Student Advocates for Diversity and Inclusion
Our Mission
Our primary mission as Student Advocates for Diversity and Inclusion is to improve how our department handles academic and social diversity issues. We hope to increase the retention number of HUGs (historically underrepresented groups) in upper level computer science classes, as well as increase the number of students concentrating in computer science. We also hope to raise awareness of the issues that are ongoing in our department such as the lack of diversity among our TA program, which is the main source of instruction for our introductory classes. We hope that our initiative creates a more inclusive environment that allows students to thrive academically while also creating a diverse social atmosphere that is welcoming to all.
Confidentiality
When students are in their roles as student advocates they are not required to share any information disclosed. They will not answer questions about people with whom they may have spoken, or disclose an individual's name or specific issue unless during the course of the discussion, the student advocate is given explicit permission by the individual to do so. The only exception to this is if the student advocate determines that there is an imminent risk of serious harm. Student advocates will, however, keep statistical information for analyzing and reporting trends of issues, and provide recommendations to the diversity committee.
Student Advocates for Diversity and Inclusion
Miranda Chao
Hours: TH 1-3PM
Miranda is a junior studying computer science and visual arts at Brown, and is a coordinator of WiCS in the CS department. She is especially dedicated to issues of diversity and inclusion and improving mental health and wellness in the department.
Gareth Chen
Hours: M 3-5PM
My name is Gareth I'm a senior concentrating in Computer Engineering, though I've been involved with the CS department all four years (including as a TA for cs33). Along with the other members of the diversity committee, I helped draft the Departmental Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (DDIAP), and my goal is to see as much of it implemented as possible.
Anthony Cruz
Hours: W 10AM-12
I am currently a junior concentrating and CS, I took my first CS class as a sophomore when I switched majors. I am a first-generation college student, who has faced struggles with academics and balancing work with school. I hope to help other students in a similar situation succeed in our CS department. When it comes to CS I am interested in Machine Learning and am currently apart of the AI/Robotics lab (ask me questions about research and getting involved in the department!).
Alex Karim
Hours: M 3-5PM
My name is Alex and I'm a senior concentrating in Computer Science and Ethnic Studies. I've been a TA for CS15 and CS32 and a Minority Peer Counselor (MPC). I have facilitated workshops on social identity (specifically race, gender, and orientation) and co-organized the TA trainings. Come talk to me about balancing CS with other interests, applying for jobs in industry, and feeling overwhelmed or like an outsider in the Department.
Nifemi Madarikan
Hours: W 4-6PM
I'm Nifemi, and I'm a senior studying computer science. I'm a founder and co-coordinator of Mosaic+, a diversity initiative to support and develop community for historically underrepresented racial groups in computer science. Feel free to reach out to me about Mosaic+, fostering community for marginalized groups, and facilitating peer support programs!
Carlene Niguidala
Hours:
Carlene will return to Brown for the 2017 Spring Semester.
Quinn Li O'Shea
Hours: T 5-7PM
Entered Brown with no technical background only to major in CS-Econ and pursue technical product management. I am passionate about gender equality, healthy relationships (sexual and otherwise), and overall selfcare!
Chantal Toupin
Hours:
My name is Chantal and I'm a sophomore concentrating in Computer Science and History. I've TA'd CS15 and CS16, and am also a co-president of Brown's Organization of Multiracial and Biracial Students (BOMBS). I have worked on TA trainings with fellow advocates and am interested in diversity trainings in the department. Feel free to come talk to me about TAing, double concentrating, leading an affinity space on campus or anything else!
Chelse Steele
Hours:
My name is Chelse, and I'm a junior studying Computer Science and Africana Studies. I'm a founding member and co-coordinator of Mosaic+, a student group that supports the community of historically underrepresented racial groups in computer science. I've also been a TA in the department and am interested in finding new and creative ways to develop a more inclusive TA program. I'd love to hear and support new ideas, so please reach out to me if you have any questions, thoughts, or concerns. And of course, if you want to get involved with Mosaic+, I'm here for you!
Chinenye Uduji
Hours:
I’m a sophomore concentrating in Computer Science and Africana Studies. I have TA’d CS15, am involved with Mosaic+, which is a student group that supports underrepresented racial minorities in computer science and am also involved in the Black Student Union. I’d love to hear ideas about how we can create a more inclusive department and foster community! I am interested in creating more support groups within the department, making spaces for open dialogues about identity, finding ways to make our curriculum more inclusive, and am very open to other ways we can improve our department. Feel free to talk to me about any questions, comments or concerns you may have about diversity and inclusion in CS!
