During its Sept. 23 interest meeting, student leaders and advisers discussed Unity鈥檚 mission to celebrate diversity and advance inclusion across the communications and sport management industries.
黑料不打烊鈥檚 Unity in Communications program aims to support and unite students from underrepresented backgrounds, celebrating diversity, promoting inclusivity, and welcoming all interested students.
These objectives were the overarching theme of the organization鈥檚 general interest meeting held Sept. 23 in a second-floor classroom in Schar Hall, where faculty advisers and student leaders discussed Unity鈥檚 mission, explained the program鈥檚 impact, and answered questions from prospective members.
鈥淯nity has been a guiding light for myself and many other underrepresented students,鈥 said Taylor Scott 鈥25, a strategic communications major and president of Unity. 鈥淚t has given us a stronger sense of community and support. The real essence is that it shows students that they belong, that their presence in the communications world is impactful.鈥
Established in 2019 by the School of Communications, Unity supports students who strive to enhance diversity and inclusion in the communications and sport management industries. With support from the dean鈥檚 office, the student-run program organizes lectures, discussions and other special activities to achieve these goals.
Vanessa Bravo, the school鈥檚 new assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion and assessment and faculty adviser of Unity, and Karla Estrada Perez, Unity鈥檚 staff adviser, welcomed attendees at the informational meeting, with students learning about upcoming opportunities over dinner.
During her introduction, Bravo said she wanted students to know Unity was a place for everyone.
鈥淲e try to convey the message that this organization is for students to feel seen, to belong, to simply be themselves, to connect with others, and to build social networks and other support systems,鈥 she said.
Bravo said that the Covid-19 pandemic impacted Unity鈥檚 programming and growth, and the organization is still rebounding. With that in mind, student leaders and advisers plan to focus on recruitment, expand the executive board, organize engaging events open to all students, and create a long-term sustainability plan.
The expectation is that through special events, meetings and everyday conversations, Unity members will enhance leadership skills and grow professionally, while finding a supportive community from all backgrounds. Additionally, upperclassmen are expected to mentor younger students, providing guidance and direction on how to overcome obstacles and hardships.
At the interest meeting, one attendee suggested that the organization have dedicated space where members can visit throughout the day and bond with one another. This informal setting would allow for not just academic conversations, but also foster deeper connections through shared interests, hobbies and backgrounds.
鈥淚 wanted to be in a space where I felt seen and heard, and that is what Unity provided for me,鈥 Scott said.
Interested in learning more about Unity in Communications? Email Bravo at vbravo@elon.edu or Estrada Perez at kestradaperez@elon.edu.