J Robinson (she/her/hers/they/them/theirs) is an MTA student on the individualized track. J is originally from Florida but has lived several places before coming to DC (South Korea and New York City to name a few!). She hold a graduate degree from New York University in Environmental Conservation Education and this Fall 2020 will be her final semester at GWU.
What are you doing this summer, taking any classes?
I decided not to take summer courses because I have a hard time focusing online. My learning style thrives in person-to-person learning, so I look forward to getting back on campus this August. Currently I am in the process of designing my Social Justice and Equity training software prototype for hospitality and banking institutions. The trainings provided by these institutions do not dig deep into the issues, history, and foundations of diversity and inclusion. It is imperative that training allows people to have the skills to contribute to equitable and just work environments. I hope my training software can fill that gap and address these needs.
As an active participant in GW diversity and inclusion programs, what is the major contribution you made to the program?
I try to lead a life that empowers BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. I have led three workshops on campus that were both very fun. One workshop was a part of the Be Bold: Learning. Unlearning. Relearning. - 5th Annual Diversity Summit. The workshop was Navigating Through Challenging Spaces as Your Authentic Self: Tools to Feel Empowered When Encountering Ignorance. I felt it was something necessary to speak on as a person who encounters challenges daily because I am a Black queer person. Hearing from several participants after the workshop was the highlight of the session. They thanked me for providing tools for empowerment and felt confident at speaking up against problematic situations. Hearing feedback like that melts my heart.
For your final semester at GW, what is your plan for supporting GW diversity and inclusion program?
Recently the world is realizing the reality of the racism in this country, but for many of us this has been our everyday since we were born. I will strive to continue to create and lead sessions that actively fuels ways in which people can be anti-racist, anti-homophobic, anti-problematic, and non-anti-black. It is everyone’s job to ask themselves: "what can I do not fuel the problem?"..
