proFmagazine Spring 2018

unapologetically intelligent and seriously cool www.profmagazine.com Spring 2019

The

PORTRAIT Issue A publication by, for and about Feminists in higher education.

C ontents Letter from the Editors 2

A Portrait of Pickles Lee 3 A Portrait of Brittney Johnson 6 My Animation Experiences

by Catelyn Flack 9 Thrifty and Stylish A proF Photoshoot 11 A Portrait of Meta Carstarphen 13 A Portrait of Mauve Shelly Kay 16 A Portrait of Crystal Perkins Carter 19 A Portrait of Mukarram Lillard 23 A Portrait of Crystal Garcia 25 A Portrait of Sydne Gray 29 A Portrait of Munashe Mataranyika 32 A Portrait of Lupita González 34 Cover photo and portraits by Shevaun Williams proFmagazine, PO Box 2519, Norman, OK 73070 Advertising: advertise@profmagazine.com Contact: contact@profmagazine.com www.profmagazine.com

Dearest Friends, We are delighted to unveil the third print issue of proFmagazine – and our first Portrait Issue!! This special volume features written and photographic portraits of some amazing members of the University of Oklahoma community. Individually they are fierce, funny, fabulous, brilliant, dedicated and gorgeous.

Collectively they are nothing short of a force — and a reflection of the beautiful diversity in our community.

The proFmagazine team has been so honored to highlight, amplify and magnify the role of women and feminists on campuses across the country and around the world over the past three years. And we couldn’t be more excited about continuing this work well into the future. But, if you are asking #whyproF, let us tell you.

As a creative project, we are committed to making #CampusWomen, #CampusFeminists and all members of our diverse campus communities more visible. We salute and celebrate principles of inclusivity and equity, and in the process challenge the current status quo in higher education — an institution that was built for and remains dominated by white men.

In response, we are building solidarity through education, empowerment, creativity, service and advocacy. We have a purpose that is very clear in all that we do, as we seek to champion the entire university community. proFmagazine and our creative work is just one of many vehicles for living our why, and we look forward to that expanding in the coming weeks and months as we launch an umbrella organization called proFUniversal. proFUniversal will build on the success of proFmagazine by providing safe working and meeting spaces near campus. proFU will organize and host workshops and events that support diversity, inclusivity and equity in higher education and beyond. proFU will provide empowermentoring, advocacy and advising services for anyone who faces challenges, difficulties and obstacles in the higher education space — as well as for anyone wishing to reach new heights professionally and personally. proFU will continue its creative work with proFmagazine, but will offer a range of other creative outlets as well. And proFU will engage in higher education research and monitoring in an effort to enhance the creation and dissemination of knowledge about university operations and actions, facilitate transparency and trust within the university community, and hold the university and its leadership accountable as a public institution.

We are so excited about these new and upcoming endeavors, and we invite you to join us!! More information will be coming soon at www.proFUniversal.com. There will be space for all honest people of high integrity who are vigilant every day in support of diversity, inclusivity, equity and respect. Together we will work to make this happen — and without a doubt, the sky is the limit!!

We hope you’ll enjoy this issue and its portraits of incredible and powerful individuals. Get ready to be blown away — and get ready for what is to come…

Much love and deep respect from the proFmagazine team! xoxo….

Suzette Jacque Maura Melanie

Founding Editor/Publisher Digital Editor/Creative Director Senior Blog Editor/Arts & Culture Editor Contributing Editor

Lauren Audra Devin Neira

Financial Manager/Contributor Social Media Manager Student Editor/Contributor Contributor

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WANT TO BE SOCIALLY ACTIVE? Then LISTEN, LISTEN,

LISTEN

A Portrait of Pickles Lee BY SUZETTE GRILLOT One of the things I love most about working with proFmagazine is how it connects #CampusWomen together in a way that would not normally happen. I met Pickles precisely in this way. Given their work on FORUM Magazine — a social justice publication at the University of Oklahoma — a common friend and colleague put Pickles and me in touch. Soon after our initial contact I visited with the FORUM editors to chat about our common interests and how to make the most of our respective publications. But things got really real when Pickles was involved in the Rally to End Racism, and we wept and hugged as that painful experience played out for all of us. Pickles is truly gifted and deeply committed to humanity, and for that reason, among many others, we are delighted to feature them here. Their inspiring story is one that we all need to hear — and indeed, that means we must all listen.

Where do you call home?

Home for me is Fresno, California. Fun fact: it is also one of the most densely populated Hmong American cities in the United States. Fresno just has so much important history to me and my family because it was the first U.S. city they’ve lived in and I guess me too, because I was born there. I do not claim to know how difficult it was to be a refugee because I did not have that experience like my parents, but being a child of Hmong refugees

is such a unique experience and that’s the best and worst of times. Not many people know who we (Hmong) are, and that makes day-to-day living so challenging when you are a minority within a marginalized identity. We make it work, though.

Would you mind telling us about your name(s)?

Funny story: as of right now I have four names, and it trips up everybody. My given American name, from my parents, is Kianna.

My dad actually told me he named me this because he saw this name in the newspaper, and Kianna was a writer and had just won an award. He had hopes that I would be successful as well, whatever that may mean, so he gave me that name. Shout out to my dad for being thoughtful with this naming process! My given Hmong name is Maikia, which is a common name for a perceived Hmong girl, nothing special.

The real kicker is my chosen names, Pickles and Dib Qaub.

Pickles was actually a nickname given to me by my fourth-grade teacher, Mr. Workman, and I’ve gone by it ever since. It has really cultivated my identity and allowed me to be comfortable in my own skin, which is why I prefer people to call me that. Dib Qaub (butchered pronunciation is Dee-Cow) was actually something I thought of on the fly after someone told me they would not call me Pickles because “it’s not a real name.” I thought that was

kind of silly, because if you boil it down, a name is just a noise you make to get a specific person’s attention. But like, whatever.

A thought just dawned on me like, yeah, I’m bilingual I can use this to my advantage. And then bam, I can call myself Pickles in Hmong. Dib Qaub literally translates to “cucumber sour” in Hmong, so whenever someone refuses to call me Pickles and calls me Dib Qaub instead, they are saying the same thing, but in very butchered Hmong.

What year are you at OU and what are you studying?

I am currently a sophomore and I am double-majoring in Women and Gender Studies and Public Administration. I guess I never really chose these majors; it’s just something that was inevitable. Before, I only thought that college existed for STEM majors because that’s what you see as a low-income kid. You get this belief that you come to college to alleviate yourselves out of poverty and climb the social ladder, so you do not contribute to your family’s generational poverty. It doesn’t work like that though, at all. Big myth.

I’m always having people tell me, “Your majors are so useless you are not going to make money when you graduate,” but that’s silly to me. Like, are you going to make money? In this economy? Let’s face it, we’re both going to be broke and owe tremendous amounts of debts when we get out; don’t get on your high horse. I’m not trying to say money doesn’t matter, because it does. We operate in a capitalist society and we need money to survive.

I am actually editor-in-chief for FORUM magazine. It’s a magazine run by various marginalized identities for other people sharing those same identities. Like, I am a non-binary, queer, second-generation Hmong American student attending higher education, and I hope that maybe one day a Hmong American student who goes to OU and might share my other identities picks this up and goes, “Woah. I’m not the only one in this mess.” So as a magazine, we aim for printing two issues a semester. Of course I want more, but we’re a small team and we work with what we’ve got. We really thrive on the submissions of stories, art, poems, etc. from other marginalized students on campus. In a way it’s an alternative collective form of telling our stories and the way we experience campus that other white students will never experience. As editor-in-chief, I’m hoping to make FORUM more of a place where people feel comfortable, just to like hang out in our office or whatever, but I understand that finding your own community is a journey on this campus and one size does not fit all.

I think what really motivated me was seeing the impact FORUM had on other people. The first issue I ever worked on and released was one on Project Threshold, and that place means so much to me, but it was also great reading everyone’s story and how much Project Threshold impacted them.

But my point is I’ve always been thrust into these kinds of work (activism, social justice), and it’s kind of hard not to be when you’re marginalized. By doing this work, I feel like in a way I’m giving back to my own communities by telling their stories, doing research to understand us, etc.

When will you graduate and what do you plan to do after?

If all goes well, I’ll graduate in 2021, but if not then we’re looking at 2022, because I want to do an accelerated graduate program. Honestly, I just want to take a fat nap after graduation. But some goals of mine include interning at the capitol with the LGBTQ caucus. I might move away to Minnesota to be closer to a Hmong American demographic and continue organizing work there, but who knows really. Things can change so much in three years.

As a student you have been very active in FORUM Magazine. Can you tell us a bit about this project? What motivates you to work on FORUM?

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Not many people knew that, but the issue really put into perspective of why people held this place dear and also garnered a sense of community. That’s when I really realized that, hey, this is an organization capable of doing powerful and transformative work. Stories are so amazing and powerful, and I am glad to be in this position where I can share them with others through FORUM publications.

What are some of the most important social justice issues you are focused on and why?

I think it’s really hard to just focus on one issue when you realize all these issues intertwine with one another.

You may think, oh I’m only LGBTQ+ focused, but what about LGBTQ+ people of color, what about the harms of this and that, etc.? Obviously, I’ve heard “pick your battles,” referring to focusing your energy onto a cause you really care about, but it’s really hard to pick battles when all of them are just really one big old battle. You can’t really choose, I guess, either way you’re fighting for everyone or you’re not.

What do you recommend for anyone who would like to become more socially active?

Know the communities you are advocating for and actually talk with them. You don’t understand how many times I’ve faced people who sound really good in text, but have no idea how to apply what they know to communities they advocate for, because they have never once made the initiative to get to know that community. Also, listen. Listen, listen, listen. I cannot stress this enough, because sometimes what you may think is correct is actually harming a community. There’s no time for you to play victim. Don’t take getting called out as a personal attack; listen to why you got called out and be better.

What do you do for fun — to relax and take a break?

At this point in my life, I don’t think I take breaks anymore, I just procrastinate to the point I think I’m taking a break.

But in all honesty, I love to read. That’s like, so clichéd, but I love to read literary criticism, books, comic books, magazines. I just wish I had more time to do that. I also love to play video games, which I’m glad I don’t have time to do because my entire life would just be engulfed in me playing video games.

What is your number one piece of advice for future university students?

Eat — and I cannot stress this enough — your vegetables.

Trust me, it’ll benefit you and you will thank me. I’m not saying be like a gym rat and health nut, but sometimes your body just needs spinach in it to help you function and not be sluggish. Also, sleep is an important thing.

I’m still working on this, but it’s a work in progress. We’re not perfect. F

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The Importance of A Portrait of Brittney Johnson

BY MAURA MCANDREW

I’ve known Brittney Johnson since 2014, when I first began working as an academic advisor for first-year students in University College at OU. From the beginning, I was inspired by how seriously Brittney took her work as an advisor, her commitment to her students and her willingness to speak up on behalf of the staff.

Like many staff positions, advising can be somewhat misunderstood, even invisible, in the larger context of the university. Advisors don’t fit comfortably into one mold: they’re not teachers and not counselors, but the work they do with students straddles academics, financial issues, mental health — you name it. The relationship between first-year advisors and students can be a crucial one: their advisor is often the first person the meet one-on-one in the university setting, and becomes a trusted figure they can come to for advice during that stressful first year.

Now a senior advisor, Brittney has been with University College for seven years. She agreed to share her insights with proF about the role of the advisor in the university, her own experiences as a female staff member at OU, and the current challenges facing both her profession and the university as a whole.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to OU? I was born and raised in Beggs, Oklahoma, which is about 30 miles south of Tulsa. It’s a very small, rural town, with a population of 1,200. So my first year coming to OU as a freshman, it was a bit of an adjustment. My first class at OU was Intro to Psychology, which has 550 students, and so I remember walking in like, “Okay, this is about half my town” [laughs]. I’m the youngest of five, I have three sisters and a brother, and my mom is a single mom; my dad wasn’t involved at all. My mom is a nurse, and she

definitely had a big impact on my life.

I came to OU mostly because my older sister went to OU, and I was a big OU fan. I didn’t apply to any other schools.

Did you always know you wanted to work in higher ed? How did you end up becoming an advisor?

Freshman year, I was a psychology major.

I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with that, but I thought about counseling psychology, like being a high school counselor or being a sports psychologist. I settled on advising through my roommate freshman year, actually. I was helping her

with her spring schedule, and she said, “Have you ever thought about being an advisor?” I said no, and she said, “You should look into that.” So I spoke to my advisor at the time, Janel — who is my current boss — and I just asked her a bunch of questions about advising.

Then as a senior, I spoke to my Arts & Sciences advisor, Josh Lind, and he said “You should go on and get your master’s in either higher education or human relations.”

What interested you in psychology in the first place? Did you take a course in high school?

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she said I could interview to be a summer advisor. So that was my first experience in advising. And in my second year of grad school I got hired on full time in University College, and I was still finishing up. So I was full-time student, working full time.

That year was something else! It was kind of a blur.

What do you see as the advisor’s role at the university? Why is advising important to the university as a whole?

Well, I’ve only been a freshman advisor, and I believe freshman advisors are extremely important because that freshman year is such a transitional time for students. They’re used to high school and having parents involved, doing everything for them, and then they come to college and they really have to learn how to be independent. Most high schools don’t prepare students for college, especially in Oklahoma. And so freshman year is such an adjustment for them academically, socially, financially — a lot of students are surprised by the cost of college as a whole. The role of an advisor, essentially, is to be there for the student. I tell students over the summer, at New Sooner Orientation: “Just so you know, I’m here to help you. I’m here to guide you through your first year. Beyond that, it’s to make sure the courses you’re taking are appropriate for your major, and that your major is suited to you, and to help you manage what’s going on with your life and other obligations.”

No, I didn’t. In Beggs, there are not a lot of opportunities. But my first semester Intro to Psychology was taught by my current dean, Nicole Campbell. She is such a great educator; you can tell that’s her passion. And she really pulls you in, even in a big class. I just really liked the psychology material, and I would call my mom every day, updating her about what I learned. Later on, I realized that I liked sociology courses more, because sociology is looking more at how we interact and social change. But that was junior year, and I was almost done. So I just kept with psychology and minored in sociology.

I really loved my master’s program. I had great faculty — Dr. Dancy and Dr. Pasque, who are not at the university anymore, but they were great influences on me for sure. During my master’s in higher ed, I was a graduate assistant for athletics. I started as a tutor during undergrad, and then I was approached by some individuals in athletics about the graduate assistantship. I didn’t even know about assistantships, and I was like, “Sure, I’ll apply!” It was a sweet deal: you get your tuition waved, health insurance, tickets to football and basketball games, a monthly stipend — I was like, “Oh, thank God I got this” [laughs].

After graduation, you began your master’s in higher ed, correct? What was graduate school like, and how did you begin advising for UC?

I did that for my first year of grad school, and I was also a summer advisor for University College. I had reached out to Janel and asked if there were any ways I could get involved with advising, and in May of my first year of grad school,

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What is your favorite thing about being an advisor, and what are some memorable experiences you have had?

I love when a student comes in so stressed, anxious, maybe near tears, and I can just calm them down. A lot of times people just need to vent and get out their frustrations and concerns, and then I can give them some guidance and peace. One of my favorite moments was with a student who was totally undecided on her major going into sophomore year.

I said, “Tell me, what is your dream job?”

And she summed it up as working with the ACLU. And I said, “Great, have you looked into human relations, women’s and gender studies, a social justice minor?” She was like, “What? I thought I had to do political science!” And so we looked at the options and all the free electives she could take. She had been ready to leave the university. But with that

information, she felt at peace. That’s my favorite part of being an advisor: when I can help them solve some issues and maybe think of something they haven’t thought of before.

We also have students with some severe stories. One of my standout stories is a student who was with University College for three years, she was a health major, and she was not progressing well. I finally asked her, “What is really at the root of this?” She said, “My parents are in and out of jail for drugs, and my sister and I have to care for them, and it’s just a lot.” I said yes, that is a lot. So we maybe spend time focusing on family, and school can be another option later.

My role was helping her realize that she was not progressing with any degree at all because she was devoting her time to her family, which is understandable. We also have a lot of students who deal with mental illness or maybe sexual assault, and we work with them and obviously refer them to the appropriate resources.

So those students stand out, too.

It seems like as an advisor, you’re one of the few people they know that they can trust to be impartial, right?

Yes, exactly. It can be difficult going to your RA, who’s more of a peer, and then professors can be intimidating at times.

So it can be a good place to turn to. It can be a safe haven for them.

How do you feel advising is viewed in the university? Do you feel that the role of the advisor is perhaps minimized or undervalued in the eyes of the administration?

Yes. I think it is more that in the state of Oklahoma, education is not always a priority. And we see that with teachers’ pay at the high school level, and respect for teachers in general. We kind of see that as advisors. Sometimes people don’t understand the importance of advising, and sometimes they just don’t understand what we do. I think just observing and having a conversation with us about what we do, what we see, what we have to deal with, would help. I think advising is no longer looked at as a professional role, but more like we’re just “assistants.”

So it’s viewed more like a student job?

Yes, exactly. Like, “anyone can do that

job.” But most advising jobs require a bachelor’s degree and many require a master’s. You see that attitude reflected in our pay. And there’s little room in terms of career ladder. You start with Advisor I, you might be able to move up to senior advisor, which is Advisor II, and beyond that there’s only director — not everyone wants to be director of advising, and there are not a lot of positions.

Do you feel like this undervaluing of advising has anything to do with it being a female-dominated profession?

Absolutely. A lot of it is expectations.

We’ll get a call: “Do this, right now.”

But we have 300 students per advisor. I do believe that it’s because it’s a heavily female-dominated field. I think that’s reflective of our society in general.

Female-dominated roles — teachers, nurses, advisors — are not as valued, not as respected, not paid the same.

What do you see then as the biggest challenges facing advising at OU, especially in University College?

I think number one is our workload.

In University College, there are two directors and 12 advisors. The 12 advisors have about 300 students each, and that’s just a lot for any person. But also, as I mentioned earlier, the lack of career ladder, the lack of pay, those types of things. And there are a lot of changes from higher administration put on us on top of advising our 300 students. I had this conversation with my director a couple of weeks ago: it’s one thing to see 300 students in a semester. But when I have this, and this, and this, and this put on me as well, it’s a lot. And I still only get paid what a high school teacher in Oklahoma gets paid — not enough. I think it’s primarily that higher administration doesn’t understand what we do. That’s what I stressed to my director. She said, “We’re trying to do what’s best for the university, and what higher administration wants, and what the deans want.” And I said, “Yes, but the voice that’s lost in this is the advisor’s voice.” No one asks the advisors’ opinion or if we have other solutions to these issues. It’s just expected: do this, do it immediately and do it well.

What higher administration sees is that advisors are sort of like babysitters, or like a second mom to the student, and that gets really frustrating because I do

see myself as a professional. We have expertise, and you should seek out our opinions. It doesn’t matter what job you have; you want to know your voice is being heard, and that you’re valued and appreciated. A lot of times, this university misses on that.

As a staff person and a woman of color, how do you feel about the current state of OU? It’s a rocky time.

What I always say about OU is that we take a step forward, and we take two steps back. And that step forward is often reactive instead of actually trying to implement change. When we see an issue we put a Band-Aid on it, rather than address the wound: why is it here? Yes, there have been some changes in the university, but I wonder how much of that is for publicity, rather than actually wanting to implement real change. Higher administration has to take the time to listen to students, faculty and staff, because there’s a lot of information they may not have. Just have a conversation, hear people’s reallife experiences and what they’ve been through on this campus. It starts there, and it starts with curriculum changes and hiring practices.

With women in higher education, especially in Oklahoma, I think we have a LOT of work to do. It hasn’t been talked about much, from what I can tell. We know there’s a pay gap, we know we need more women faculty in STEM, etc., but what are we actually doing about it?

We need to bring more awareness to that and try to create actual change.

For me, as a black woman who went to this university and who works for this university, I just want people to be genuine and not so reactive. And it does take time. But it can’t just be a statement here and there. It also can’t be tokenism, like, “We’re going to put a black person in this role and that role.” That’s nice, but what are we doing to hire these people?

Is it meant to be inclusive? I do see a lot of changes on campus. I wish it was a little bit faster, but I have to have hope that eventually things will be in a good place. Because if I don’t believe that as a staff member, how can I tell that to a student across the table? F

My Animation Experiences Catelyn Flack

When I was in art school, I was exposed to so many different kinds of people from varies races, genders and sexualities who were passionate about art. During my four years, I volunteered for senior animation thesis projects, where the goal was to assemble an animation team for a senior student and work with them as an industry professional would. I was a layout artist, and in constant communication with my head directors. This taught me so much about how to be a team player and how important it is to be on the same page as the director.

I was pleasantly surprised that a majority of animators, storyboard artists, and directors were women and minorities like myself. I hope that these animation powerhouses that I had the pleasure of working for help change the animation industry so that it is more inclusive. Animation is a team effort, and there is no reason why it can’t be as inclusive and diverse as the world around us. F

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Thrifty and Stylish: A proF Photoshoot at Donate a Miracle

BY DEVIN HIETT AND AUDRA BRULC PHOTOS BY KATIE TILLEY Lyz Farrar founded the charitable Norman thrift store, Donate a Miracle Thrift Store & Boutique, in 2012 as way to help feed, clothe and give back to those in need.

She is particularly focused on helping elderly members of the Norman community, as she feels this is an often overlooked demographic.

Farrar set up her business to have two components: half of the store functions like a regular business, but the profits are used to finance her charity, Saks Outreach, which donates supplies such as toilet paper, shampoo and deodorant to the elderly.

Most of the items available for purchase inside Donate a Miracle have been donated.

“We’ll do whatever we can to help people, and if I don’t have what they need, I send them somewhere that I know might have it,” Farrar said. “We don’t let anybody walk out of this store [without] help.”

Once people donate items to the store, Farrar sells them and uses the profits to finance the nonprofit side of the business so she can donate clothes, food and other necessities to the elderly, homeless and others in need. Farrar partners with local charities and organizations including the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Central Oklahoma Community Mental Health Center.

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If you’re in Norman and want to check out Donate a Miracle Thrift Store & Boutique, it is located at 315 Alameda St. The store is open from noon to 7 p.m. on Monday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday and is closed Sunday. There is a box placed in front of the store where visitors can leave donations.

DEVIN’S THRIFT STYLE Personally, I’ve always loved thrift shopping. As a consumer, you feel like you’re making a more ethical choice than shopping at large chain retail stores, and you also save a ton of money! I’ve recently been trying to build my professional wardrobe and have found chic, stylish name-brand pieces for less than $10 at thrift stores in cities across the Midwest. My favorite so far is the electric blue blazer I wore in our photo shoot, which only cost me $3 at Kulture thrift store in Kansas City.

When in Kansas City, I also visited a nonprofit thrift store called Do Good. It has more expensive items than a regular thrift store, but each piece has been dry cleaned and pressed, and all of the profits go to a local charity that helps animals. That’s where I bought the red-and-green-striped puffy pants from the shoot. This was the most expensive item I wore, but still a bargain at $20.

AUDRA’S THRIFT STYLE As a plus sized person, shopping at thrift stores can sometimes be difficult. What’s available might be picked over — after all, wearing “larger” sizes is now the norm — and I don’t have the luxury of experimenting with oversized clothes like some of my smaller friends. When I find something that works, though, it feels like I hit the jackpot. For this shoot, I tried to incorporate a thrifted item into every outfit. (The colorblock sweater was an especially fun pick; I grabbed it at a vintage store in Oklahoma City a few years ago.) I am privileged enough to frequently buy things new when I need them, but thrifting to me represents a return to mindfulness and sustainability.

Items like clothing and housewares often have a life far beyond our whims, and thrifting is one of the best ways to minimize our constant consumption of material goods.

Checking out local thrift stores is one of my favorite things to do when traveling to new cities. There’s so much variance from city to city in the sorts of things you can find, and it feels like you’re building a unique wardrobe that serves as a reminder of all the places you’ve been. I got a pinstriped blazer at ARES Thrift Store in Boulder, Colorado for $7, and every time I wear it, I’m reminded of one of my favorite trips and places I’ve ever been. Plus, you can almost always find a T-shirt with the name of the city and state you’re in that costs way less than what you would pay buying a souvenir T-shirt from a retail store.

Kathryn Tilley is a photographer and writer residing in Norman.

She is currently studying Women’s and Gender Studies at OU. She is a proud feminist and is passionate about social justice and the subversive power of art. More of her work can be viewed @kathryne_tilley and kathryntilley.com.

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“A Woman with Seasoning” A Portrait of Meta Carstarphen, Ph.D., APR

BY SUZETTE GRILLOT

I have known Meta Carstarphen, Gaylord Professor of Strategic Communication at the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, since the mid2000s, when we both served as Faculty-inResidence on the OU campus. I lived at the Kraettli apartments and she lived in the Couch residence hall, but we crossed paths regularly at events and at Couch Restaurants.

Over the years we have engaged regularly at various academic events and activities, but it is Meta’s friendship and sound advice that has drawn me to her for years. She simply has a spark that exudes tremendous warmth and encouragement. I think you will see here that Meta’s life and career is nothing short of impressive — and she is undoubtedly what she claims everyone should be: priceless and unique.

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Can you tell us a little bit about your background?

I grew up in Philadelphia and that is my home. My parents, Birdell and John, moved from the deep South. They were part of that larger migration story for so many African American families in the middle half of the 20th century who felt constrained by what they saw as limited opportunities for African Americans. So they moved to a completely new environment to raise a family that included me and my two brothers. The oldest, John, is an award-winning independent filmmaker. Adlai has a degree in architecture and has spent most of his career helping to manage the construction and inspection of major commercial projects.

My parents both earned college degrees. My mother had a master’s in Social Work in addition to her BA. And my mother’s mom earned the highest level of education that was available to her, and taught elementary school at some point in her life. She and my grandfather, Moses, raised seven children and between her occasional work as a teacher, her main vocation was “first lady” of the church where Granddad Moses was a prominent pastor. My father was part of a family of 11. Many of his siblings earned college and advanced degrees. And while he was not a pastor, he had brothers (and a sister) who were leaders of various religious congregations and communities.

I explain this extended chronology to show that education, community and faith have been huge parts of my heritage. I am a second-generation college graduate and a third-generation educator. And by virtue of my family’s leadership in churches, I come from a tradition that values community engagement and understands it to be a powerful venue for change.

What about your professional background — what did you study and where did you work before coming to the University of Oklahoma?

It seems I’ve been in a hurry much of my life. I loved school, skipped two grades, and ended up a college freshman at 16. My undergraduate degree is from Temple University in Philadelphia, where I studied both Journalism and Radio-TVFilm, which were two separate programs. I had the best of two worlds in the sense that I could develop my lifelong love of writing, as well as explore the power of visual and audio media. I got my first job in marketing and sales at a leading radio station in Philadelphia even before I graduated. Like most undergraduates, I was anxious to break out of the school routine and work. While I loved my work, I found that there was still something about academia that tugged at me. I went back to school to earn my MA in English and PhD in Rhetoric from Texas Woman’s University in Denton. I had moved to Texas to participate in a publishing institute at Rice University in Houston, I was offered a job with a local newspaper and I stayed. I later married, had a son, and soon after moved to Denton and began my graduate studies. TWU, as an historically female university, provided an amazing experience for me where I got to see women in academic leadership and in the professorate, in ways that I had not seen before.

Can you tell us more about your research and what you call “the intentional use of mediated communication to create transformative, collaborative and diversified social change”?

Media are powerful vehicles of ideas, creativity and commerce.

Although I had initially imagined myself as a journalist, I found my way professionally into public relations by accident. I had a professional colleague when I was in Houston who was trying to get media to pay attention to his business. My coaxing, guidance and ability to write news releases got him attention from print media and a couple of local morning television shows.

But I learned it was not easy for others to see these connections.

From that point on, I really embraced my role of being that voice who could help “translate” and “amplify” good works with good strategies and relationships with media. This is what being a part of the Public Relations profession means to me — that all of us can be part of something larger than ourselves.

In my teaching, writing and research, I really embrace the notion that strategic, intentional use of media can change the way we see something, can bring people together, and through those alliances inspire people to work for change. I have over the years worked quietly and behind-the-scenes helping not-forprofit groups, agencies and organizations use media in this way.

You spent some time in higher education administration.

What are some of the primary opportunities and challenges you faced in this phase of your career?

I have loved my opportunities to lead, whether as head of national groups, such as the Minorities and Communication Division and our organization for journalism and mass communication educators, or in specific roles on campus. At OU, I’ve served as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Graduate Director at Gaylord College. I am amazed sometimes at how many milestones I was able to either innovate or implement during this time. This included creating the first fee structure that allowed us to keep state-of-the art technology available for our students, negotiating the first Memorandum of Understanding between OU and the Native American Journalists Association, overseeing the recruitment and evaluation of a growing number of diverse faculty, lobbying for the creation of a student-run PR/Ad agency and increasing the enrollment and diversity of graduate students in our program. I’ve been blessed to work with amazing leaders who were willing to give me space to tackle new ideas, colleagues who trusted me with their ideas and frustrations and administrative staff who shared my pride in being able to make things better for our students.

My greatest challenge has been to find that balance between being a catalyst for enlarging the conversation and the forward action around diversity, and the structural realities. I am an unabashed, unapologetic advocate for “difference” in the room. But I want to engage in a more nuanced conversation and exchange about diversity and inclusion that doesn’t always sound like misguided missionary work. You know, as in “we” must go “there” to help “them” become more like “us.” There is an entire world of diversity encounters that could become very meaningful “exchange” relationships where everyone has value, and everyone profits from such alliances. In my zeal for these ideas, I can sometimes imagine outcomes that others may not see or be ready to entertain. So I have learned to exercise my right to be silent as much as I take pride in my agency to speak up and speak out.

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In my profession, journalism, we often point to the very accomplished among us as “veteran” or “seasoned.” Neither of these terms speak to who I am, or at least, to how I see myself. I am, instead, a woman with seasoning. I can be spicy and hot; cool and refreshing; sweet and sour. I reserve the agency to use voice or withhold it, to season my words and actions with the flavors that my lived experiences have baked into me. And whether these qualities fit or do not fit into pre-designed career roles is of less importance to me. I will do me.

What do you think is the primary challenge that most women face in academia?

I would say it is the “idea” of choice as we often discuss it in academia. It is tempting, for instance, to talk about the choice we all seem to have to be devoted to teaching, or research, or administration, or some combination of these three.

But is it really a choice? Who gets to stay and participate fully in these arenas and who doesn’t are not always about individual agency. A lot of the time, and more often than not for women than men, the ability to choose depends mightily upon who gets invited to the conversation.

And who gets invited to share power. Do you ever wonder, as sometimes I do, where are the women with “seasoning” in academia? Are women getting invited and encouraged to stay and to help enlarge the power circle with their presence? Or are they being dis-invited, either through visible barriers or less visible ones, like harassment, isolation, a lack of equity in pay or position, and in so many other ways that almost cannot be named because they are so ethereal.

Earlier, I spoke about my parents and the choices they made to move from the South to the North for better opportunities. But what is a choice, really, when it is between the intolerable and the unknown?

You have also focused on Native American newspapers in the 19th century. What can you tell us about your findings?

My research focus on Native/American Indian media has invited me to think comparatively about the experiences of voice and representation between these 15 PROFMAGAZINE

media and African-American media, specifically. I actually began this scholarly investigation with a special section in the Howard Journal of Communications and an essay, “The Binary of Meaning: Native/American Indian Media in the 21st Century.” This led to my book, American Indians and the Mass Media (OU Press).

As I began to consider the problems of stereotypes and misrepresentation for Native Americans in the mass media, I learned that there were quite a number of robust, influential Native/American Indian newspapers in the so-called unassigned territorial lands here in what eventually, in 1907, became the state of Oklahoma.

My current book project-in-development examines 19th-century Native American newspapers in conjunction with AfricanAmerican newspapers that emerged in the last two decades of the 19th century. By contrast and comparison, I’ve identified three themes that both united these collective communities and nations as well as put them in opposition to each other. Stay tuned!

You worked for a trade magazine focused on the jewelry industry. What drew you to this industry and the work you did for JC-K? I lucked out when I got a job early in my writing career as a national reporter and then editor for a jewelry trade magazine.

The company I worked for was a major publisher of magazines for “insiders” connected to a specific trade, or business.

Someone referred me to the opening, I applied and they hired me. This was my next job after the radio station and I loved the topics, the writing, the travel involved. But I developed skills in feature writing and investigative reporting there.

While I was there, our editor-in chief challenged the staff to do a first-time report on discrimination in the jewelry industry. Our work won national awards.

We followed that up with an in-depth look at the effects of digital technology on the watch industry, and won more awards. It was a great time in my journalism career that showed me what can happen when gutsy leadership encourages a team to work hard and try something that has not be done before.

Currently, I am the editor of a national journal, Communication Booknotes Quarterly (Taylor & Francis), and I use every bit of my professional experiences in writing, public relations and editing to manage this gem of a publication. I get

to work with publishers and reviewers throughout the media, communication and journalism fields who become part of this larger conversation about ideas, history and trends by sharing their thoughts in reviews.

You are one of the very few Black women in your field at OU. How does this influence the work you do and your professional experiences?

So far, I am the first and only tenured woman of color in the Gaylord College, and one of a handful (we’ve counted ourselves!) of African-American women who are full professors. I am powerfully motivated to keep up the encouragement to hire more, to mentor more, and to argue that we are “valueadded” to the academic enterprise. At the same time, I am painfully aware that I, like others, are constantly invited to join, participate, show up, volunteer for, and in other visible ways, support diversity.

I am not interested in being present anywhere at any time for “show”; rather, I am interested in substance. And if any organization, institution or group wants more diversity in its ranks, the solution is simple. Hire more. Reward more. Engage more. Share more.

How do you like to spend your free time? Is there anything in particular you do to relax and recharge?

Yes! I love to watch detective stories and murder mysteries — can’t get enough of them, if they are done well. I write. I enjoy exercises like walking, high-intensity water interval classes and Pilates. My family and I love hanging out together — nothing better than good conversation, good food and laughing together. Hanging out with good girlfriends — newly acquired or long-time treasures — is always a treat.

What advice do you provide to women who are interested in higher education careers or work in strategic communication?

My advice is, simply, to go for it. If you have a vision, commitment or even an unspoken desire to become an educator or to be that strategic voice that mediates between media and organizations, go for it. And be authentically you, because in the end, that is priceless and unique.

Because you are priceless and unique. F

A Portrait of Mauve Shelly Kay

BY MELANIE ADAMS

I was introduced to Mauve Shelly Kay a couple of years ago through my partner Daniel and quickly connected with her quick-wit, sharp humor and unabashed laugh. One thing you quickly realize when meeting Mauve is her soft approach to very tough topics and how she guides these discussions with ease, but also determination. She is determined to educate and advocate for transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people to foster inclusivity. Mauve agreed to share her work on campus to influence policy, processes and reduce institutional barriers.

She shares her suggestions regarding steps needed to make improvements, as well as how cis-gender people can be a voice and join the fight on these critical issues. What follows is our conversation about her goals in moving equality and equity forward through intentionality in policy changes, and navigating the current campus climate.

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I have lived in Oklahoma since I was four years old. I grew up and went to school in Noble and have since lived in Norman, on the historical lands of the Osage and the Wichita and in the Absentee Shawnee and the Citizen Potawatomi Nations. I attended the University of Oklahoma and received my bachelor’s degree in Letters with a minor in History of Science. I loved these degrees because they allowed me to explore a wealth of subjects and look at them from an interdisciplinary perspective.

When did you begin your career at OU? I started working at OU when I was a concurrent student [high school student taking courses] in 2008. I’ve been at OU for 10+ years now! I’ve been in my current position as an administrative assistant in the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost since 2014.

As someone who has been using her voice to challenge the status quo on campus and move equality forward for transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people, what are you hoping to achieve?

I’ve been working on trans, non-binary and gender non-

conforming equality since 2016, the year I came out. As a transgender and non-binary woman and member of the University of Oklahoma community, it is important that I exercise my voice in support of trans inclusivity on campus. Through my experience as a trans woman, discussions with other transgender people on campus and dialogues with OU community members and administrators, I hope to bring awareness and facilitate change in university policies that affect trans members of the community. These policies include name change processes, health insurance coverage, bathroom access and gender inclusive housing options, among others. Institutional barriers such as these place an undue burden on trans people to learn and navigate bureaucratic systems with little to no guidance.

Two things I’ve fought for are transgender healthcare coverage and updates to university name change procedure. I fought to assure that trans staff and faculty would retain their (minimal) gender affirmation medical coverage during the switch from Blue Cross to Cigna. As late as 2015, OU would not cover any trans-related healthcare, until a former student fought for and won coverage. I authored a policy document recommending changes to OU’s convoluted, bureaucratic and frankly Kafkaesque name change procedures. When I changed my name, I had to go to five different offices on campus to update my information. I still receive emails and paperwork addressed PROFMAGAZINE 16

to my old name. I advocated for a single form name change procedure, where the individual would need to fill out one form, and the system would push this change to the multitude of databases that OU uses.

Unfortunately, while improvements were made, the university did not go so far as to implement a single form procedure.

Can you tell us what steps are needed to move LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion forward?

I believe that policies that do not actively consider the needs of trans people are not merely inconvenient; they are harmful. It is emotionally distressing to have to repeatedly assert our identities, to out ourselves in unfamiliar spaces.

These cannot continue to be matters for individual trans people to navigate on their own. There must be policy in place to secure the safety and wellbeing of transgender people at the University of Oklahoma. OU needs to take seriously the daily concerns of its LGBTQ+ students, staff, and faculty. Visibility does not pay the rent. Proclamations don’t fill prescriptions. Cis people cannot continue 17 PROFMAGAZINE

to compromise trans safety in our names, without our voices heard.

Regarding direct steps that need to be made, we need better and more affordable (read: free) healthcare services, mental healthcare and gender-neutral housing. We need a president willing to confront the deep inequalities and violence that OU was built upon. We need job security and housing security and food security. We need cis people to fight for us when we’re not in the room. We need invitations to join the discussions being had in the room. We also need payment for our labor as we teach others about these critical issues.

What are the emergent needs in OU’s transgender or non-gender binary population?

The majority of OU’s nondiscrimination policies are based on federal law and policy. As these nondiscrimination policies are stripped back by the Trump administration and the judiciary, OU needs to make clear that it will continue (or start) to protect its vulnerable populations.

Though I don’t believe, given OU’s track record recently and historically, that the institution is interested in protecting anyone other than the cis white men who lead and profit from it.

How can and should we make changes to this, so all campus community members feel like they matter?

We have to begin by acknowledging OU as a settler institution built on stolen land.

Until the lies of colonialism, the lies of the frontier tamed by whites, the western mythos of the land run and the oil boom and yes, the name “Sooners” are wrestled with by settlers (and Sooners) themselves, we will not be able to make the changes necessary to make everyone matter. Until the lies that we are progressive, we are the liberal heart of the state of Oklahoma, that liberal enlightenment is the beacon that casts out all evil are truly, truly examined, we will not be able to get past our own smugness to make changes on campus. OU is not the liberal paradise (or hell) that liberals (and conservatives) make it out to be. It is a place with deep-seated institutional and historical violence. It is

not safe. Progress, moving forward cannot be a salve to our white guilt, an absolution of our sins. We must contend with our past and our present to build a future.

I don’t just see a customer.

I see you.

How are you feeling about being a member of the OU staff in the current climate? What have your experiences been as you have become more vocal about these issues?

For nearly a year, I can’t remember a conversation at work or in my personal life that [didn’t] mention the layoffs happening at OU. Staff live in constant fear of losing their jobs, with no idea when or where the next cuts will come. Our lives have been put on hold. How are we supposed to plan our futures when we don’t know if today is the day we get fired? Staff haven’t seen cost of living raises in nearly five years. And instead of supporting us, we’re put in constant fear for our livelihoods.

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Gallogly criticizes the excess spending of the Boren administration, the unnecessary building projects and the new housing center while a building is being erected with his own name on it (Gallogly Hall). Gallogly’s vaunted financial savings are built on the backs of laid off staff, cuts to international and humanities programs, and putting vulnerable students in danger of deportation due to an unwillingness to delay bursar holds. Meanwhile he hires new vice presidents at $300k+ salaries.

Under capitalism and a complete lack of social safety nets, a job is life. Taking a job from someone puts them at risk, puts their family at risk, puts their health at risk with loss of healthcare, loss of food security, loss of housing security. And I don’t know where we’re supposed to go, as layoffs are rampant everywhere. Where are laid off workers supposed to go when the jobs are drying up in every sector?

Do you have any advice for us as we work to become a more safe and inclusive community?

Give vulnerable people money. Help us cover our healthcare costs. Help us make rent. Buy us lunch sometime! If you’re in a position of financial security (looking at you, tenured faculty and administrators) and you feel powerless against injustice, give money directly to your struggling employees. Redistribute your wealth directly rather than wait for Jim Gallogly to have an Ebenezer Scrooge change of heart. You can make this difference in people’s lives.

At proFmagazine we are focused on having fun and promoting self-care. What do you do for fun and how do you manage your self-care?

I’m a big horror movie fan and try to watch as many as I can, the grosser the better! I love to cook for people. I probably play too many video games, but they help me get out of my headspace and relax. Take me to an art museum and we’ll be friends forever. F

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While other insurance companies just see a customer, I see a neighbor in my community. I’m here to get to know who you really are so I can help life go right.

LET’S TALK TODAY.

State Farm Bloomington, IL

An Agent of HOPE, COMPASSION, EMPOWERMENT AND LOVE A Portrait of Crystal Perkins-Carter

BY SUZETTE GRILLOT

Crystal Perkins-Carter, Assistant Director of OU’s Project Threshold, and I share an affinity for many things, but we bonded most recently over our mutual interest in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In preparation for Crystal’s (and her colleague Wesley Long’s) scouting trip to Rio to create a new study abroad program for the University of Oklahoma’s Human Relations department, we spent more than two hours getting to know each other and discussing diversity issues at OU, as well as the amazing and vibrant diversity of Brazil.

Throughout this conversation, I could not have been more in awe of Crystal!

Her drive, passion, integrity, honesty and commitment to her students were truly awe-inspiring, so featuring her in this issue of #printproF was a must. Read on about Crystal’s incredible life experiences and tremendous work ethic. You will undoubtedly be just as inspired as I was!!

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Can you tell us a little bit about your background? Where you are from and what are some of your most important memories?

I am from Detroit, Michigan. Some of my most memorable times as an adolescent were spending time with my family. We loved getting together for any reason.

It could have been something as trivial as someone losing a tooth; we found a reason to connect. My grandparents instilled family, love, respect and unity in us on a daily basis. There was no “I”: in our household, we were definitely a “we,” “us,” “our” group of people.

My mom had me as a teenager, so initially my uncle and my granddad were my father figures. I remember when the movie Cooley High premiered. My uncle, who called me “Poopie,” loaded up all his children, nieces and nephews — about seven of us — and we went to the theater. I was only five. My cousin Scooter and I had to sit right next to him.

He did this so on all the kissing scenes, he could cover our eyes. I remember trying to peek through the cracks of his fingers, but somehow he always moved them tightly together to prevent me from seeing.

My mom worked hard and finished school, and in watching her become a mom that I could be proud of, I loved her to a degree that is indescribable.

The two of us grew up together, and that woman was more than just my mom: she was my mentor, my best friend, my playmate, my biggest supporter and my ROCK. She wanted me to be everything I aspired to be and more, and she pushed me and made me believe.

After she graduated from high school, at 21, she bought her first house in the suburbs. Our neighborhood was predominately white, and I can certainly say that General Motors afforded me the opportunity to grow up very middle class. Our home in Rosedale Park was very nice. I remember moving to our new neighborhood, wondering how I’d fit in. I’d come from a highly African-American area, so the dynamic difference caused me to experience some real cultural shock. Nonetheless, to keep some cultural balance, my mom enrolled me in The Beverly Varner School of Dance, where I studied ballet and tap. Being engaged in the

arts gave my family additional reasons to come together. Every practice, recital, dance competition, I would look out for my family, and they were always there in numbers. Their support meant everything to me and was by far that important ingredient within my foundation that aided in me becoming the woman I am today.

How did you come to work for Project Threshold at the University of Oklahoma?

I worked at Langston University as the assistant director of Student Support Services. One year I met Dr. Anthony Bluitt, who at the time was the director of Project Threshold. While talking, I was just sharing my passion for students, details about the community I built for the participants at LU and the success many of them were experiencing upon graduation. He was obviously impressed, because he told me he wanted me to come to OU, and he promised me that when the opportunity permitted, he was going to seek me out for a position within his office. Upon his retirement, which was two years later, he did just that, and the rest is history.

What are some of the primary opportunities and challenges you have faced in your career in higher education?

Over the past 20 years, some of the challenges for me have been trying to adequately provide students with the resources they need to continue their matriculation. We serve a high-needs population of students who come from first-generation and economically disadvantaged homes. As a result of this, some are not as academically prepared as they need to be, some have learning disabilities, many have minimal financial resources. For our students, these circumstances are very overwhelming.

Those feelings of hopelessness or selfdoubt always find a way to become the monster in the room. I am so result-oriented that I take on those disappointments and work extremely hard to find the resources they need to rejuvenate them and validate their decision to come to college.

With our program at one time being grant-funded, that has always been a factor as well, especially around grant

writing and award season. Over the years, it has always been stressful waiting on DOE (Department of Education) to send award notifications. There is always their sigh of relief when that letter comes, BUT OH . . . the year it didn’t. That was such an emotional time for me. I knew that my job was based on getting that award letter, but all I could think about were the students that I serve. My heart ached for them. Outside of the different kind of advisement style and mentorship we offer our students, we are also a family. So the thought of us not being here for them sent me into a depression that cannot be described.

The only good thing about the entire situation was that we had written two powerful grants that allowed us to get two five-year awards during a time when DOE was only giving out four-year awards. So we had two bonus years to serve our students. Sure, I thought about when I would quit, but I allowed my faith in God and my passion for my students to have the final say.

Tell us about your students and your daily work with them. What are some of the issues we need to understand about Project Threshold and the service provided to students?

Again, I serve a high-needs population of students [as described above]. We have a very diverse population of students, but many of them are from minority backgrounds and impoverished communities. Students with baggage like that already know they’re facing an uphill battle in regard to their college experience at OU. My goal from our very first encounter is to make them feel welcomed. I want them to know that in spite of the journey ahead of them, they can feel at home when they are in my office. I created “The Community” for my students, which is a group from various cohorts who have formed a family and established a pact to graduate together. My overall goal was for them to bond, hold one another accountable and leave no man behind.

Over the past four years, this group has studied together, mentored and tutored one another, shared resources, held one another accountable — even when it was unpopular to do so — and bonded as a unified body to make it to graduation together. I also have what I call “Taste PROFMAGAZINE 20

And See” moments, in which I provide my students exposure to cultural and community events that will expand their awareness. We have taken abroad trips, which created a desire for them to study abroad. I have also adopted a senior living center where 96% of their residents are wheelchair-bound.

I wanted to expose my students to the true reward of community service for the elderly. We visit them during various holidays [and] on weekends. “Taste And See” moments not only have changed the lives of my students, but mine as well.

What I would love to find are more financial opportunities that could help retain my students. At this point, I’m looking on and off campus for scholarships. I’m even looking for quality summer jobs to help them generate revenue. Otherwise, the population of students Project Threshold helps are going to deplete in number, and we serve students that deserve to be at OU based on their academic merit.

I say that with a number of students in mind, but let me give you an example. I have a student who was the recipient of one of OU’s international scholarships. He came to the university as a true freshman with a 4.0 GPA and 75 credit hours. Yet life circumstances have placed him in a financial situation clearly beyond his current control. After all of his scholarships and financial aid were applied for the year, he still has a remaining balance. This student still has a 4.0 GPA, but without some assistance, we may not be able to retain him at the end of this year. He’s an exceptional student and that sincerely bothers me.

I understand you are also a bestselling author of approximately 20 novels! When and why did you start writing? Can you tell us a bit about your books?

[Smiles] I rarely talk about my books in

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♀

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my professional environment, because all of my books are urban fiction. I started writing because while working at Langston University. I noticed that my students were struggling financially, and I wanted to help them stay in school. I started using my own money to pay their bills, but it was getting expensive and I was using a lot of my personal revenue from my household. Again, I am resultoriented, so I came up with a means to help my students that would not have me in divorce court. I had a 1999 BMW I’d recently paid off, so I used that and my 2002 tax return to generate the revenue I needed to write and self-publish my own book.

Once I was done writing the book, I went with some of my friends to Atlanta on a girl’s trip. By the time I left Atlanta, I had secured a book signing on Borders Books African American Book Extravaganza with 39 other black authors. I had two months to get all my materials together and be back in “Hotlanta” ready to shine. Fresh out of the gate, I did my first book signing with literary greats like Francis Ray, California Cooper, Walter Mosley, Eric Michael Dyson, Zane, Terry McMillan and so many others. I sold out of my first order of books, and I was able to give my first two scholarships that summer. Since, I have given 50% of my book revenue in scholarships to students in need. Likewise, I use funds from my book sales to sponsor youth with incarcerated parents every Christmas.

My book Never Knew A Father’s Love is my favorite. This was a novel I wrote that allowed me to purge some of the pain I endured as a child, which resulted from not knowing or meeting my biological father until I turned 31. This book is my favorite because I took all that pain of abandonment I carried all those years and used the pages of this novel to liberate myself through a character’s voice. Today, I offer a workshop entitled “Never Knew A Father’s Love” to at-risk teens, who

get the opportunity to share their heart, their fatherly disappointments, and ask fathers questions they have always desired to ask their dads. This workshop is POWERFUL. Thankfully, I am a recurring Essence magazine Bestselling Author. I know I’ve been blessed, and I give God all the glory, for without his guidance, I would not know what the authentic power of servanthood feels like.

How do you like to spend your free time? Is there anything in particular you do to relax and recharge?

I like to spend my time with my family, cooking, traveling, playing games, drinking coffee and talking. My parents, siblings and our children all come together for family play dates, which I enjoy so much. I am also actively involved in my sorority and the Jack and Jill National Mother’s Association, [through] which I am involved in quite a bit of community service and projects to expose, empower and uplift children.

In terms of relaxation — I work so much outside of OU with my ministries, community service groups and students, that I like spending my free time working out, swimming or just in my sitting room, relaxing.

What advice do you provide to women who are interested in working as advisors in higher education?

I’d love to tell advisors; our profession is as masterful as that of an architect.

We create blueprints that aid in the construction of some of the GREATEST and most influential societal figures. We are not only agents of change, but we should be agents of hope, compassion, empowerment and love. Finally, in all that we do, our passion for our students must supersede our preference in regards to financial compensation. F

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ENHANCING HUMANITY

Through Empathy A Portrait of Mukarram Lillard

BY JACQUE SEXTON BRAUN

My friend and co-worker Mukarram is smart, thoughtful, powerful, beautiful and brave. She left her home in Gaza and everything familiar to her to come to the United States, a place where the people are not always welcoming to immigrants — especially immigrants from the Middle East, and particularly immigrants from Palestine. She has made a life in Norman with her husband, a native Oklahoman, and has opened herself up to the society, culture and people of the state. My hope is that those she comes across in her daily life are as kind, loving, curious and gracious toward her as she is toward them. I also hope she knows that if (and let’s face it, when) they are not, I’ve got her back.

We spoke to Mukarram about her background, her experiences and her ideas on helping us understand the Palestinian experience in an effort to enhance our perspectives on humanity.

Can you tell us where you grew up and what your childhood was like?

I’m Palestinian. I grew up in the City of Gaza that is located on the Mediterranean Sea. The beach is about 15 minutes’ drive away from my parents’ house. My family and I would spend most of our summer vacation on the beach. My family still does that.

Especially that the beach is pretty much the only breather for the people of Gaza, since life conditions are only getting worse by the day there.

Can you tell us about what you chose to study and why?

I got my bachelor’s degree in English literature and education.

I chose to study English language for many reasons. I’ve always had a fascination about different languages, cultures and places.

But given the political life conditions I grew up in, where travel isn’t an accessible option, I chose to travel through books and novels, and learning a different language. Post-graduation, I wanted to work in a field where it gives the opportunity to interact with different people all the time. So I worked as an international relations coordinator in a local human rights organization, where I received and worked with international delegations and individuals. My husband is one of the internationals I worked 23 PROFMAGAZINE

with, and that is how we met. Later, we got in a relationship and decided to be together and get married, which is what mainly led me to come to Oklahoma.

I applied and got admitted to OU and got my master’s degree in Human Relations. I chose Human Relation because I wanted to understand how the American society operates. My studies were helpful and provided good tools for me to navigate living here. However, some life aspects are meant to be experienced in order to be understood. I’m still in the process of understanding how different forms of discrimination work in the United States.

Can you tell us about leaving your home? What were your impressions when you first arrived in the United States?

When I left back home, left the town I grew up in, left everything familiar to me, left my family and support system, nothing here in the US was impressive to me at all. I almost enjoyed nothing.

Even though there’s plenty for me to enjoy here, which now I do enjoy. But, at the beginning, almost nothing felt real. It took an immense amount of energy from me to connect and be in touch with my new reality. My work for that is still continuous.

I’ve now established so much that I’m proud of and happy with here in Oklahoma. I gained my master’s, I’m happily married, I

have my job that I love and enjoy, I have many wonderful friends, and I developed a good sense of belonging here. However, I’m always going to be a Palestinian woman from Gaza, whose primary focus is her home country and speaking up for her people every chance she gets. I’m always going to be all about the Palestinian Cause and what’s going on back home. It will always be the first thing that is on my mind when I first wake up, and the last thing on my mind before I go to bed. Everything else is only in between.

What do you think Americans need to know about life in Gaza?

Life in Gaza is very hard considering the living conditions people are experiencing every day. It has gotten much worse during the past decade and is still worsening every day. They receive electricity about four hours a day. Water supplies are really limited and the quality of water is really low. The unemployment rate is extremely high – up to 80%. Healthcare lacks the basic medical treatment. People are deprived the basic resources to have a decent life; they are deprived their basic human rights.

Palestinians in Gaza need the international community to revive their sense of humanity again and pressure the Israeli occupation to end, and to accomplish freedom, justice and equality for Palestinians.

What advice would you provide to those who want to learn more about Palestinians and the Palestinian experience? What should we be reading? What should we be doing?

There are many media outlets on the Internet for people to browse if they’re looking for the truth about the Palestinian situation. Mondoweiss and Electronic Intifada are two very informative websites.

There is the book by Illan Pepe, the Israeli Jewish historian, The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine; and another book, The General’s Son, by Miko Peled, the Israeli Jewish activist. I think if you browse these two websites and read these two books, it’s a great start to learn about the ugly reality that has been imposed on Palestine during the past seven decades.

What kind of changes would you like to see in the US and elsewhere so that there can perhaps be greater understanding about your experiences and those of the Muslim community?

The change that I aspire to witness in the world is that people implement the humanization of one another at all times. Everything else will fall in place once people start to do that, because once we perceive the “other” just as another fellow human being, we will be empathetic towards them and will acknowledge that they are entitled to the same rights as us.

I believe the key for that is education — the right kind of education, because I have come across books that spread misconceptions and false information, and sometimes [that] enforces hate and fear of the other. If you were to ask me how to find out if you’re receiving the right kind of information, my answer is to think about the kind of information and the source of it. For example, if you want to learn about Islam, go to a Mosque. If you want to learn about Muslim women,

talk with a Muslim woman — we are happy to answer your questions. If you want to learn about the PalestinianIsraeli conflict, engage with people from both sides to draw a fair conclusion. I believe that humans are good by nature, and will always have hope that this world will be a better place for us all.

What do you do to unplug, relax and engage in self-care?

I cook a lot; almost every day. I look forward to being at home from work to get in my kitchen and start making food.

I make Palestinian food the majority of the time. I also enjoy hiking, walking, working out and dancing. And I must read every night before I go to bed. I do these things on a daily basis to keep going and be present. F

Finding Middle C

on the Way to Greatness A Portrait of Crystal Garcia

BY SUZETTE GRILLOT

I have been a distant admirer of Crystal Garcia’s for years. Although she is a graduate of the program in which I teach, I didn’t interact with Crystal much when she was a student, but since she joined the staff at OU, I came to know her as we interacted through our professional activities. It was only recently that I had the opportunity to get to know Crystal on a more personal level, and the whole time we were talking, I honestly kept thinking where have you been all my life?

I adore Crystal’s passion and commitment to her family, her community, her work and her students. She simply exudes positive energy and draws you in with her magnetic smile. Read on for our discussion with Crystal and you too will be impressed with her greatness!

Can you tell us a little bit about your background?

why I decided to pursue a degree at the University of Oklahoma.

I was born and raised in Oklahoma City to two Mexican immigrants, Juan and Maria Garcia. I come from a large, vibrant, loud, and close-knit family. I have three brothers and three sisters including a twin brother. Being amongst the oldest of my siblings, my parents instilled a fighting spirit into me at an early age and taught me the value of responsibility, teamwork and gratitude.

I carried these lessons with me through college and into my professional career.

When you came to OU, what did you study and why?

My Mexican heritage is the foundation of who I am including my strong work ethic, positive outlook and my belief that there is nothing I cannot achieve.

I grew up with a traditional Mexican upbringing that put the family at the center of everything. My primary role was to help my mom at home while my twin brother and older sister worked with my dad at the family restaurant.

It was important that we each fulfilled our duties to the family. My parents were overwhelmingly strict with us.

I wasn’t allowed to hang out with friends outside of the house or listen to music with curse words or sexual innuendos. I couldn’t wear makeup or date until I was 15 years old. My parents raised my siblings and I the way they were raised. As a teenager, I felt frustrated by their rules. But now, I understand and can appreciate my parents’ approach. My dad was the sole provider for his family of nine, so we didn’t have a lot of money growing up. Some described us as poor, and I suppose we were, but I never once felt as though I went without or was deprived of a healthy and happy upbringing. Our wealth came from knowing we could achieve anything so long as our team was strong, we put each other first and we always worked as hard as we could. I am grateful to my parents for setting such an honest and inspirational example for me to follow!

As a child I was incredibly shy and hated the spotlight. As I grew older, I found my voice and had an unexplainable drive to always do more. I felt that I was meant to do something great. I let this feeling guide me, which is ultimately

It was important for me to pursue an undergraduate degree that aligned with one of my passions — art, politics or history. I attempted the art route first and quickly realized it wasn’t the best fit. Unsure of how to narrow down my options, I enrolled in Hispanic American History 1492-1810 to fulfill one of my general education classes.

This class quickly became my favorite.

I was excited about the material and slightly embarrassed by how much I didn’t know about my own history. I looked forward to every class period and hastily wrote down every word the professor said as to not miss anything.

It was through this class that I learned about the International and Area Studies Program.

The major was a perfect fit for me, combining history and politics in a unique way. I realized that by simply studying a country’s history and political evolution, aspects of its society became logical, and even expected, such as migration or political corruption. I remember learning about the 1954 Guatemalan coup d’état and being angry that I hadn’t learned about it before. I felt deceived by every other history and government class I had taken and was eager to find out what else I didn’t know. My experience with the IAS program has carried me through my professional career in higher education because it taught me to always take a step back, ask questions and above all recognize and appreciate the differences that exist amongst us, because there is value in diversity. Only through this means can we create true societal change and challenge the current narrative both on and off campus.

After working for the University of Oklahoma as a research assistant, I decided to pursue a master’s degree. Ultimately, I decided on the Master of Human Relations program to better equip me for a career in higher education working with underrepresented communities at OU. Many of my mentors had an MHR, so I knew it would translate well into the positions I was considering. It also reinforced the value my undergraduate degree placed on diversity, equity and inclusion.

How did you come to work for OU and what positions have you held?

I graduated with a BA in International and Area Studies from the University of Oklahoma December of 2007. My first full-time position at OU was with the College of Continuing Education as a Research Assistant for E-TEAM under the direction of Dr. Belinda Biscoe. Before graduation, I had been working for E-TEAM as a part-time research assistant. I planned to pursue a Juris Doctorate after graduation but naturally, I had a change of heart my last year and was scrambling to plan the rest of my life. There were two different plans I was working towards. The first was to apply for the Peace Corps and upon my return, start the process to become a Foreign Service Officer.

The second was to pursue a career with US Citizenship and Immigration Services and after a few years, apply to be a Foreign Service Officer. I don’t remember why I was so excited about a career with USCIS. I attribute this to the blind optimism I had at the time of how the world worked. I was eager to move out of Oklahoma and looked for opportunities that would take me out of state. As my graduation neared, it seemed all was on track. I even had a job offer from USCIS in Texas.

Unfortunately, in February 2008, my parents and I were victims of a freak accident at the hands of a drunk driver that left my parents bed-ridden for over six months. I was blessed to walk away with minor injuries but decided to stay in Oklahoma to help my family during my parents’ recovery. That was when I was given the opportunity to 27 PROFMAGAZINE

join E-TEAM as a full-time research assistant. I worked with them for three years before joining Student Life as the Director of Latino Student Life. In this role, I worked to give a voice to the Latinx student experience at OU as well as create culturally significant involvement opportunities for students.

While in Student Life, I founded the Latinos without Borders Program, Day of the Dead Street Festival, Hispanic Heritage Month and Latino Flavor of OU event, among others.

Currently, I serve as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the Gallogly College of Engineering. My role supports the executive director of Diversity and Inclusion, focusing on the undergraduate experience by advocating for underrepresented scientists and engineers at the college level. Our office has enjoyed much success, but we still have a lot of work to do to make the college more diverse, increase retention of URM in engineering and ensure every place and space within the college is inclusive of all students.

What are some of the primary opportunities and challenges you have faced in your career in higher education?

Much of my career has relied on my experience as a first-generation Latina in higher education. I approach my job through this lens because it is the only outlook I have. My passion and understanding of underrepresented and marginalized communities led to my hire in Student Life and the College of Engineering Diversity and Inclusion Program. By utilizing my position and privilege, I give voice to the on-campus experience of these communities in spaces where they may not always have a seat at the table.

The most challenging part of working in higher education is separating my job from my personal life. I “check” many of the same boxes as my students and was plagued by imposter syndrome as an undergrad. It’s difficult to separate professional obligations from the emotional impact of the job. I can’t simply ignore the trauma when yet

another instance of racism or injustice occurs on campus. These incidents affect me just as much as they affect my students. I must rely on my support network to get me through the difficult moments and maintain some semblance of energy for my students and hope for the future.

Can you tell us about your diversity and inclusion work with the College of Engineering and why it is necessary?

I work closely with the executive and assistant directors of the Diversity and Inclusion Program to promote a more diverse, equitable and inclusive college for students, faculty and staff. My role focuses mainly on the recruitment, retention and professional development of undergraduate students. I oversee our departmental programs/events. These programs create a sense of community amongst our students, connecting them with peers and professional mentors. I, along with the rest of the D&I team, meet with each of our 200+ scholars every semester. During these meetings, we discuss everything from academic progress to mental health and connect students with necessary campus resources. Additionally, my job is to advocate for student needs, raising awareness of disparities or concerns, and develop possible solutions.

Diversity and inclusion programs are essential to student success.

They highlight the inequalities of the educational system and work to eradicate them. STEM fields are overwhelmingly populated by white males. The lack of diversity can prevent some students from pursuing the field or seeking academic support for fear of being ridiculed or stereotyped. This fear reduces the odds of that student being retained in the college. A diverse student body brings together different perspectives and ideas, and challenges implicit bias. Our office is often described as a home away from home.

It is a place where students know they can be authentic, be heard and receive the emotional and academic support they need to thrive, or simply survive, at OU.

Currently, I am in the process of transitioning out of my position with the University of Oklahoma and will be joining Strata Leadership in Oklahoma City effective April 22nd, 2019.

Your online bio says, “I believe it is important to smile and spread positive reinforcements to any and everyone who enters and exits our office.” Why do you believe it is important to smile and be positive?

In her book, Becoming, Michelle Obama shares how she learned to play on an old, worn piano. Many of the keys were chipped but she found the imperfections helpful because she could easily find middle C. Middle C was the center, the starting point, and her comfort zone. During her first recital, she was given a pristine piano to play on. She began to feel nervous because this piano was so different from what she was accustomed to. It wasn’t until her teacher gave her a reaffirming look and helped her find middle C, that she remembered she was ready and began to play.

For a lot of students, the University of Oklahoma can feel like the pristine piano: intimidating and unfamiliar. This is the exact sentiment I felt when I first arrived at OU. I was at the top of my class in high school and felt I was more than prepared for college. I realized during my first semester that I was actually behind compared to some of my peers.

My mentors helped me find middle C by encouraging and reminding me that I was meant for greatness. Thanks to their support, I was the first in my family to graduate from college.

It’s important that students see me as a partner in their success. I never know what battle a student is fighting so I strive to be a positive and reassuring presence for them.

This doesn’t mean I avoid difficult or real conversations. I am simply better equipped to do so because students know any critique or concern comes from a place of care and shouldn’t be taken lightly. This approach has allowed me to cultivate many lasting relationships with students that have endured long after they graduated from OU. What advice do you provide to women who are interested in working in higher education — especially in the area of diversity and inclusion?

Find a community and lean on them! You’re going to need them and eventually, they’re going to need you. Never compromise your integrity or remain silent. The institution of higher education wasn’t meant for us. You’re already challenging the status quo by simply being here, you might as well go all in. F

PROFMAGAZINE 28

Oklahoma Roots, Unstoppable Reach A Portrait of Sydne Gray

BY AUDRA BRULC

I had the pleasure of meeting Sydne Gray for the first time when we were both high school debaters. Over the past seven years or so, it has been incredible to watch her continue to advocate for indigenous recognition at the University of Oklahoma and beyond. Along with completing a philosophy degree, Sydne frequently participates in demonstrations and educational events in order to support her peers and her people. She’s also the co-founder of Indigenize OU, a coalition that describes itself as “unapologetically critical of all peoples and institutions that perpetuate silence, erasure, [and] genocide of indigenous peoples.” As a changemaker, student activist and all-around badass, Sydne was a natural choice for proFmagazine’s Portrait issue.

29 PROFMAGAZINE

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I am a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) and wvtkvlke (Raccoon clan). I was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma and am now a graduating senior in the philosophy department at the University of Oklahoma.

I’ve been at OU for five years now and am graduating in May 2019.

What was your experience growing up in Oklahoma like?

I grew up as a first-generation “city” kid from Tulsa. Both of my parents grew up in more rural areas and most of my family currently resides in Henryetta and Okmulgee, where I visit relatively frequently. That being said, I constantly see the stark divisions in rural and urban Oklahoma — seeing both aspects of this state really familiarizes one with the intersecting and contrasting issues.

How has living in Oklahoma impacted your worldview?

Oklahoma has entirely shaped my worldview and my perspective. Our ties to Oklahoma as indigenous people are unique, and all of us have our own distinct cultural practices and histories. I love being from here and living here — I wouldn’t change it for anything. On the other hand, I see the connection between Oklahoma history and the dire political situations we find ourselves in here. I find Oklahoma to be a microcosm of settler colonialism and try to study the history that way. I am very invested reshaping the historical narratives presented in this state and how they contribute to our contemporary realities as Oklahomans from all different backgrounds.

Why did you philosophy?

decide

to

study

The honest answer is that I was a huge debate nerd in high school and couldn’t imagine myself studying anything else.

I started as a Letters major and quickly realized that my heart was pulling me in the direction of philosophy. It was not an easy decision to cope with, especially because philosophy is notoriously the most white-male-dominated discipline in academia. I really did not know what I was getting myself into back then. I’ve learned a lot in this discipline, and while I’ve had my pessimistic moments studying

philosophy, I ultimately do not regret my decision. Statistically, indigenous women are the least represented group in academic philosophy, and that can be extremely isolating and daunting at times. Despite this, I followed my instincts and can now say I persevered despite constantly doubting myself throughout my philosophy degree.

When did you Indigenize OU?

decide

to

begin

When I met my best friend, sister and mentor Ashley McCray, we clicked immediately. I came to her with some observations and ideas, and we immediately knew we wanted to work on some kind of project together. Back in Fall 2015, SGA approached us and asked us what they could do to for Native students at OU. At that time, there was already momentum building towards getting Indigenous Peoples Day recognized in OKC, so we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to get IPD officially recognized on OU’s campus. We worked

hard on wording the resolution, brought it to SGA, and it passed very successfully.

Because of that, OU beat Oklahoma City in officially recognizing the second Monday of October (Columbus Day) by several years. Ever since then, we’ve been collaborating on all kinds of projects, from presentations to direct actions.

Have your studies augmented your activist work, or vice versa?

Both ways around. The nature of activist work is that it’s never a perfect process, and you have to be very flexible and willing to work with others. Sometimes things do not turn out how you expect and you have to roll with it. I’ve learned so much from grassroots activism and other activists, and sometimes these are the things that influence the direction of my studies and my writing. Other times, I consider a lot of texts and think quite a bit before trying to develop a plan to be PROFMAGAZINE 30

executed in praxis. I think it’s important to keep a careful balance of the two for strategic purposes — it’s deeply important you study up and learn the ins and outs of the institutions and ideologies you’re engaging with, but you don’t want to get so bogged down in the details and the theory that you miss the opportunity to affect change and help people.

lifesaver for me, and was one of the only places or groups of people at OU that treated me like a human being instead of a dollar sign.

Will PWIs [predominantly white institutions] and non-Native institutions ever be able to adequately serve BIPOC [black and indigenous people of color] students? Are there any programs that are helping serve these students that give you some hope for academia?

I was really lucky to get connected with some amazing folks via Twitter. Getting connected to other indigenous women in academia, especially in philosophy, made me feel like I was no longer existing in a black hole. Additionally, my mentor in my department encouraged me to apply for the PIKSI (Philosophy in an Inclusive Key) program at Penn State for underrepresented philosophy students, and thankfully I was accepted. I met so many folks doing fascinating and important work and we all shared so many experiences and struggles — it truly made me feel like I was no longer alone. It is so easy to feel completely alone when you’re a minority voice in your program or department, so I highly encourage people to reach out and apply for programs designed to put you in touch with people like you. It makes such a difference.

It’s very hard for me to feel hopeful about the future of PWIs, or any higher educational institution, in regards to issues of racism.

As higher education continues to corporatize and administrators insist on running universities as “businesses,” one can only see an increased trend of dehumanizing students into moneymaking bureaucratic entities. I’ve seen it in my own experience being at the university as a first-generation, low-income indigenous student, and I’ve seen my peers getting driven out of the university because of the blatant lack of empathy and understanding. It’s not that surprising considering the economic purpose of getting a degree is to get a job in this late capitalist hellscape we’re stuck in — but I do think there are services out there that really do amazing work to help students get through this slightly miserable reality. I know for a fact that were it not for my advisor and the services in Project Threshold I would’ve dropped out about three years ago. I may be in debt like the majority of other students, but I’m so thankful for Project Threshold for working so diligently to keep me at OU and get me to finish my degree. I would absolutely recommend that minority, low-income, first generation and disabled students make use of that program while we still have it. It was truly a

Where did you find community in academia? Did you find community at all?

What are your next steps and goals for the future?

I’m moving back to my hometown of Tulsa in just a couple months’ time and I couldn’t be happier to be back around my family and my people. I plan on attending my tribal college, College of Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and want to get certification in Mvskoke Language and an associate in Mvskoke Studies. I hope someday to become a Mvskoke language instructor, work with youth and develop curriculum for language and cultural preservation. F

Navigating Race and Selective Ignorance in the United States A Portrait of Munashe Mataranyika

BY DEVIN HIETT

Where are you from?

It’s a question Munashe Mataranyika is tired of being asked.

When strangers ask her where she’s from it’s seldom because they genuinely want to get to know her better, or because it’s come up naturally in conversation, but rather because she has an accent. Munashe has been living in the United States for two years, studying international relations at The University of Oklahoma, and feels like people on campus are generally nice and friendly. But whenever she’s asked this question it serves as a reminder that some people only see her foreignness without really seeing her.

“It’s this constant need for people to categorize me before even getting to know me,” Mataranyika said. “I think part of it may be selfinflicted — it’s this concept of dual consciousness where no matter how comfortable I feel I’m always conscious of the fact I’m not American.”

Before coming to OU, Mataranyika spent the last two years of high school as a United World Colleges Scholar. The United World Colleges program is a global education movement focused on uniting students from various nations and cultures around the world to come together for peace, sustainability and intercultural understanding. Mataranyika left her home of Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, and headed to Swaziland to attend UWC at age 16.

She knew that once she finished her time there, she wanted to attend college in the United States.

“Because I come from a third world country — not to talk down on my country, but — it’s something you always think about, studying outside of the country.

Coming from Zimbabwe, there’s so much pressure to be the best,” she said.

The pressure to be the best left Mataranyika feeling like she had to be accepted into an Ivy League college to succeed. At first, she wasn’t sure if she would be able to flourish academically at an institution like OU, but she’s since realized attending a high-profile school isn’t the only way to get a quality education and succeed. Mataranyika PROFMAGAZINE 32

said she has been challenged at OU to grow as a student and as a person. Of course, many of the things she’s learned since moving to Oklahoma haven’t come from the classroom, like cultural issues pertaining to race in America.

For Mataranyika, navigating race has been something that comes in waves. As someone of African origin living in America, Mataranyika said she has a dual obligation to support African-American struggles and causes as well as African causes, while the same dual obligation isn’t always a problem for African Americans.

“Because I’m black, I inherently have to inherit AfricanAmerican problems because it’s not like I can walk around and say ‘No, I’m African, so you can’t treat me like that.’ So I inherit African American problems, but when it comes to African causes African Americans are really nowhere to be found,” she said.

While taking a course on Race and Power, one student made clear to Mataranyika and a Nigerian friend in the class that they were “not the same black” as African Americans.

“A lot of times I find the same ignorance you would find amongst ignorant white people is usually also there amongst ignorant black people, and for some weird reason that’s actually a little bit more hurtful, because you expect them to understand,” Mataranyika said.

The problem has been exacerbated by an OU administration that does not always value international students and the unique challenges and needs they face. Mataranyika feels there has been a lack of attention and misrepresentation of international students that may be characterized as one of the biggest flaws of the Gallogly administration.

Earlier this year, some international students faced immigration challenges due to a Gallogly administration policy that required students to pay off their bursar accounts in full before enrolling in classes. In an interview with the OU Daily, Gallogly alleged international students are able to leave the country without ever paying their bill, thus leaving

33 PROFMAGAZINE

the burden on Oklahoma students to pay off the debts of their international peers after they’ve left the country.

Mataranyika knows there isn’t truth to that narrative. She and her international peers have to pay off their debts in order to maintain the status of their visas, graduate and obtain qualifications that enable them to find work both inside and outside the United States. She feels there was already a lot of work that needed to be done on campus to improve the treatment of international students, and feels the Gallogly administration “has just taken us 10 steps back.”

“At this point ignorance is a choice — it’s a willful decision to not care about someone else, and to proceed to not understand them. I don’t think our president is completely uneducated about racial issues or about issues dealing with international students. I just think he chooses not to care.”

In spite of the issues on campus, Mataranyika has grown to love OU and says she has come to feel at home in a small town for the first time in her life. After graduation, she wants to attend either law school or graduate school and work in policy analysis and advocacy in the health sector. Then Mataranyika plans to return to Zimbabwe.

Mataranyika is a Pan-Africanist, which is a global political and cultural movement that believes “peoples of African descent have common interests and should be unified.”

Many young people who leave Zimbabwe for college often don’t return, and while Mataranyika doesn’t judge anyone who chooses that path, she believes her country needs certain passionate young people to return and do what they can to help improve life there.

“I believe in the power of education in helping to change the way countries and systems and structures have been and so I hope to be able to contribute to my country, Zimbabwe, and to my continent,” Mataranyika said. ”All it takes are a few dedicated people, and I think that’s what my country needs and that’s what I’m trying to get myself to be.” F

INSPIRING OTHERS BY SHARING

Her Truth, Her Story, Her Community’s Reality A Portrait of Lupita González

BY NEIRA KADIC

PROFMAGAZINE ♀ 34

Although I was Lupita González’s study abroad advisor leading up to her semester in Puebla, Mexico, our journey full of endless coffee breaks, vivid conversations about the complexity of an identity in movement and shared struggles of belonging started when she came back to the United States and applied for an internship in the Office of Education Abroad, where I work. Seeing one of my favorite places in the world through her eyes and hearing about the depth of her experience created our strong and invisible bond from the first moment she stepped into my office, ready to take on her internship and learn. Ironically, though I am Lupita’s supervisor, I feel like she has taught me so much, and I have grown through our friendship.

As a Film and Media studies major, Lupita seeks to use film to tell important stories about her experience and her community’s resilience, and she is often behind the camera in the capacity of a director and an interviewer — giving others the platform to tell their stories. I am so excited to get to shift the focus and share a glimpse of her inspiring journey with you. Get ready to meet one of my favorite people and to learn about what I call her “identity in movement” and her inspiring work!

Can you tell us a bit about your background? What are some of your favorite memories?

I was born in Oklahoma City, but I have spent most of my life in Norman. I went to middle school and high school here, and I transferred to OU from UCO. I am now a senior about to graduate with a Film and Media Studies degree, with a minor in Latin American Studies.

I have two sisters and both of my parents are first-generation Mexican immigrants. My mom is from Aguascalientes — her family is from a little pueblo called El Zapote — and my dad’s family is from Mexico City. Family plays such a huge role in my culture. The biggest highlight of my upbringing in the States was getting to spend holidays and birthday parties with so many people to love on. There are so many of us. My youngest uncle actually just had a baby — and there is such a wide generational range in our family.

My favorite memories are scattered through all my family Christmas gatherings. We could never all fit in the same house; there was never enough room. We would take turns having gatherings at different houses but sometimes we would also rent out spaces for all of us to be together. A few Christmases ago, it was one of the first times when we all came together, including my grandparents and cousins from Aguascalientes. To be honest, although I have a large family and we are all over the place — when people ask where my family is from, Aguascalientes is my default. When I think of family, I think of Aguascalientes.

Why such a strong connection to Aguascalientes?

I went to Aguascalientes to spend Christmas with my family for what I would call the “first time” two years ago. I lived in Mexico for a year when I was one year old, but it’s something I’ve only known through pictures and stories. My mom says I’ve

35 PROFMAGAZINE

always been very curious as a child and that hasn’t changed — I spent my Christmas break in Mexico with my eyes wide open, constantly asking questions. Getting to hear my family’s history and learning about our past through my grandparents’ stories, seeing the house my mom grew up in and just being there for that snippet of time was incredible.

When I came back, my mom was surprised and overjoyed by how much I’ve fallen for this country and these people — utterly, completely head over heels. I felt like I had fallen in love, but with a place. I can’t believe how close this place has been the whole time — just a flight away — and I went through phases of being mad and upset that I was “kept away” from it for so long, and then understanding how difficult it must have been for my parents to be away from Mexico for so many years and how complex their decision-making process had to be.

Studying abroad in Puebla for a semester really got me thinking about first-generation immigrants who haven’t been to Mexico in a long time. My mom got to follow my journey on social media and would often jokingly comment, “has conocido más Mexico que yo” [you’ve seen more of Mexico than I did]. All I could think of is I wish you would have been here with me. I wanted all first-generation immigrants to be able to go visit what they had called home for so long. The reality is, many don’t have an opportunity to do that. My mom’s world was centered around her pueblo before leaving Mexico, how is it fair that I get to see so much more?

You mention your study abroad trip to Puebla, Mexico.

How was this trip different from Aguascalientes and how important was it for you?

Before I went to Puebla, the only image of Mexico I had was the one of Aguascalientes. That’s what I knew. I didn’t know much about Puebla before going there — I just knew I had to

be back in Mexico. Being in Puebla was transformative in many ways, as I got to see more of the country I so deeply fell in love with; traveling helped me understand more, connect more. Puebla taught me a lot about myself; it put a magnifying glass on my identity and made me question things I thought I knew. In the beginning, I had an obsession with wanting to mimic everything I saw, to prove I’m Mexican enough, to speak Spanish “perfectly” — but Puebla is where I came to understand English was just as much of my first language as Spanish was. They coexist in who I am. Beginning to come to terms with my identity in a more wholesome way was an integral part of my experience in Mexico.

This being said, what does being a second-generation Latina in the United States mean to you?

I am so grateful for the order in which the events in my life have unfolded — including my trips to Aguascalientes and Puebla, and then my return to the United States. My perspective has changed so much. I never want to make anyone feel like they are not enough, that’s what I’ve been doing to myself for a long time. I’ve gone through so many phases and now, I am so proud of my identity and all its complexity — I want to celebrate it in all its diversity, including what it means to me and others.

To me, it is such a beautiful thing to be able to experience two cultures simultaneously and to have such a strong connection to Mexico through the people who raised me and through the trips I’ve had recently. However, looking back; the most challenging aspect was growing up in a space where my Mexican identity and culture were for the most part restricted to my household. Where you grow up really does make a difference. I grew up in a predominantly white and affluent suburb of Oklahoma and I often wonder: how would things be different had I grown up surrounded by a very vibrant Latinx community? Maybe I would’ve spoken Spanish more at school; maybe I’d have more friends that spoke it. Maybe I would have had more friends who looked like me.

I feel like I never had the whole picture of the culture I admire and love so much, I had snippets of it — through growing up Catholic and going to Catholic mass in Spanish for 18 years, for example. I

grew up eating traditional food at home — my mom cooked pozole, menudo, enchiladas. Our trips to the mercados, quinceañeras and weddings where I would stay up until late with my family — all these are so important. Still, I often found myself envying my cousins in Mexico for having a holistic cultural experience. Growing up, as I mentioned, I have had such a hard time proving to myself that I’m enough.

This has begun to change after Aguascalientes and Puebla, and I want to let go of that feeling, which is what I am trying to help others do, too — through film in general and through a current project I’m working on. I want everyone involved in this project to take an important thing away with them: it’s okay to let go of the feeling that you constantly need to prove yourself. I want everyone who identifies as a Latin@ in this country to know that you don’t have to prove that

you are Latin@ enough. You inherently are, because it’s a part of who you are. It takes a lot of work to internalize and undo this, and I still struggle with it at times.

When you refer to your current project, you are talking about your forthcoming documentary short film to be screened at the next LatinArte showcase. What is LatinArte and what is your film about?

LatinArte is a student organization aiming to create a platform for Latin@ student artists to showcase their artwork to the university community. That work can be poetry, painting, in my case, film, and beyond. The theme of this semester’s showcase has to do with borders and the idea that art is borderless.

The idea of borders and “the wall” is so current and has an urgent impact on people like me. I am sure a lot of people who are second-generation Latin@s are PROFMAGAZINE 36

related to somebody who has had contact with ICE. Just thinking about this causes so much unease — thinking about the journey of our loved ones and the symbolism behind “the wall.” This wall is not about national security. So much more comes with it: all the violent, xenophobic and racist rhetoric. I am really looking forward to seeing how everybody’s different mediums come together to illustrate this. There are so many talented people in our organization.

From the very beginning, I wanted my movie contribution to focus on the experiences of Latin@s who immigrated here, and people like me who are products of this migration. I feel like that’s a truth that I can speak to — it’s something that I’ve lived.

The central question that drives my film is: “What would this country look like if this wall was a reality and if my parents, their parents, your parents hadn’t immigrated here?” I thought of all the good that we have brought here. I started thinking of everybody I knew, friends and family, that have contributed to this community, and I felt the need to show them off, to show how vibrant and resilient my community — the Latin@ community in the United States — truly is.

You asked me earlier about what it was like growing up here, and I thought of all the things we wouldn’t have in Oklahoma City. We wouldn’t have taquerias, restaurants, the Capitol Hill District. We wouldn’t have first generation Latin@s. A lot of first-generation immigrants come here and take up physically demanding jobs — so many of our parents have done this. I am deeply hurt and affected by all the dehumanization and lack of respect for these people. They work so hard. As for my

generation, we tend to grow up in spaces where we are being told that physically demanding labor is “the lowest of the low” and not dignified, and we have to continually unlearn the shame we are taught to feel. I am so proud of what our parents have done and what they continue to do. When I think of how this country would look without us — it all comes back to them. I want to tell their stories.

I also want to tell the stories of my friends who are artists, scholars, dancers, college students — who are so creative and ambitious.

You wouldn’t have us if this wall was a reality, and I want to show you our faces, to show off all we do, to humanize our stories.

This humanization also means restoring complexity to our stories as much as possible in this short time — touching on important issues in our community like the struggle with language and the search for a sense of belonging. It’s a matter of celebrating our dualistic, hybrid, multifaceted experiences, and at the same time recognizing our differences.

You do such important work, all while being a full-time student. That being said, what helps you recharge and what do you like to do in your free time?

I love solitude. I think it’s really important to spend time with yourself. Music and time spent outside play such an important role for me. I think the space really matters. If I’m resting in my room, I’m surrounded by my textbooks and all the little reminders of how busy I am. Whether it’s walking my dog, reading or treating myself to a lavender latte in order to recharge, I love doing these things on my own. F

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Portrait taken at Red Earth Art Center in Downtown Oklahoma City.

S o m e w om e n fea r the fi re .

S o m e w om e n s im p l y be com e i t. r. h . S in PROFMAGAZINE 38

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