MSLS Workshops

Implementing a Successful Diversity Programming Model within a University Programming Council (UPC) and/or Organization
Location: Beckham Room, 2nd Floor

Within a programming council and or student organization, it can sometimes be difficult and frustrating for student leaders to plan and implement cultural and diverse programming that will capture a student audience. The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate how a programming council, and or student organization, through re-organization of its leadership roles and fostering collaborative relationships campus wide, it can implement a successful diversity programming model.
Jerome Budomo, Tanairi Ochoa
St. Mary's University of San Antonio

DIVERSITY: Multicultural Leadership, Not Just For Minority Students
Location: Baines Room, 2nd Floor

Have you ever felt like you were the only one invested in the success of multicultural events on your campus? Have you ever felt frustrated by the lack of attendance of the "majority" at your "minority" events? One of the prevalent issues in campus diversity today is the underrepresentation of non-minority members in stereotypical multicultural events. Join us as we discuss ways in which you can address these issues and begin fostering an environment for cultural competency, promoting and advocating for change, and challenging the status quo at your institution by implementing inclusive and collaborative programming for the benefit of all students.
Courtney Allen, Rob Loveday, & Corey Benson
University of Texas at San Antonio

Build Up Your Leadership: Tools for Successful Student Leaders
Location: Claypool Room, 3rd floor

When students learn how to tap into their own best strengths, they can be powerful motivators to others around them and in their student organizations. "Leading with your strengths" and encouraging others to do the same can bring people together around a common purpose and move a group's goals into action. In this energizing and informative keynote or workshop, Elaine helps student leaders tap into those strengths so that they can inspire and empower others to succeed. Elaine challenges the students to envision the kind of leader they want to be and the legacy they want to leave. Then, she explores ways to inspire a shared vision. She addresses topics including communication, teamwork and organization.
Elaine Penn
Campuspeak

Breakout Session #2: 1:30 – 2:30 PM

The Benefits of Diversity Programming for ALL
Location: Baines Room, 2nd Floor

Have you ever said or thought, "Why do I need to go to a diversity program? I'm a Hispanic/Black. I am diverse!" A common misconception with people from historically underrepresented populations is they do not need diversity education or training. Many times students of color believe their racial identities and experiences have given them the knowledge they need to know about diversity. However, a person's identity includes not only race, but also religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, and more. This session will allow students to explore their social identities, introduce students to various aspects of diversity, and highlight the need for diversity education for students of color.
P.J. Jones, Texas A&M University
Soi Inthavong, Trinity University

A Look In The Mirror: Exploring Biases To Enrich The College Experience
Location: Beckham Room, 3rd Floor

During this presentation, participants will have the opportunity to explore their own cultural and ethnic biases as well as gain an appreciation for diversity in their residence hall, classrooms, and on campus in general. We will address the ways in which a campus culture that is insensitive to difference can produce an uncomfortable community climate, often unintentionally. In contrast, we will proceed into a discussion of how campus diversity can be utilized to enrich the college experience as students challenge each other to examine new viewpoints, negotiate differences, and make decisions.
DeAna McCusky, Shaquille Wolef
St. Mary's University

Diversity Pizza
Location: Claypool Room, 3rd Floor

Within diversity education, it is often easiest to focus on aspects that make us a part of a minority group. It allows people the opportunity to relate and understand what it is like to be one of the "have-nots." But what is the responsibility of being a part of a majority? In this session, participants will explore aspects of diversity through a reflective activity and engage in a discussion about power and privilege.
Lily Gonzalez
Texas A&M Corpus Christi

MSLS 2013 Presenter Bios

Courtney R'Shad Allen is pursuing a master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at The University of Texas at San Antonio, where he serves as a graduate research assistant for the UTSA Center for Research and Policy in Education and as a graduate intern with Student Conduct and Community Standards, along with Housing and Residence Life. He earned his bachelor's degree in Agriculture/Animal Science from Prairie View A&M University. Expected to graduate in the spring 2013 semester, Courtney aspires to begin his professional career working in Housing and Residence Life or Student Conduct, as well as continuing his education in pursuit of his doctorate.

Corey James Benson is pursuing a master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at The University of Texas at San Antonio, where is serves as graduate assistant for multicultural programs in the Inclusion and Community Engagement Center and as a graduate intern within in Student Conduct and Community Standards.

Jerome Budumo has been in Student Affairs for seven years. As Assistant Director, Jerome serves as the advisor for UPC. From San Diego, CA, he received his Masters in Educational Leadership, Student Affairs from San Diego State University (SDSU). Prior to his role at StMU, Jerome was the Assistant Coordinator for the SDSU Intercultural Relations/Cross Cultural Center. His professional experiences also includes: Community Service/Service Learning, Diversity Training, Greek Life/Student Organization(s) Advising, Leadership Programs, and Orientation/Parent Programs. Jerome has also been involved at the national level through the NASPA Asian Pacific Islander Knowledge Community, where he recently served as the NUFP Coordinator.

Lily Gonzalez is from Eagle Pass, Texas and studied at Our Lady of the Lake University for a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in San Antonio and I received my Masters of Education degree from Texas State University-San Marcos in Counseling & Guidance-Student Affairs. While in the student affairs profession, I have worked in areas ranging from Career Services to Residential Life. I am currently Assistant Director of the University Center & Student Activities at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and I oversee the Student Activities area including campus programs, student organizations, Greek Life, service and welcome events. I love working with students!

Soi Inthavong is a native of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Soi attended the University of Arkansas where she received a bachelor of science degree in Biology and Florida State University where she received her master of science degree in Higher Education Administration. Soi currently works at Trinity University in San Antonio, TX as the coordinator of diversity and intercultural relations. She enjoys meeting new people, learning about others, and helping people accomplish whatever dreams they have.

P.J. Jones is a native of Detroit, Michigan. She attended Bowling Green State University where she earned her bachelor's degree in Exercise Science in the spring of 2010. She also graduated from Western Michigan University, where she obtained her master's degree in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Higher Education and Student Affairs in April 2012. P.J. currently serves as a Diversity Education Specialist within the Department of Multicultural Services at Texas A&M as well an advisor to the Aggies 2 Aggies Peer Diversity Education organization. In addition to advising, she also plans and develops diversity education training and workshop materials for the TAMU community.

Rob Loveday is in his final semester of the Master's program in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with a Higher Education Concentration. Before coming to the University of Texas at San Antonio, he earned a degree in history from Sam Houston State University and was certified to teach high school. However, Rob quickly learned that the world of higher education was where he wanted to be. The main area where Rob discovered his passion for student affairs was housing and residence life, which is also the area in which he intends to enter once he graduates this May.

Tanairi Ochoa has been involved as an officer for the University Programming Council (UPC) at St. Mary's University for the past 3 years. She was the pioneer of the UPC's new position of Vice President of Programming and Development for Academic and Culture Affairs (VPPD). Through that position she was able to bring various programs to campus that incorporate cultures. For example, she worked closely with the Chinese students to host a Chinese Festival that showcased the Chinese culture and allowed the Chinese students an opportunity to share their backgrounds and meet new people. Currently, she serves as the President for UPC.

DeAna McCusky has over four years of experience in Residence Life as a Resident Assistant, Graduate Associate, and most recently, a Hall Director at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas. She completed her bachelor's degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and master's degree at the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education prior to relocating to San Antonio. Shaquille Wolef is from Copperas Cove, Texas and is currently a second year Resident Assistant at St. Mary's University. He is double majoring in International Relations and Spanish.