leadership is a skill; it takes practice. If you wait to be comfortable to be a leader, you never will be. It is uncomfortable work, but so is all meaningful work.” 

The post The Profound Gift of Trust | A Deep Dive with Stevie Edwards, LGBTQIA+ Outreach appeared first on Campus Life.

Alison has been at Ģ������Ƶ State for one full year and was born and raised in Ģ������Ƶ. While leading the efforts to establish the LGBTQ+ Resource room at Ģ������Ƶ State, Alison’s role with Title IX is to aid in the process and education efforts through the SAVE Committee and other programs that work to make our campus a safer place. Alison is involved with our LGBTQ+ Advisory board. “A lot of what we do is at the core of listening to the pulse of what we can do to make policies better for LGBTQ+ people at Ģ������Ƶ State.” Alison shared she is proud of the work done before she got to Ģ������Ƶ State and is looking forward to continuing the work with the people involved on that committee.

Alison Park, Assistant Director of the LGBTQ+ Resource Room and Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Lessons in Leadership

In her time at WSU Alison feels she has grown as a leader with the many hats she wears in her different roles. “At times it’s finding which hat fits at different points. I feel there are different aspects of what I need to do to feel successful and make sure others feel welcome and included.” She feels the biggest lesson she learned in her leadership journey thus far is the importance of accountability and being able to take the responsibility of leading folks and being that person who can provide that support no matter what the situation is.

She further shared how her leadership style is based on leading by example. “As cheesy or cliche as it sounds, being able to provide that role model and example of mentorship is integral to being a good leader.” Alison’s definition of a great leader is someone who inspires others through their actions, work, and words. “I think it’s important for people to see other people in leadership roles that look like them and share similar experiences that others can be inspired by.”

Identity Culture and Leadership Development

Alison shared that her identity as a first-generation Korean American, female, and lesbian person has given her a lot of empathy towards folks from different backgrounds and enables her to be understanding of people who are different and aware that people come from different lived experiences. “I am more conscious of people and more intentional with the language that I use when talking to people. I try to make a lot of things more inclusive in ways for everyone to partake. For example, just because I am part of the LGBTQ community I don’t want to leave out allies, just because I am conscious of my Asian American identity I don’t want to leave out other BIPOC folks because I know that to uplift everyone we have to be inclusive and the core of leadership should be bringing everyone together.”

Alison additionally discussed that she thinks great leaders can be misunderstood at times and it sometimes takes questioning why a leader would do something important to understand them better. “When I think about leaders in some social justice movements, there’s sometimes controversy if it is right or wrong, and sometimes for change to happen the envelope has to be pushed.”

Celebrating LGBTQ+ Success at WSU

Alison expressed that Lavender Graduation was one of her most meaningful moments at Ģ������Ƶ State thus far. In the spring of 2023, Alison led the coordination of Ģ������Ƶ State’s first lavender graduation ceremony. This ceremony acknowledged the work and varying successes from leadership to academics amongst graduating seniors who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. “It was a very special moment for the graduating seniors and a lot of the community members came to show their support for folks in the LGBTQ+ community.” Alison looks forward to continuing that program in a bigger space on campus as the support for the event was so big that the room was full and it will be good to welcome more people next time.

She continued to share that some of her biggest accomplishments since coming to Ģ������Ƶ State have been getting her master’s, which has helped her to better understand the students and pulse points at Ģ������Ƶ State regarding both LGBTQ+ and Title IX matters. “Understanding some of the systemic pieces has been helpful along with getting to know other people at Ģ������Ƶ State who are passionate about supporting the LGBTQ+ community for the better.”

Advice to Future Leaders

When asked what advice she would give to future leaders at Ģ������Ƶ State Alison said she feels leaders should “have an open mind and heart. Be open to new experiences and if something scares them, they should take the leap and be open to being a leader because with that experience comes personal growth and making connections with their identities in ways they wouldn’t have if they didn’t do something that scared them.” She further emphasized to take every opportunity if they have the means to and students should “get involved and do the things!”

She feels it’s important for students to understand that learning never stops and it is important to learn and grow and try to educate yourself on different subjects as much as possible. “Things change, times change and it is important to grow a little every day.”

LGBTQ+ Resource Center

The mission of the LGBTQ+ Resource Center at Ģ������Ƶ State is that it is a safe space dedicated to advocating for the needs of LGBTQ+ students and their allies. The aim is to create an open and inclusive environment that affirms all sexual orientations, forms of gender expressions, and gender identity through means of advocacy and education. “What I envision is a lot of community engagement and ways that students can access resources in the Ģ������Ƶ community as well.” Alison discussed the importance of her role in this center being someone who can listen to students and hear what they need to feel included and safe while having a good time and being comfortable with their Identity while they are here. “It is important for students to learn who they are and develop as people in this college environment. I know identity is a big piece of that especially LGBTQ+ folks who may not have the easiest time acclimating to a new place.”

Alison feels it is important for the center to collaborate with other departments and groups such as LGBTQ+ Alliance, Drag Club, and other organizations to bring the community together and work together to bring awareness to resources and healthcare needs as laws that affect LGBTQ+ identifying people are changing on a larger scale in our country. “I think there are a lot of working pieces and great allies on campus and I envision us working together to continue to educate ourselves and participate in training that makes us aware of what our students need.”

Alison shared that a lot is being done to establish more gender-inclusive spaces such as restrooms and housing on campus, “It is not perfect yet but I would love to get more information out there to staff and administrators to get that information out to students to know where they are and make things accessible.

Click here to learn more about the LGBTQ+ Resource Center and the ongoing work being done at Ģ������Ƶ State.

The post Bringing Awareness to Student’s Needs | A Deep Dive with Alison Park, Assistant Director appeared first on Campus Life.

How did you get involved in campus life? What advice would you give to students who haven’t yet found their place on campus?
I got involved on campus when I was looking to make more friends. Working for OSILD and learning more about student organizations made me realize how fun it is to be involved in clubs!

Elias Nelson

How do you think you’ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change?
Throughout my time at WSU, I have learned how to adapt and work with different types of people, and create meaningful experiences with E-board members and students. Being able to work with other LGBTQ+ students has completely influenced my leadership development and has taught me so much as a student leader that I will bring to my future job.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
Listen closely to everyone, and don’t be afraid to try new things that seem scary.

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
The best experience I have had at WSU would be having the opportunity to hear the heartfelt stories told to me by other members of the LGBTQ+ Alliance. Being able to hear their perspectives on life and form relationships with them through our similar struggles has been life changing.

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
I would tell students to start slow and don’t expect to be the perfect leader immediately. It takes time to adapt to different positions, and the best way to learn is to listen.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
I plan on going into Digital Marketing Management when I graduate and using the leadership skills I have learned at WSU!

Eli (center) and members of the LGBTQ+ Association and Drag Club at the spring 2022 Drag Show.

The post Student Spotlight | Elias Nelson appeared first on Campus Life.

Aiden Bourdeau

How did you get involved in campus life? What advice would you give to students who haven’t yet found their place on campus? I got involved by putting myself out there and stepping out of my comfort zone. I found events that seemed like I’d have fun at them so I went! I also decided to start my own club so I could find people with similar interests and create a safe place!

How do you think you’ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change? I have learned to become much better at planning and being on top of my schedule, and I’m also much more organized. The process of starting a club helped open my eyes to being more organized and planning out my schedule more .

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership? I have learned to open myself to others’ ideas and styles. I tend to have my blinders up with ideas and I’m very particular, so learning to be open to others ideas has been a big lesson. There’s nothing wrong with getting help!

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU? Starting a club! Starting a club has been so much fun and has opened me to so many opportunities. 

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become? Put yourself out there. It’s one of the hardest things to do but it’s the most beneficial, you’re not going to meet people or have fun experiences if you stay in your comfort zone. Push yourself and try something new! 

What are your current plans for the next few years? While of course I’m focusing on school, I’m also trying to make my mark in my community. Starting Drag Club is just the beginning. I’m hoping to have Drag Club events all over campus and a lot more often. After school I’d love to pursue drag full time! The dream for me would be to be on RuPauls Drag Race so keep an eye out on your tv screens!

The post Student Spotlight | Aiden Bourdeau appeared first on Campus Life.

How do you think you’ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change?
At WSU, I have definitely become a  more active, involved, and confident leader. When I started, I was really quiet and super nervous! Meeting new people, student leaders, and staff here has really made me come out of my shell. The people around me have shown me what it takes to be a leader, and most importantly, they showed me that I have what it takes. I have been met with kindness and open minds who want to hear what I have to say and help me to reach my goals. 

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership? 
The biggest lesson I have learned when it comes to leadership is that it’s okay to ask for help! I wouldn’t be the person I am if it weren’t for the help of the people around me. I used to be really afraid to ask for help but through being involved on campus I have gotten so much better at this.

We really want to highlight the intersection of identity, culture, and leadership development. Can you share how your identity has shaped your leadership style throughout the years?
As I’ve gotten more involved on campus I have felt so much more comfortable being myself. Coming out was a huge part of this. It was so scary, but in the end I felt so accepted by the community around me and found that it was just another thing that I can use to help make me a better leader. Since I have come out, I have become a part of the team behind the LGBTQ+ Alliance on campus. I found that I can contribute to the wonderful safe space that they create. I have even become a safe space for others who need someone to talk to when it is too scary to talk to anyone else. I have come to appreciate the unique experience I have as someone in he LGBTQ+ community, especially since I can use it to help others who are working through it. 

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
My best experience has been working with OSILD through the leadership programs. And I’m not just saying this because they gave me the opportunity to talk about myself! They really do give so many opportunities. They have really helped me to work on myself and my leadership. They gave me opportunities to meet leaders like myself to share and hear ideas. They also stick with you- checking in, and helping out.

What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU?
When I was in freshman seminar my first year, it was required for us to participate in a “mock interview.” I didn’t think much of it- it was just an assignment that I needed to get done. However, I actually met some really amazing people in my interview, and since it wasn’t real, I felt really calm, and every interview since then has been a breeze. I really recommend this program.

However, the people I met were the most important part.  They opened up a door I didn’t even know existed. Before I knew it, I had a real interview for a summer job. I worked with individuals with disabilities and I learned so much that summer. I even learned that this is a population that I want to work with in the future as a therapist. It’s a really great feeling. And this job opened up so many other opportunities for me. 

What has been your biggest accomplishment since beginning your journey at WSU?
Honestly, I think my biggest accomplishment has been becoming more me. As a teenager I was really shy and hid who I was. The community at WSU has shown me that there is a place for me- a lot of them actually. After coming out I have made so many connections with people and learned to embrace who I am.

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
Don’t doubt yourself! This was something that was really hard to learn. I used to be really focused on my mistakes and setbacks, but you can’t do that to yourself. You have to learn from these and move on. Don’t let yourself be your biggest barrier. When in doubt- ask for help. An outside perspective can change your own

What are your current plans for the next few years?
I hope to study and receive my masters after graduation. I want to continue working with others and helping people.

Ari is a graduate of the Circles of Leadership program.

The post Student Spotlight | Ari Giasson appeared first on Campus Life.

“A lot of what I learned about myself happened when I was coming of age as a senior in high school. Those moments were the spark that started me investigating to learn more about justice, healing, and self accountability”.

From Chicago, Demitrius then made her way to college, completing her undergraduate work at University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire and her Master of Science in College Student Personnel at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale Campus. Demitrius made her way to the east coast in her first professional role at Clark University, minutes from the Ģ������Ƶ State campus. There she served in a dual role as Resident Director and Multicultural Engagement Coordinator, acting as a liaison between residential life and multicultural affairs. A year and a half later, she brought her experience and passion to Ģ������Ƶ and her role as a Resident Hall Director.

Lessons in Leadership

Reflecting on her leadership journey, Demitrus recalls when she realized the harm that comes with the feel of needing control over what others can do. This understanding lead to a new focus on becoming an agent for change while promoting self authorship and accountability.

“I have started to let go of the very unnecessary and harmful control that, as professionals, we have learned to cultivate over students and student groups. Since I’ve gotten here, I have changed my sense of control and my sense of how I see students as being advocates for themselves, understanding their needs, and how I, as an agent of this institution, how I am able to better advocate for their needs through my sphere of influence and what I can affect.”

Demitirus recalls taking note of a previous supervisor who said it’s important to relinquish control and share the power with your students. She explains its important to take heed of what your students are asking for and what’s in your power to facilitate those requests.

“You aren’t taking over, exerting control over, or having power over. It’s having power with and empowering students to make better decisions about their wellbeing and how they own a space or idea and see it through. If you aren’t sharing information, that’s a form of power; you are disenfranchising others and not setting them up for the success they deserve.”

She defines power as knowledge, resources, (social) capital, and institutional knowledge and history. This notion of sharing power has influenced one of the things she values most as a leader: transparent and explicit communication. 

“As a leader, I believe it is important to be as transparent as I possibly can. Taking information and discussing with students, ‘What does this mean for us’ and ‘what does it mean for you’ and being real about that. Letting them discuss and come to conclusions is so important in being a leader. I feel like it empowers students to make decisions on transparent information we provide to them.”

These values give her the ability to connect with her staff of Resident Assistants. She states that her biggest accomplishment at WSU has been supporting her RA staff, specifically the students of color on her team.

“I am trying to figure how I, in my position, can be a full collaborator and partner with students rather than being a parental figure. These are young adults, who can tell you fully what they want. We just have to believe them when they do.”

Knowing Yourself as a Leader

Demitrius openly and proudly identifies  as someone who comes from a working class/working poor background and a black and brown community. She also identifies as black, queer, disabled and, plus sized.

“How I have come to accept these identities has often gone hand in hand, as I’ve learned more as a leader; my identity has impacted my leadership style. The reason I love transparent and explicit communication is because two years ago I was diagnosed with ADHD and depression. [Through] treatment with my therapist, I now have a support system to help me recognize how my identities and disability plays into how I lead or how I interact with the people I am building working relationships with.”

She describes that ADHD can present challenges to her executive functioning, and if she is not participating in self care and coping strategies it can impact her ability to be an effective leader. 

“My functioning can be out of whack If I am not taking care of myself, getting regular sleep, engaging in coping mechanisms and adhering to activities that center focus. I like to be self aware how these things can negatively impact or harm the team.”

Demitrus emphasizes the importance of using resources provided to you to know yourself better as you go through your leadership journey. Therapy and self reflection are the core pieces of advice she offers to emerging leaders.

“Therapy [is key] because you learn to know yourself with a processing partner… to understand yourself more, how you react and ensuring you can navigate situations in a way that’s productive to your intentions. You should understand yourself. Recognize we are taking in the toxicity in our world and it plays into everyday things. If you aren’t taking advantage of therapy or Counseling Services, you need to. It’s important for how you develop as a leader, and a person who will care for others as a leader.”

Community Work and Goals

Last March, Demitrius presented at the first ever Leadership Symposium. She left an impact on her students following her workshop, where she discussed her work with Ģ������Ƶ Pride. Ģ������Ƶ Pride was an LGBTQ+ organization centered around bringing events and community to worcester. Unfortunately, Ģ������Ƶ Pride has dissolved, but Demitrius is happy to share that the “Ģ������Ƶ Pride remix is under construction.”

Her involvement in Ģ������Ƶ Pride was largely focused on Shades, which was a sub-committee of the organization and provided a space for queer people of color. Shades is working to restructure their organization to focus more on political engagement and social action. Demitrius further discusses how recently coming out brought her to wanting to learn more about her community and lead to her action.

“We are focussing more on how politics here in Ģ������Ƶ effect queer and trans people of color within the Ģ������Ƶ community. I looked for people, communities, and found people I can connect with and people I can learn from.” 

Demitrius looks to bring this experience into her role in Residence Life. She discussed her goal to bring social consciousness and action to Ģ������Ƶ State.

“I would like to integrate more of my experience with justice, workshop facilitation, and development to collaborate more with the professionals [and students] around me, to spread the message of justice, love, and challenging authority, and ways that help you advocate for yourself. That’s what I really value and that is what I’m trying to be a bit more involved in.”

Written by Linzy Martinez, Assistant Director, Office of Student Involvement & Leadership Development

The post Sharing Your Power & Knowing Yourself with Demitrius Evans appeared first on Campus Life.