MESA/TMC Staff
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Professional Staff
- Nina Grant
Director of Multi–Ethnic Student Affairs and the Trotter Multicultural Center- Nina is a native of the Bay Area in California (born in San Francisco and lived in Oakland), and has over 15 years experience working in Multicultural Services in Higher Education. Before joining the University of Michigan, Nina served as the Senior Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Serves at the University of Toledo, the Director of Multicultural Programs (in the College of Agriculture) at Iowa State University, and worked at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Multi-Cultural Affairs as an Academic Counselor. She loves working with students, being involved with diversity education and multicultural programming, and is passionate about Multiracial issues. Nina completed her bachelor's in Human Development and Family Science and her master's in Health Education both from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She has completed all coursework for a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Iowa State University. Nina enjoys spending time with her family (Husband- Mike, Daughter- Mireia Azul), participating in community fairs and festivals, and attending/watching college football games. Please join us in welcoming our new director! Email: gnina@umich.edu
- Amer Ahmed
Associate Director- Amer is an eclectic person who has been influenced and impacted by all sorts of unique experiences. As a teacher, student, spoken word poet, Hip Hop activist, diversity consultant and college administrator, he channels his experiences into efforts that focus on addressing the challenges of an increasingly complex world. Amer’s education (enhanced by studies in South Africa and Nepal), experiences and Indian Muslim–American upbringing helps him to recognize the need for respect and dignity of all human beings. As the Associate Director of MESA, Amer is looking to engage students to in order to connect his skills and experiences to the needs of the campus. Email: amahmed@umich.edu
- Louise Brooks
Administrative Assistant/Office Manager- Louise Brooks has been working in the Office of Multi–Ethnic Student Affairs for more than six years. She loves to work with everyone from different cultures. She and her husband Kevin attend Tree of Life Ministries, where she is a pastor and teacher. They also have an outreach ministry in the community. She is the mother of five and grandmother of two. Her favorite color is pink and favorite cake is German Chocolate. Email: louiseb@umich.edu
- Deise Benitez
Multicultural Student Services Manager- Deise is a passionate individual who is inspired by her Los Angeles community to serve as an educational advocate focusing on diversity and inclusion. She strongly believes that diversity offers a way for differing peoples to relate, connect, interact, and form intersecting lives. She finds motivation in witnessing the growth of students and values opportunities to share her stories and experiences in hopes of aiding students through their educational journeys at the University of Michigan. Deise is excited to serve as the Multicultural Development Program Manager and looks forward to connecting with students as individuals, and offering the support they need to successfully navigate through their collegiate experiences. Email: dbenitez@umich.edu
- Linh Nguyen
Intercultural Development Program Manager- She strongly believes in the transformative work that happens on college campuses within the various departments, colleges, and student organizations, etc., particularly around issues of diversity, inclusion, identity development and social justice. She trusts in the interconnectedness of the human experience that is realized through relationship building and compassion for one another, as the means to social change and breaking down of injustices. Her new role as the Intercultural Development Program Manager will enable her to further explore the possibilities of incorporating intercultural leadership development into the work of MESA and within DSA. She hopes to engage and empower students in the process of learning and development throughout their experience at U of M and beyond. Email: mlinh@umich.edu
- Erica D. Williams
Community Development Program Manager- Erica is very enthusiastic about working in partnership with students, staff, and faculty in her role as the Community Development Program Manager for MESA. She believes that reaching out directly to individuals and building relationships is the best way to engage in meaningful dialogue around issues of cultural identity, diversity, and social justice. It is her hope that through meaningful interactions, students can enhance their educational experience and build inclusive and respectful campus communities. Erica looks forward to being an active resource for students as they embark upon their personal journeys here at the University of Michigan. Outside of work, Erica enjoys serving her community through her nonprofit organization, traveling to new places, exploring creativity through writing and art, and spending quality time with her family and friends. Email: ericadw@umich.edu
- Edward A. Burnett
Facilities Director of the William Monroe Trotter Multicultural Center- A graduate of Concordia University and WCC, Edward has been employed by the University for more than 23 years, and the Facilities Director for a little over thirteen years. As the facilities Director he hopes to broaden the student’s perspective and experience of Multi Culturalism and diversity by hosting several Multicultural and educational programs in the Center. He has increased the utilization of the Center since taking over in 1994 by overseeing an extensive renovation in 2005 and marketing to a much broader community base and Washtenaw county. Family and religion are the two most important things in his life, spending time and traveling with his life long partner and wife Terrie and their two beautiful daughters Terrlyn and Tamera. He loves to live life to the fullest and to live by these three mottoes:
- My people, my people, my people
Email: eburnett@umich.edu - Pamela Dombrowski
Administrative Assistant & Scheduling Coordinator- As a recent graduate of U of M-Dearborn, Pam earned her degree in Health Administration, Communications and Management. She worked for the University of Michigan Health System for four years and started with the Trotter Multicultural Center in August 2007. In her new position, she assists with program scheduling and planning for student organizations, departments and community members. She lives with her husband Mark, and two dogs, Sophie & Sasha. She enjoys photography, dancing, traveling, and spending time with family & friends! Pam looks forward to continuing her career with the University of Michigan and learning more about the campus community. "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." Email: pamelaa.umich.edu
Treat people the way you would like to be treated.
In the end only what you do for others will last
It’s not how you start the race but how you finish.
Student Staff
- Andrew Dalack
Major & year: Political Science – Junior- Activities: Students Allied for Freedom and Equality, Arab Student Association
- Favorite Food: Lasagna
- Favorite Quotation:
- Email: ajdalack@umich.edu
- Felix Lopez
Major & year: History–Sophomore- Activities: Fighting Obstacles Knowing Ultimate Success (F.O.K.U.S), Latino Student Organization (LSO), and Model United Nations.
- Favorite Food: Mofongo with Shrimp (Caribbean culinary dish made with mashed plantains)
- Favorite Quotation:
- Email: fglopez@umich.edu
- Jessica Condelee
Activities: Minority Peer Adviser (South Quadrangle), Intellectual Minds Making A Difference (IMMAD), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Nu Chapter.- Favorite Food: Sushi, Chicken Adobe, Rice, Oatmeal, Tomatoes
- Favorite Quotation:
- Email: jesconde@umich.edu
- Brittany Smith
- Major & year: Political Science and American Culture-Sophomore
- Activities: : North American Summer Service Team (NAAST) and The Michigan Daily
- Favorite Food: Seafood, Fruit, and Chine Cuisine
- Email: smitbrit@umich.edu
- Unmesh Lal
Resident Staff- Unmesh currently serves as the Resident Staff at the Trotter Multicultural Center. He graduated with a Bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering and is pursuing his Masters in Biomechanics at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor and is enrolled in the Executive MBA Program. Unmesh's past on-campus positions include being a Residential, Academic & Engineering Peer Advisor, International Student Orientation Leader and Summer Camp of Champions Counselor. He has been actively involved with the Biomedical Engineering Society as a former Vice-President and Treasurer. During his tenure at the University, Unmesh has interned as a Research Assistant at Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. After he graduates he is going to start work as a consultant at McKinsey & Company. His hobbies include data analysis, teaching, swimming, yoga, working out and socializing.
- Email: ulal@umich.edu
- Joel Williams
Resident Staff- Interests: School, traveling & enjoying life!
- Email: Joelwil@umich.edu
- Levester Williams
Major & year:Fine Arts–Freshman- Activities: Shipman Society, Club Volleyball, Best Buddies
- Favorite Food: caramel ice cream
- Favorite Quotation:
- Email: penguinv@umich.edu
- Ho Yan Yiu (Karen)
- Major & year:Doctor of Pharmacy–Class of 2011
- Activities: reading, jogging, laughing
- Favorite Food: salads, avocado sushi, cheerios, and pastries
- Favorite Quotation:
- Email: hyyiu@umich.edu
- Ryan McKee
- Marjor & Year: Senior Chemical Engineering
- Activities: Involved with Theta Tau Fraternity and Student Alliance of Gay Engineers. Ryan also enjoys martial arts, video games, and camping.
- Email:ryakee@umich.edu
- Bea Hinton
- Email:lizzyann@umich.edu
I have been unable to live an uncommitted or suspended life. I have not hesitated to declare my affiliation with an extremely unpopular cause. – Edward W. Said
Change is one thing. Acceptance is another. –Arunditi Roy in "God of Small Things"
I refuse to be reduced in my own eyes or in the eyes of others from warrior to mere victim, simply because it might render me a fraction more acceptable or less dangerous to the still complacent. – Audre Lorde
Life is not about waiting until the rain goes away, but about dancing in the rain. – Anonymous
You create your own universe as you go along.