Queensborough Students Discuss Equity and Democracy at National Event
As a peer mentor for the Male Resource Center (MRC) and President of the Music Society, Queensborough student Ajay Doobay said he sees how diverse people and perspectives enrich group dynamics.
“It's so instrumental, no pun intended,” said Ajay Doobay. “When I am rehearsing with my bandmates, not knowing the instrument or how to work with an instrument or a vocalist is very noticeable. And that same logic can be applied to any environment in which you are team building or working together towards a common goal.”
Earlier this month, Queensborough Community College was one of 40 institutions hosting the Amplifying Student Voices Convening, a nationwide hybrid event. More than 400 student leaders participated in virtual and in-person discussions about belonging, diversity, and equity in higher education, sharing their perspectives on creating and sustaining diverse and equitable communities. Organized by the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) in partnership with the American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) and the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Centers, the event created a safe space for students to talk about how to develop a sense of belonging in higher education. Ajay was one of nine student leaders from Queensborough who participated and said the peer-to-peer conversations created natural opportunities to delve deeper into these topics.
“I love having these types of conversations because it helps me learn how I can best lead and how I can best find some common ground with any person,” said Ajay.
During the six-hour event, students collaborated on online vision boards and discussed what democracy means on and off campus and how to enhance the college experience for everyone. They shared their perspectives and engaged in important conversations about creating more inclusive and supportive learning environments. Stephanie Guilbaud, the Program Coordinator for ASAP and the site facilitator for the event noted that student engagement was strong.
“Our students rose to the occasion during the Amplifying Student Voices event,” said Stephanie Guilbaud. “Their thoughtful contributions and willingness to engage in meaningful conversations about democracy and belonging were nothing short of impressive.”
Important conversations for an institution that prioritizes equity and access and strives to create an inclusive environment.
“Queensborough is dedicated to aligning our initiatives for equitable outcomes with national partners, emphasizing that addressing inequities is a vital part of a national conversation,” said Dr. Amaris Matos, Assistant Vice President for Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. “When institutions of higher education improve their support for students, it strengthens our entire democracy.”
Students like Ajay Doobay recognize that Queensborough is committed to this conversation and to doing the work and say that encourages them.
“No matter what policies that may come in or methodologies introduced to attack this, as long as we are headed toward a unified front, I think we can get there.”
Along with Ajay, Guilbaud, and Matos, others representing Queensborough included fellow students Victoria Cambi, Brian Chin, Chebria Crandol, Brejnev Dodard, Camille Mangroo, Amani McTavish, Yadira Najera, and MD Mahbubur Rahman. The Amplifying Student Voices project is supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Lumina Foundation.
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