What complex problem or social issue have you worked on this year? Why did you pursue this specific topic? What did you do? What are your goals and next steps?
Over the past year, a huge focus for me was seeing the racial injustices in our criminal justice system. I was lost, angry, and didn’t know how to help. That’s when I found the Honors Seminar Ethics in Criminal Justice, I was so excited to join a space that was dedicated to discussing racial disparities brainstorming paths forward. DEI is so important in my life specifically as a Director of a nonprofit called Camp Kesem, a victim of a robbery, and as an ally to all.
As an organization, Camp Kesem is dedicated to ensuring support for all children who are affected by a parent's cancer. As Co-Director, I highlight DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) values into every aspect of regional and chapter leadership, camp planning, and college student development. As the University of Cincinnati’s Camp Kesem chapter is growing, I aim to improve the diversity of not only our campers but our Counselors, Coordinators, Kesem members, and Professional Staff. It is vital to cultivate a space where children are not only welcomed into an inclusive environment but truly accepted for who they are or want to be at camp. I have worked diligently to create a culture that is devoted to having conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion. The only way to truly achieve a space dedicated to DEI is to examine each task throughout the year through a DEI lens. I make it a priority to surround myself with diverse leaders so we can work together to better represent the children and the families that we serve.
In my Ethics in Criminal Justice class we have covered topics ranging from policing, parole, risk assessment, and jailing thoroughly examining the systemic disparities that lead to unfair, unjust, and unethical outcomes for African Americans and people of color in the United States. One thing I have learned in this seminar is that racism exists in places where we think it isn’t even possible. For example risk assessment algorithms that are engineered, designed, and implemented by humans. If a human has touched it biases exist in that practice.
It is easy to feel helpless, that there is nothing you can do to actually make a change, but if there is one thing I have seen this year is that we have the power to make a change.
Over the past year, a huge focus for me was seeing the racial injustices in our criminal justice system. I was lost, angry, and didn’t know how to help. That’s when I found the Honors Seminar Ethics in Criminal Justice, I was so excited to join a space that was dedicated to discussing racial disparities brainstorming paths forward. DEI is so important in my life specifically as a Director of a nonprofit called Camp Kesem, a victim of a robbery, and as an ally to all.
As an organization, Camp Kesem is dedicated to ensuring support for all children who are affected by a parent's cancer. As Co-Director, I highlight DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) values into every aspect of regional and chapter leadership, camp planning, and college student development. As the University of Cincinnati’s Camp Kesem chapter is growing, I aim to improve the diversity of not only our campers but our Counselors, Coordinators, Kesem members, and Professional Staff. It is vital to cultivate a space where children are not only welcomed into an inclusive environment but truly accepted for who they are or want to be at camp. I have worked diligently to create a culture that is devoted to having conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion. The only way to truly achieve a space dedicated to DEI is to examine each task throughout the year through a DEI lens. I make it a priority to surround myself with diverse leaders so we can work together to better represent the children and the families that we serve.
In my Ethics in Criminal Justice class we have covered topics ranging from policing, parole, risk assessment, and jailing thoroughly examining the systemic disparities that lead to unfair, unjust, and unethical outcomes for African Americans and people of color in the United States. One thing I have learned in this seminar is that racism exists in places where we think it isn’t even possible. For example risk assessment algorithms that are engineered, designed, and implemented by humans. If a human has touched it biases exist in that practice.
It is easy to feel helpless, that there is nothing you can do to actually make a change, but if there is one thing I have seen this year is that we have the power to make a change.