Keeper of the Dream

Growing up, Azana Jones lived mainly in small, rural areas, which resulted in her being the only black student in her classes. She grew up in classrooms being taught by people that didn’t look like her, that couldn’t relate to her. She often felt different simply because of the color of her skin. That’s when the dream and the drive to become a teacher started. “I never had a teacher who looked like me, so I never had a teacher who could teach me things about my history or my life,” says Azana. “From that moment I knew I wanted to be a teacher, one that could advocate for myself and students of color who would need it.”

Azana, a Honors College student, is the lone black student in her pre-service teachers class, but that doesn’t stop her from being heard. She’s quick to share her opinions and experiences on diversity and race relation topics. Her transparency allows for conversations to be more meaningful and thought-provoking, offering her peers a deeper insight to the inequities faced by students in a classroom. Her ability to be candid and honest are two skills that will translate to her being an excellent educator, skills she’s already shown off as a student teacher at Lowry Early Childhood Education Center.

“There is a paucity of black educators in general,” explains Anica Bowe, an associate professor for teacher and development studies, “Azana has taken up the call to fill the void. She will give her future students the privilege of being taught by a black educator. It will give her students a chance to be taught by someone that looks like them.”

In her role as a resident assistant, Azana takes time during and after training to ensure that her colleagues fully understand the concepts and policy guidelines. Her focus is always on others, ensuring that they feel comfortable in their roles and quickly become one of the leaders within the department.

“I have been able to witness the impressive capacity for Azana’s leadership, inclusivity and development she is capable of,” says Matt Belanger, the resident director at Hillcrest Hall. “She has consistently gone above and beyond her duties within Housing and other organizations she’s involved in, to help others, promote education, unity and inclusivity.” A founding member of Youth for Truth as well as working with Project Big Sister, she focuses on leading women of color professionally and personally through critical mentoring, support and sisterly council.

“Azana’s passion for leadership, her dedication and her devotion to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the work that she does, makes her an ideal candidate for this award,” says Haleigh Lewis, Graduate Resident Director, Hillcrest Hall. “She is the embodiment of what it means to be a leader who’s dedicated to service and who has a clearly defined mission to serve underrepresented communities.”

When Keyara arrived at Oakland University, she already had her goals set on growing the interracial community on campus. In order to do that, she took advantage of every opportunity that came her way, working with students, building their confidence, giving them a voice and setting them up for success. “When I sit through my classes, I’m highly aware of being the only Black student in the room,” says Keyara. “There’s a significance in seeing your skin tone, race and culture in the texts and surrounding community. It’s paramount that the difference in interrracial students is not an outlier, but instead bring Oakland University closer to a common understanding.”

Prior to her first semester, Keyara took part in the CORE Summer Bridge program, where students from predominantly underrepresented minority, first-generation, or low-income backgrounds spend a week on campus to develop skills and abilities to prepare for college. Keyara credits this program for intensely growing her passion for social change.

“Keyara was always eager to start the day; she would express why this opportunity and coming to Oakland was so important to her,” says VaNessa Thompson, CORE Program coordinator. “Keyara made multicultural connections throughout the program. By sharing her story, participants were able to see why Keyara is so determined to be the best version of herself.”

As a CORE Ambassador, Keyara works closely with students. She works to propel their confidence and focus on the impact they want to make, not only on campus, but in their post collegiate careers. She uses this opportunity to ensure that multicultural students feel acknowledged and understood. She encourages them to share their stories, raise their voices against injustices and embrace their diverseness.

“Keyara’s self-awareness in this sense is remarkable,” says Marshall Kitchens, an associate professor for the Department of Writing and Rhetoric. “She clearly has a keen understanding of her own strengths and challenges and personal growth, and makes insightful connections among the theoretical issues raised in her classes, course objectives, new social contexts, and her own personal experience.”

As a sophomore, Keyara joined Gamma Phi Beta and currently serves as the president of public relations. She works as a student assistant at the Gender and Sexuality Center on campus, further honing her knowledge about and skills working with members of the LGBTQIA community, becoming a well-rounded advocate and teacher.

“I believe Keyara will make an exceptional educator in the future,” says Grace Wojcik, coordinator of the Gender and Sexuality Center. “She will bring a much-needed perspective and demeanor to the classroom. I have no doubt Keyara will be a tireless advocate for her students and a leader who will work to address the disparities within the educational system.”

A Spanish and international relations major, Isabella Mahuad is the first member of her family to attend college in the United States. She’s using her time on campus to not just learn from others, but to share her story and make a lasting impact. “I have been given a platform through which I can share my culture with the students of Oakland,” says Isabella. “I have been able to challenge stereotypes and confront misconceptions people might have. Even when I’ve spoken candidly about my experiences, my peers have learned something new.”

She recognized her narrow worldview, only understanding her family’s culture and traditions, when arriving on campus, so she immersed herself in several programs on campus to diversify herself. Through her hard work, she’s been named president of the Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO), where she plans events and programming to educate, celebrate and advocate for Hispanic peoples and cultures.

“Isabella’s interests are clearly moving toward an activist future, focusing on advancing diversity and social justice,” says Laura K. Landolt, associate professor of Political Science. “Her hybrid binational background and commitment to social justice gives her a number of insights and tools that might not be available to others. Her commitment to diversity shines through her comments and can only be beneficial to students who have not yet reflected deeply on the value of gender, race and class diversity.”

As an orientation group leader, Isabella welcomed new students and helped introduce them to OU. She ensured that all the processes, procedures and programs were accessible and inclusive. She always encourages others to find their voice on campus and makes space for them.

“She’s thoughtful, dependable and a fierce advocate for others,” says Amy Yousif Joa, assistant director for Orientation and New Student Programs. “Isabella has been an integral part of the many different organizations she’s been a part of. She’s maintained her leadership positions and an extremely high GPA. Her work in and out of the classroom is remarkable, I am certain she’ll continue to positively support people, places and the world.”

Isabella has had several other roles on campus. She was an Emerging Scholars Success Coach, letting students she works with know about their options and resources. She is also the vice president of the Model UN Club, where she focuses on global issues and needs.

“Isabella is courageous,” says Kiley M. Kellenberger, Orientation and New Student Programs Coordinator. “She’s a peaceful activist for social justice, equity and those who are disadvantaged. She’ll continue to lead other student leaders in conversations and actions to break down cultural stereotypes. There have been very few students in my career who have shown me the type of human I want to be. I aspire to be more like Isabella every single day.”

Before attending Oakland University, Kelly came to campus on a tour. She was desperate looking for students that looked like her, coming up shorter than she’d hoped. Instead of getting discouraged, it lit a fire inside her. She wanted to become the face that made incoming students feel welcomed and comfortable. A goal she has since achieved by becoming a focus on several billboards for OU.

“Everyday, I try to make an impactful influence on campus,” says Kelly. Whether it’s mentoring, volunteering or just being a familiar face, I want to make someone’s college experiences easier. Once I graduate, I want to become a social worker that helps black and brown kids find the homes they deserve.”

As a freshman, Kelly became an orientation group leader, but COVID limited her impact. She adapted and started a new role with Project Upward Bound, working with high school students in Pontiac and Oak Park. Although a majority of her meetings with students were virtual, it didn’t stop her from making a lasting impression on her students.

“Kelly’s a conscious, thinking leader when it comes to building relationships with the high school and establishing bonds with students who may be lacking in social emotional learning skills,” says Adam Harris, project advisor for Project Upward Bound. “She has a natural ability to create camaraderie and trust with peers and staff she comes in contact with. She is honest and genuine in building relationships with others.”

In her second year, Kelly was able to get back to her role as an orientation group leader and was also a CORE ambassador. As a group leader, she was one of the first people new students would meet on campus, and it was important to her to show them that no matter who you are, you can be a leader.

“She exudes an energy that is contagious,” says Kiley M. Kallenberger, coordinator of Orientation and New Student Programs. “Kelly’s been described as inspirational, confident and joyful. Her optimistic outlook on life made a lasting impression on new students and their families transitioning to Oakland for the first time.”

Kelly is also a resident assistant, working on building relationships with her residents and giving them a sense of being at home. In all of her roles, Kelly continues to stay focused on improving and encouraging diversity and race relations in OU’s community. “I find Kelly to have unique qualities that put her in a category of her own,” says Emily Cutlip, career consultant for the OU Career Services. “I am impressed by her consistently upbeat nature. She’s passionate about helping and caring for others. She’s kind, thoughtful and humble. Her warmth, compassion and empathy combined with her bubbly and funny personality, are the values that draw peers to her.”

Since enrolling at Oakland University, Destiny hasn’t been shy about voicing her knowledge on interracial understanding. In her hometown she was and remains a member of the Lansing NAACP and Lansing Black Lives Matter chapter, marching for the justice of others since Trayvon Martin. Her primary goal at Oakland University wasn’t to just earn an education, but to have a lasting impact on the campus’ culture.

“As an African American, I like to help others understand the social injustices going on in the world,” says Destiny. “After losing my cousin at the hands of a deputy, everything I’ve been advocating for seems even more real. I am a leader in breaking down stereotypes and helping interracial understanding as these injustices are close to home.”

As a resident assistant, Destiny constantly goes the extra mile supporting her residents by being visible at their events and staying up countless nights to ensure that they are successful in their roles. She is passionate about uplifting and supporting those around her as well as creating a safe, inclusive learning environment for her students. She offers programs to educate students on underrepresented groups and their cultures.

“She’s the type of professional that creates a home-away-from-home atmosphere for residents and those that she works with,” says Emmanuel Gannaway, residence director for Vandenberg Hall. “She’s joyful and seeks to keep everyone’s spirits high. Her determination to maintain good morale amongst staff and students is proven to be instrumental in leading teams and encouraging coworkers.”

“Destiny quickly distinguished herself from other students by demonstrating her sensitivity to current social events and a strong sense of civic responsibility,” says Chiaoning Su, Ph.D., assistant professor in Communication and Journalism. “She’s hard working, ambitious, humble and delightful. She truly is the best kind of student, one that is sure to have a bright future.”

On campus, Destiny works as a CORE ambassador and orientation group leader, working closely with freshmen and helping them transition to college life. She strives to make sure all of her students feel comfortable on campus and tries to prepare the students for any situation that may come their way.

Every program that Destiny is involved in on campus is part of a crucial step in creating a better understanding of diversity. She’s had roles within Hamlin Hall’s Community Council, Public Relations Student Society of America and the Golden Luxury Majorette Dance Team. “Destiny is strong in her leadership and will not let the conversations of breaking down cultural stereotypes be ignored,” says Kiley M. Kallenberger, Orientation and New Student Programs coordinator. “She is successful in her efforts because she is kind, patient, understanding and serves as a great role model to everyone around her.”

A member of Oakland University’s Track and Field team, Markeal has used his platform to make an impact. While balancing school and his responsibilities as a student athlete, he jumps at every opportunity to fight against interracial issues and stereotypes that he, other students and student-athletes may be going through.

“Throughout my academic career, I have always prided myself on working against interracial issues and stereotypes,” says Markeal. “Whether it’d be in the efforts I made in the way I carried myself, or through groups and initiatives I was a part of, I’ve shared my experiences, beliefs and worked to defend the position of minorities.”

Markeal is a member of the Track and Field DEI team committee, putting on social justice initiatives and educational conversations. He composed a campaign to ensure that all student-athletes were registered to vote, including international students in their home countries.

“Markeal has done a tremendous job with volunteering for various community service events we do,” says Katrina Brumfield, the Oakland University Head Track and Field Coach. “He has helped with fundraising funds to go shopping for abused children during the Holidays. He has also been an ambassador for our university, helping not just our minority recruits but all recruits know about all the positive attributes OU has to offer.” Oakland’s Athletic Department staff unanimously voted Markeal to be the lone OU representative for the Horizon League’s OneHL working group. Markeal’s a part of Horizon League Student-Athlete Advisory Committee that seeks to bring meaningful change and action to social issues across the League. He and the group promote unity, inclusion, knowledge and understanding amongst athletes.

“Markeal’s impact has been felt within the athletic department from student-athletes, coaches, and staff alike,” says Ashley Stone, associate athletic director for student-athlete experience. “From his impact, leadership, and involvement, we are better educated, better equipped, and better empowered to continue to activate and advance the education, awareness, engagement, and commitment of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and OU community.”

Oakland University student athletes, staff and coaches came together in unity with #UnitedAsOne t-shirts, t-shirts that Markeal co-created. He’s constantly working with his teammates, educating them on the struggles with underrepresented and minority communities and the impact it can have on student athletes, through initiatives such as the Check Your Privilege activity.

“Markeal is not the kind of person who always needs to have his voice heard first or loudest. Instead, he carefully listens to those around him, thoughtfully reflects on those conversations, considers all options, and shares his ideas with integrity, respect for others and a sense of calm. Because of these characteristics of his leadership style, he instills a Sponsored by: sense of personal responsibility and pride in ethical behavior in those around him.”

A social work major, Ta’Niyah has come on campus with her sights set on educating others when it comes to social injustices. She teaches do’s and don’ts, as well as how to avoid cultural appropriation, racial slurs and the disregarding of racial issues.

“I believe that it is important to understand and connect with people of a different race in order to stray away from intentionally or unintentionally denigrating them, their culture, beliefs or how they identify with their race,” says Ta’Niyah. “This could eliminate many external and internal conflicts. If we aren’t attempting to learn about others’ race, why would they attempt to learn about ours?”

In 2018, Ta’Niyah became an e-member of the Association of Black Students on campus, working to give underrepresented students a voice and an outlet to be heard. With the group, she’s been a part of a Black Lives Matter protest that happened on campus. In 2021, she was named vice president.

“Ta’Niyah’s ability to engage in academic content and translate it to her personal and professional development and her willingness to reflect on her identity and how it will impact the work she plans to do really caught my attention,” says Dr. Hydeen K. Beverly, assistant professor of Social Work. “She brings creativity and leadership to the classroom and that will transfer to the larger campus community.”

The Golden Grizzlies Food Pantry has been an outlet for Ta’Niyah. She’s a constant presence for the pantry, even swinging by between classes to help put away donations and checking expiration dates of goods. She makes genuine connections with shopping students and works closely with other volunteers to ensure that they fully understand their duties.

“Through compassion, empathy and a positive attitude, Ta’Niyah has exceeded expectations as a volunteer in the pantry,” says Rae Johnson, manager of the Golden Grizzlies Pantry. “She builds meaningful relationships with students across all demographics, fostering a safe and welcoming atmosphere.”

Any opportunity that has presented itself, Ta’Niyah has taken advantage of. She’s an official for Intramural Sports on campus. She’s a CORE mentor with the Center of Multicultural Initiatives as well as a member of Feminists of OU. In her limited free time, she volunteers at Humble Designs, providing shelter for the homeless.

“Ta’Niyah’s committed to supporting disadvantaged communities through volunteering and future social work interests,” says Dr. Maria Beam, director of Social Work. “She brings a unique level of innovation and creativity to the classroom. She’s genuine, authentic and always committed to encouraging active participation for all voices to be heard.”