2018 Planning Committee
Students
Gabby Ballard, Class of 2019
Gabrielle 'Gabby' Ballard is currently a fourth-year undergraduate student studying Anthropology and Computer Science. She hails from Newark, New Jersey and has enjoyed becoming active in her communities at home, school, and around the world. She's served as a general member and executive board member of several student organizations including the Black Women's Alliance, the Black Students' Union, and Sakata Afrique, an African and Caribbean dance team. When she's not ethnographically researching friends and foes, you can find her relaxing with a good book or TV show. She also enjoys singing in the shower, playing with pups and deconstructing systems of oppression.
Zaina Moussa, Class of 2021
Zaina is a sophomore studying Bioengineering. She is the co-chair of the Black Women’s Alliance, as well as a member of the Black Students’ Union and the Muslim Students Association. As a member of the 2019 Multicultural Conference Planning Committee, Zaina hopes to incite more conversation about of equity and privilege in the wider MIT Community. Zaina was born in Knoxville, TN and now lives in Lubbock as a proud Texan. In her spare time, she enjoys binge-watching crime comedy shows, learning new languages, and working out at the gym.
Staff
Nina DeAgrela, Assistant Dean - Multicultural Programs
Nina joins the Intercultural Engagement team as the Assistant Dean for Multicultural Programs. Nina comes to MIT after 13 years at Bentley University. She worked in a number of student affairs roles including student conduct and new student orientation. Additionally, she’s advised myriad of student groups including the Portuguese Across the Continents, Black United Body, and the Cape Verdean Student Association. Nina will manage the Office of Multicultural Programs daily operations. Additionally, DeAgrela will help direct the creation, implementation, and assessment of social justice programming and education opportunities on campus through lectures, workshops, and events, and establish opportunities for structured dialogue among students. Born and raised in southeastern Massachusetts, DeAgrela has a passion for connecting students to purpose and then helping them “thrive, not just survive.” Her concern for students managing rigorous academics and unexpected life events stems from her own experience as a first-generation college student..
Alyssa Joseph, Assistant Director - Multicultural Programs
Alyssa Joseph serves as the Assistant Director in the Office of Multicultural Programs. In her role, she plans and implements programs that help support the development of students around topics of diversity and inclusion, with a strong focus on social justice. She graduated from Boston College with a degree in Sociology and minors in Philosophy and African And African Diaspora studies. She also holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the Sawyer Business School at Suffolk University. Alyssa is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and a native of Boston, MA.
Harpreet Singh, Graduate Assistant for Diversity Initiatives (Latino Cultural Center)
Harpreet is excited to serve as the Graduate Assistant for the Latino Cultural Center. He is in his first year at Northeastern University where he is studying for his Masters in College Student Development and Counseling. He graduated from Emory University in 2017 as a QuestBridge Scholar. At Emory, he discovered his passion for college access and college success, particularly for first generation students, low income students, and students of color. In his free time, Harpreet likes running, exploring nature, and celebrating both his Indian and Peruvian cultures by cooking traditional dishes and listening to music representative of his multicultural identity.
Kejia Patterson, Graduate Assistant for Diversity Initiatives (Asian and Pacific Islander Groups)
Kejia serves as the Graduate Assistant in the Office of Multicultural Programs. Serving as the official advisor to all Asian Student Clubs and Organizations, she supports and is a resource to all students and foster community within the Asian student population at MIT. She is currently a Ed.M student studying International Education Policy at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Kejia has worked as program manager for studying aboard programs. Kejia is dedicated to promoting the diversity and inclusiveness of Asian American students and international students in higher education.
Sonya Chang, Graduate Assistant for Diversity Initiatives (Black Student Organizations)
Sonya Chang serves as the the Graduate Assistant for Diversity Initiatives for Black Student Organizations. In this position, she is the official advisor of all MIT black student organizations and works to foster an inclusive, collaborative community between all of these groups. She also helps facilitate workshops, spearheads outreach, and initiates conversations around diversity, multiculturalism and leadership development. Sonya graduated from Boston University with a major in Photojournalism, minor in Business Administration, and concentration in African-American studies. Currently, she attends Boston University as a graduate student pursing her masters of arts in Advertising.