Name: Elise Fuller
Bio: My name is Elise Fuller, and I am a sophomore in Columbia College studying Anthropology. I am originally from Richmond, Virginia where I began engaging in social activism in middle school. I am inspired by the long history of Columbia’s student involvement in community impact, and I have been deeply connected to campus diversity. I am a member of Black Student Organization, Sabor (Columbia’s First Latin Dance Troupe), and Columbia Bartending Agency. I also routinely attend other organizations’ meetings and protests. On Fridays, I mentor elementary school students on how to formulate/write their own plays through Young StoryTellers.
Platform: I am Elise Fuller, a sophomore in CC, and I am running for CCSC Inclusivity and Equity Representative. As the IE rep, I will focus on access, representation, and free discourse for all marginalized students at Columbia. We as students should be focused on classes and enjoying our college experience, not the source of our next meal. I plan to target food insecurity by finding more funding for the undergraduate Food Bank and supporting Columbia’s partnership with the Share Meals app. Since many buildings on campus only offer limited entryways for students with physical disabilities, I intend to set up an online system that will notify disabled students when buildings and entrances are inaccessible so they can use alternative routes. It is undeniable that mental health is a major subject on this campus, and I am determined to work alongside the administration, CPS, and students to figure out a viable solution for long-term, personalized care. Following the dialogue and final designation of space for LGBTQ+ students in Lerner, I aim to foster more conversations about the needs of underrepresented communities on campus, such as Columbia Queer Alliance, Mixed Heritage Society, First-Generation Low Income Partnership (FLIP), and many others. I will schedule meetings with these groups individually, at least twice a semester to ensure that their voices are being heard and that the university is actively working on creating an inclusive environment for everyone. Ultimately, I want to set up an Inclusivity and Equity email/facebook page so that students can contact me directly about their concerns and keep me accountable to my promises. Vote for Fuller Representation!
Name: Nicole-Ann Lobo
Bio: Hi Columbia!! My name is Nicole-Ann Lobo and I’m a sophomore in Columbia College studying Political Science and Art History! In my studies, I’ve focused on the historical exclusion of minority narratives from communities. My own identity has encouraged me to get involved with various campus diversity groups, and I currently serve as an RA, through which I have been exposed to the many identity-based concerns and problems that plague our Columbia community. If given the honor of serving as your Inclusivity & Equity rep, I am committed to bringing about change by working toward justice and representation for all!
Platform: I am committed to improving three aspects of Inclusivity & Equity on campus: dialogue, communication, and representation. In terms of dialogue, I believe that it is critical for diversity groups on campus to have open, unbiased spaces to dialogue as well as to bond and grow in community with one another. The new minority-designated rooms are a great start, but it’s up to CCSC to run with that even further and include more spaces for historically underrepresented groups to have spaces to work and socialize on a campus that too often promotes homogeneous historically oppressive narratives. I also want to help identity groups navigate the Columbia bureaucracy, which is undeniably convoluted and challenging without institutional support. I aspire to serve as a liaison between groups on campus and the administration – given my own identity, I know that the system can tend to exclude our voices, and I want to help bring about change through openness.
Furthermore, I find it critical that there are neutral, safe, “forum”-type spaces in which discussions among groups can take place, through which progress and mutual understanding can be accomplished. These safe, open spaces are very necessary to furthering open thought and dialogue on our campus, and I’m prepared to listen to both sides of every debate or issue on campus in order to make open spaces fair and accommodating to everyone.
In terms of communication, it’s of the utmost importance that the Inclusivity & Equity representative meet with minority and identity groups on a regular basis to best ensure that their needs are being communicated and acted upon. If elected Inclusivity & Equity rep, I am prepared to facilitate weekly communication and biweekly meetings with minority groups to listen to their needs and concerns, and do everything I can to provide support. I also hope to institute roundtable meetings with representatives from a variety of identity groups in order to help foster new connections and bonds between groups. Greater inclusion is the key to progress on campus, and I understand its fundamental necessity to make Columbia a better, more welcoming place for everyone.
Lastly, there is a vital need for representation among the many incredible, diverse groups on campus. I’m prepared to work in collaboration with the administration to set up meetings between members of the bureaucracy, like Dean Valentini, and leaders of Columbia’s minority groups. I want to serve as an ally for the diverse array of identities that enrich this campus, but too often go unfairly unheard. It’s time for everyone’s voice to become a part of decision-making in the Columbia community – if elected, I promise to work toward the goal of greater inclusion, greater equity, and greater justice for our community.