Celebrating Black History Month: Staff Spotlight

Can you describe your role, your department, and how you support students?  

I am a program administrator in the Faculty of Arts, supporting students in English and the Languages, Literature and Culture department. I help students navigate academic processes, answer program questions and connect that with resources so they can succeed and feel confident in their studies. I assist with course planning, program requirements and navigating university systems so students can make informed decisions.

What is the most rewarding part of helping students, and what does student success look like to you?

The most rewarding part of supporting students is seeing them grow in confidence and discover their potential. I enjoy helping students navigate challenges, whether academic or administrative and having them find solutions that allow them to move forward. 

University is a formative space where students learn to become independent thinkers and take control of their path and I take pride in helping them navigate challenges with resilience. My role allows me to guide students towards resources and solutions while empowering them to advocate for themselves. 

Student success, to me, is measured by growth, students gaining more knowledge and skills and self-assurance that enables them to thrive academically and personally. I find it truly rewarding to see students grow from the beginning of their academic journey through to graduation.

In honour of Black History Month, we’re celebrating the leaders who strengthen our community. Looking at your own journey and your role, how do you see the themes of representation and community-building shaping the future of the Faculty of Arts?

Representation matters deeply in shaping community and student belonging, and I have seen firsthand how my presence as a Black staff member resonates with students of colour. Students often share that seeing staff who reflect their experiences helps them feel understood and supported, which reinforces the importance of diversity with the Faculty of Arts at TMU. 

Community building is about creating spaces where students feel valued and empowered to succeed and representation plays a critical role in that process. I believe the Faculty of Arts will need to continue fostering inclusivity and community-building so that diverse voices are represented and shape learning in meaningful ways.

Black History Month is a time for both reflection and celebration. Is there a particular figure, mentor, or piece of literature that has influenced your approach to leadership?

I was very lucky to have crossed paths with Siobhan Stewart, a mentor and friend who previously worked as a Black student success facilitator in the Faculty of Arts. Her approach to community-building and creating spaces where students feel seen and supported has stayed with me and shapes how I think about leadership. She demonstrated that leadership is not only about processes and outcomes but about connection and fostering environments where people can thrive.

Her commitment to students  and community reinforced my belief in the importance of representation and belonging in academic spaces. During Black History Month, reflecting on her impacts reminds me of the value of mentorship and the ways in which leadership can uplift and empower others.

As we navigate the second half of the semester, do you have a piece of advice or words of wisdom you’d like to share with Faculty of Arts colleagues?

My advice is to approach our work with patience and community in mind. The semester can be demanding but small acts of collaboration and support make a meaningful difference for students and colleagues alike. Taking time to listen, share knowledge and encourage one another will help to foster an environment of inclusion. It is also important to prioritize our own well-being so we can show up as best we can, for ourselves and for those we support.