Afropuff Lederhosen

 

 

My name is Vanessa Roberts and diversity is what I do best!

Telling one’s story is always a bit daunting, but it is a task I undertake with great joy in my work. Coming from a culturally and socio-economically diverse family, my perspectives on race, ethnicity, and class always varied greatly from my peers. My family raised me to be “Vanessa”, free of other identifying characteristics steeped in stereotype or assumption. Eventually the “real world” and its social politics caught up with me, but at my core I hold on tight to the values my family instilled. We all have something valuable to bring to the table.

By keeping things personal, I am able to create the connections I often felt were missing in the various diversity trainings and presentations I’ve attended throughout my academic career. In this present moment I am a blossoming professional committed to promoting transformative growth and change. Through my variety of roles as student, RA, co-chair and college representative, I am highly qualified to work with faculty, staff and students towards institutional goals of establishing an open and communicative campus. With a strong background in critical race theory, performance, and story-telling, my workshops and presentations intend to stimulate true connection among participants.

(And please note the photo on the right and how well I pull of the afropuff and lederhosen combination with ease and pride, clear evidence of my skill and qualifications!)