Meet a DEI: Jennie Williams

Thu, 19 Sep 2013 13:51:19 -0400

Bio: Jennie Williams is a senior and a Sondheim scholar majoring in American Studies and minoring in sociology. Jennie works as an office assistant in the UMBC Political Science department, and for the past two years, became involved in the campus community by working as a Residential Assistant. Jennie is an Undergraduate Research Award recipient this year and her research is based on exploring the benefits of open mic nights throughout the Baltimore area. Jennie is very involved in her department and is the treasurer of the American Studies Council of Majors.

Jennie has been interning with Maryland Traditions of the Maryland State Arts Council for the past few semesters because she believes that it is very important to work closely with her mentors in order to improve her skills and to build her professional network.

Q. What made you get involved with The Mosaic Center as a Diversity Educator Intern?

I wanted to be involved as a Mosaic Center DEI because I am a senior at UMBC this year and I was looking for a brand new way to get involved on campus. I had been involved in a number of organizations throughout my time here, but I'm always interested in trying something new.

Q. What might someone be surprised to know about you?

I am a vegetarian, I drive a hotrod '80s station wagon, I have a knack for finding 4-leaf clovers, and I can balance across a slackline.

Q. When you aren’t performing DEI duties, what are you most likely doing?

Playing guitar and singing at the open mic nights throughout Baltimore/ working on my URA research.

Q. How would (someone) describe you?

I've heard that I'm chill, a hippie, a good friend, a hard-working student, and I am happy to agree with those things :)

Q. What do you wish other people knew about The Mosaic Center?

That it is such a great place to come in and visit with others, to make new friends, and to have thought-provoking conversations! You can learn a lot from someone and about their cultural backgrounds just by listening to what they have to say.

Q. What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about diversity?

Diversity is one of the most important qualities about a group of people because it allows there to be potential for significant learning, compromise, consideration, and accomplishments to take place. Without diversity, individuals are destined to become ethnocentric in their perspectives of the world. These views can be far removed from the realities that exist.

Q. What's your personal philosophy on what should be done about promoting communal diversity and inclusion?

I believe there needs to be quality opportunities for voluntary socialization of a variety of ethnic groups. Not only are the opportunities needed, but individuals need to be willing and brave enough to step out of their familiar social circles in order to include themselves in new and unfamiliar groups. Without conversation and a genuine interest in forming new relationships, diversity will suffer and inclusion will continue to be a challenge among social and ethnic groups.