


TheHarvardFoundationforInterculturalandRaceRelationswasfoundedin1981withamission to“enhancethequalityofourcommonlife.”Wecontinuethischargeandremaindedicatedtofosteringa campusenvironmentwherestudentsfromallracial,ethnic,andculturalbackgroundsareempoweredto thrive.Weseektoupholdourmissionbyadvancinginterracialandinterculturalawareness,empowering students,andhonoringthecontributionsofourdiversecommunities.
Ourworkiscenteredonfourcorepillars:
Wecreateopportunitiesformeaningfulconnectionsacrossculturesby fosteringasenseofbelongingandunitywithintheHarvardcommunity.
Weprovidetransformativeeducationalexperiencesthroughdynamicevents,workshops,trainings,andcampus-wide initiativesthatdeepeninterracialandinterculturalawarenessandunderstanding.
Weoffertailoredresourcesanddedicatedsupporttoguidestudentsthroughtheiracademicandpersonaljourneys bycenteringtheirholisticwell-beingandoverallsuccess.Additionally,weofferspecializedassistancetofirstgeneration,low-incomestudents,andthosefromhistoricallymarginalizedbackgroundstoensuretheyreceivethe individualizedsupportneededtothriveatHarvard
Leadership&StudentDevelopment:InspiringLeaderstoInfluenceChange
Wenurturestudentleadersbyequippingthemwiththeself-determinationandabilitytocreatemeaningful changebothoncampusandbeyond.
Throughthesepillars,wearededicatedtocultivatingaHarvardcommunity thatcelebrateseverystudentandtheirindividualanduniquejourneys.
Ourteamincludesfulltime professionalstaff, undergraduatestudentworkers, andstudentadvisorycommittee boardmembers Everyoneis dedicatedtodeveloping interculturalconnections, upliftingpeoplefromall backgrounds,andeducatingour communityaboutthewide arrayofcomponentsthat constituteculture!
Full Time Staff:
AnaPaulaBarba’25,CodyChou’25,HayatMuse’25,TiffanyOnyeiwu’25, IsabelaGonzalezLawand’26,NathalieArrudaMilbradt’26,AmberNolazco Torres’26,JasonCoreas’27,NanaYaaDwomoh’27,MarinaGonzalez’27, NhaomiLartey’27,AdaolisaAgbakwu’28,VanessaChen’28,HamzaZafar’28
StudentAdvisoryCommitteeBoard: OnovughakporOtitigbe-Dangerfield’25,GloriannaCrichlow’26, JaneHan’27,KatherineVillanueva’26,MiguelMartinez’26
Dear Harvard Foundation Friends and Family,
As another academic year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude and pride on the journey we have traveled together. This year was filled with vibrant initiatives and meaningful moments that reflected the heart of the Harvard Foundation’s mission: to build community across cultures and foster a true sense of belonging for every Harvard College student From welcoming our newest students through the FYRE Pre-Orientation Program, to elevating voices during FGLI Visibility Week, and amplifying important conversations through the Disability Awareness Series and the Cultivating Curiosity Series, the Foundation continued to lead with purpose transforming curiosity into connection and celebrating difference through dialogue
This year’s Cultural Rhythms Fashion Show, Food Festival, and Showcase beautifully captured the spirit of community, as did our signature Portraiture Project event, which continues to broaden representations of excellence and foster a deeper sense of belonging across campus spaces. The Scholarship and Social Justice Conference once again highlighted the brilliance of undergraduate researchers who are transforming the academy through community-engaged scholarship. And throughout the year, the Foundation hosted a wide array of social, educational, and intercultural programs, each thoughtfully designed to strengthen our connections and affirm our shared humanity
Of course, we also navigated challenges including an increasingly complex political landscape that tested our commitment to equity and inclusion. Yet through it all, we remained anchored to our core mission: building community. In doing so, we reaffirmed that belonging, joy, and solidarity are acts of resilience and that our work remains as vital as ever.
Thank you for being an integral part of the Harvard Foundation family. This year continues to remind us that community isn’t just built in easy moments, but that it is forged through our shared challenges and triumphs. In every challenge, we found new reasons to stay committed to each other and that, above all, is our greatest success.
As we look ahead, we carry with us the optimism and determination to continue building a Harvard where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to lead with authenticity and courage. Let’s carry this spirit of connection and resilience forward as we shape an even stronger, more inclusive Harvard Habiba Braimah
Senior Director, Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations
TheHarvardFoundationseekstoupholdourmissionbyadvancinginterracialandinterculturalawareness, empoweringstudents,andhonoringthecontributionsofdiversecommunities.Guidedbyourfourcorepillars,our officecontinuestofaithfullyserveHarvardaswehaveforthepast44years,whilealsostrivingtomeettheneedsof thoseinourcommunitytoday
Oneofthemajorwaysthatweadvanceinterracialandintercultural awarenessisthroughthemyriadofprogrammingweofferand sponsorthroughouttheyear Thisyear,theFoundationhosted130 mission-alignedprogramsandtrainings,reachingacombined attendanceofover9850attendees.Theseinitiativeswere thoughtfullydesigned,planned,andimplementedtoconnect studentswitheducationalandcampusresourcesessentialfortheir success.Wealsosupportprogrammingthroughfundingmade availablefortheRaceRelationsTutors&Proctorsalongwiththe StudentAdvisoryCommitteegrantprocessforHarvardCollege registeredstudentorganizations(seepg11)
InalignmentwithHarvardCollege’smissiontoeducatethecitizens andcitizen-leadersforoursociety,theHarvardFoundationis committedtodevelopingstudentleaders.Weaimtoprovide opportunitiesforthemtolearn,bechallenged,andthrivesothat theycanbeautonomousandempoweredleaders.Our UndergraduateStudentWorkerandStudentAdvisoryCommittee Boardcohortsgivestudentstheopportunitytoengagein collaborativepartnershipsandfacilitateconnectionsbetweenour officeandthewidercampuscommunity Ourofficestrivestoprovide studentsopportunitiesforprofessionaldevelopmentandtraining throughouttheyear.Ourfull-timestaffalsooffersindividualized advisingandmentorshiptoHarvardCollegestudents.Registered studentorganizationsandcampuspartnersarealsowelcometo bookourspacetoholdtheirownmeetingsorevents.
OneofthewaysthatwecanhonorthecontributionsofHarvard’s diversecommunitymembersisbyupliftingprogrammingthatis alignedwithourmission Thisyear,wehadanet333subscriber increasetoournewsletter(reaching2685total)anda3,119 InstagramFollowerincrease(reachingover9,100inMay2025) Our officewillcontinuetomakeeveryefforttoraiseawarenessfor Harvardprogrammingthatalignswithourmission.Forcontent guidelinesandthesubmissionprocess,checkouttheGetConnected tabonourwebsite.
ThisApril,theHarvardFoundationhostedaweek-longfestivalofprogrammingleadinguptothe39th nualCulturalRhythmsShowcase CulturalRhythmsisthecollege’soldestandlargestcelebrationof richculturalandethnicdiversityinourcommunity.HarvardFoundationStudentWorkers apaulaBarba’25andHayatHassan’25servedasCulturalRhythmsCo-Directors.Theircreativity, dication,andleadershipshowedthroughouttheyear-longplanningprocess.Thisweekof programmingandshowcasewasbolsteredbythesupportofourstudentworkercohortandcampus partners.
Thetheme,“GlobalEncounters”waspresentthroughouttheweekwhichkicked-offwithacultural fashionshow.Studentmodelsrepresentingover20distinctculturesdemonstratedhowtheartof fashioncanbeusedtotellstories,expressrichheritages,andsharecommonvalues.TheFoundation alsohostedtheannualFoodFestivalwherestudentorganizationshadtheopportunitytosharea traditionalcuisineandsubmitarecipetothe2ndeditionofourCulturalCookbook Wealsohostedthe SoundsoftheWorldMusicLabwhereattendeeslearnedmoreaboutavarietyofmusicalinstruments
TheculminationofthefestivalwastheCulturalRhythmsShowcasethatspotlightedtenengaging culturalperformancesandaconversationwith2025ArtistoftheYear,globalrecordingartist, songwriter,actress,entrepreneur,andactivist,BeckyG.Withalmost2000in-personattendees throughoutthe week,wearehonoredto buildonthelegacyoftheFoundation’slongest-running signatureprogram.
DuringWomen’sWeek2025,theHarvard FoundationandtheOfficefortheArtsatHarvard, inpartnershipwiththeHarvardCollegeWomen’s Center,hostedaweek-longgalleryexhibitionat CabotHousefeaturingacurationofportraitsfrom theHarvardFoundationPortraitureProject (StephenCoit,‘71),andtheAmericansWhoTellthe TruthseriesbyRobertShetterly,‘69. Both collectionshaveanalignedmissiontotellthestories ofpeoplewhohavecontributedtotheircommunities inmeaningfulwaysandhonorsubjectsthroughthe mediumofportraiture Portraiturehumanizes historyandservesasapowerfulconduittofurther conversationsaboutthemultiplicityofthehuman experience.Aportraitinviteseachofusintoourown transcendentconversationwiththeartworkthat evokesempathy,introspection,andconnection.
Duringthe2024-2025academicyear,theHarvardFoundationcelebratedtherichcultures,histories,andcontributions ofthemyriadofpeoplethatmakeupourcommunitybyhonoringfederallyrecognized historyandheritagemonths. Thesemonthsaredesignatedtimestoacknowledgecontributionsoflargergroupsofpeoplefromvariouscultures. Wetookthisopportunitytolearnmoreaboutthelegaciesofthepeopleinourcommunityandofferedvarious opportunitiesforHarvardcommunitymemberstosharestoriesaboutwhattheiridentitiesmeantothem.Youcansee thesestoriesonourInstagram@harvardfoundation!
ThisyearwehostedfiveFoundationFridays (Sept13,Oct25,Nov8,Jan31,Apr25)opento anyoneintheHarvardcommunity!Ourguests werewelcomedintoourspaceand encouragedtospendqualitytimewithour staffandstudentworkers,andbuild community Thesejoyousoccasionsincluded crafts,food,andeducationalmaterialthat highlighteddifferentaspectsofculture We’re gratefultoourcampuspartnerswhoreached outtocollaboratewithustohosttheselarge scaleevents.
WealsohostedthreelatenightBrainBreaks (Oct2,Nov13,April23)forfirstyearstudentsin AnnenbergHallincollaborationwiththe First-YearExperienceOffice-oftenwith500+ attendeeseachnight.Theseeventshad snacks,educationalmaterial,andcrafts Brain BreakshadsimilarthemestoourFoundation Fridays,butthematerialwasspecificallyput togetherwithFirst-Yearstudentsinmind.
TheHarvardFoundationiscommittedtobeingawelcoming communityhubforanyonewhovisits.Tohelpfostera consistentandwelcomingenvironment,hotcoffeeandtea areoffereddaily-creatingspaceforconnection,conversation, andasenseofbelonging Ourofficeisopentoanyonewitha HUID,Monday throughFriday,10am-5pm.
Duringreadingperiods,ourofficeworkedtosupportstudent successandfosterinclusivitybyhostingStudyJamsSessions. Weofferedsnacksfromvariouscultureswithveganand sustainableoptionsavailablealongsidestu music.Allstudentswerewelcometostopin checkinwithastudybuddy whichnurtured belongingforeveryone.
wasayear-longpilotseriesthatencouragedstudentstodeepentheirknowledgefromexperts aboutcomplexissuessurroundingidentity,positionality,andallyshipwhileengaginginreflectionanddialogue.Students learnindiverseways,soweprovidedavarietyofwaystoengagewiththisseriesincludingworkshops,panels,booktalks, anddialogues!Thisseriesgavestudentstheopportunitytohearfromexperts,reflectuponthematerialtheylearned,and engagewiththematerialalongsidetheirpeers.Bycultivatingthecuriosityalreadypresentinourcommunity,we supportedstudentsindevelopingtheskillsnecessarytoaskinsightfulquestions,activelylistentoinformedresponses, developtheirownopinions,andultimatelyaspiretobeengagedlifelonglearners Topicsincluded:brailleworkshops, celebratingbiggerbodiesandcombatinganti-fatbias,theFirst-Genexperience,theartofReggaeton,theidentitiesand experiencesofadoptees,combatingislamophobiaandantisemitism,criticalanalysisoftheconceptofIndigenous historicaltrauma,wearingnaturalhairstylesasaBlackwoman,navigatingaccessibilityinourcommunities,Black AmericanSignLanguage,sustainableBlackEntrepreneurship,andpluralismatHarvard.
CultivatingCuriositywasbuiltonthefoundationofCommunityConversations:theannualentrywayprogrammingfor firstyearstudentsdesignedincollaborationwiththeFirst-YearExperienceOffice,theAdvisingProgramsOffice,and theHarvardFoundation.DuringtheSummerof2024,studentscompletedaseriesofsixmodulesofferedbythe ConstructiveDialogueInstitute(CDI),andourteamutilizedtheselessonstocreateatrainingthatencouragedstudentsto reflectonwhotheyareandexplorethewaystheycancontributetobuildinganinclusivecommunityoncampus.
Thisyear,theHarvardFoundationwasawardedaCultureLabInnovationFundGrantsponsoredbytheOfficeof CommunityandCampusLife(previouslyknownastheOfficeforEquity,Diversity,Inclusion&Belonging)tohostthis DisabilityAwarenessSeriesincollaborationwithstudentleadersfromtheHarvardUndergraduateDisabilityJustice Club(HUDJ).Throughouttheyear,weorganized11eventsthatcollectivelydrewover400attendees.Theinitiative generateddigitalcontentthatwasviewedmorethan40,000times,reachedover26,000Instagramaccounts,and receivedover1,000engagements.Thisseries wasdesignedtocelebratetheidentitiesofpeoplewithdisabilitiesand provideuniversity-wideprogrammingthatfocusesonincreasingrepresentationandstrengtheningcommunity buildingthroughnetworkingandeducationalopportunitiesacrossstudentorganizations,studentaffairsoffices,and academicdepartmentssothatwemayallengageindisabilityjusticeefforts.
Whenaskedaboutthemostmeaningfulaspectofthisseries,participantsreferencedconnectingwithothers,learning andeducatingoneself,elevatingawarenessandengagementtoavarietyofdisabilityexperiences,andhavingone’s identityrepresentedandvalidated. Onestudentsaid,“Assomeonewhoisnotmyselfphysicallydisabled,Idothinkit wasreallymeaningfultobeabletoenteraspacetolearnandeducatemyselfwithoutasenseofjudgement It'sa privilegetobeabletobecomemoreinclusivevialearningsfromothers,andit'ssomethingIreallyappreciated ”
ThankstocontinuedfundingfromtheJohnson ClimateActionGrant,theHarvardFoundation hostedbothprogrammingthatspotlitsustainability andenvironmentalismandinterwovethetenetsof sustainablepracticesintoquotidianprogramming.
TheFoundationcontinuesto maintainahydroponic gardenwherethecommunityisencouragedtogrow theirownvegetablesandherbsindoors Wearealso investedinofferingmoreplant-basedandvegan alternatives,andutilizingcompostablecutlery wheneverpossibleinanefforttoeliminateplastic waste.
InhonorofEarthDay,ourofficecollaboratedwith theHarvardInnovationLabsinmoderatinga "SustainableBlackBeautyandEntrepreneurship" paneldiscussion.Throughouttheyearwealso continuedtheBIPOCVeganChefSerieswithBrazil Green’sDiegoMendonça,JamesBeardAward WinnerandfounderoftheSlyFoxDenRestaurant andCulturalCenter,SherryPocknett,and Chef WhitneyfromGirlonFireVegan
th
Thisyearmarkedthe10 annualScholarshipandSocial JusticeUndergraduateResearchConference,hostedby theCenterforPublicServiceandEngagedScholarship andtheHarvardFoundation.Itprovidedanopportunityfor attendeestolearnabouttheengagedscholarshipof studentandfacultyresearchers,allofwhichembodied academicexcellence Students,faculty,andstaff were inspiredbytheircolleagues’innovationsandinsights,and weregivenopportunitiesformentorshipandnetworking throughouttheconference.
Aswereflectonthepastdecade,weareproudtorecognize thesignificantgrowthandimpactofthisconferencesince itslaunchin2005.Whatbeganwithjust30submissions hasexpandedtonearly200proposals,demonstratingthe increasinginterestandengagementinthisacademic forum.Thisyear’sconferencewelcomedstudentpanelists andposterpresentersfrom20distincteducational institutions,underscoringtheevent’scontinuedevolution intoavibrant,multi-institutionalplatformforscholarly exchangeandcollaboration.
WearegratefulforthefundingfromtheJohnsonClimate ActionGrantwhichsupportedourphenomenalfaculty panelandkeynoteaddressthatfocusedonsustainability initiatives,climatejustice,andcommunityengagementto createimpactfulsolutions.Ourmanythanksgoouttoour
FacultyChair:KenThomas,Ph.D.Ken’sthoughtful mentorshiphelpedweavethemeaningfultapestrythat wasthisyear’sconference
Nowinitsseventhyear,theFYREpre-orientationprogramcontinuestosupportfirst-generation,low-income,and underrepresentedstudentsatHarvardCollege.Thisyear,theprogramwelcomedover130first-yearparticipants, guidedbyadedicatedleadershipteamof2Co-Chairs (ByronGonzalez’25andIsabelaGonzalez-Lawand’26)and38 TeamLeaders,including6membersoftheSteeringCommittee.Inapost-programsurvey,attendeesreportedan increaseinconfidencelevel,senseofbelonging,andaccesstoagency,academic,social,andnavigationalcapital.One studentsaid,“BeingprovidedwithastreamlinedviewofHarvardthroughthelensofaFGLIstudentwasthemost importantyetlifechangingpartofthisprogram Iwasafraidtonotmakeconnectionsorbenotifiedofanyresources, butFYREconsistentlyshowedthatresourcesandrelationshipsareplentiful ”
FGLIWeekwascreatedin2022toenhancevisibilityandsupporttotheFGLIcommunity atHarvard.Thisyear,theHarvardFoundationhosted25eventsduringFGLIWeekwhich includedourAnnualFlowerTruckBouquetGiveawayonNationalFirst-Generation CollegeCelebrationDay(Nov8),aBrunchandNetworkingEventwithFirst-Generation HarvardAlumni,anda FGLIandFacultyDinner.Therewerealso severalsocials,open communityspaces,andcareerdevelopmentworkshopsofferedacrosstheweekthanksto ourcampuspartners!Throughouttheyear,wehostedadditionalprogrammingdesigned withFGLIstudentsinmindliketheFGLILinkedInWorkshopandaFGLIHarvardTrivia Night Aswithalloftheprogramsthatweoffer,theseeventswereopentoallHUID holders AssistantDirectorforStudentProgrammingMarvinBacligpresentedatthe NationalAssociationofStudentPersonnelAdministratorsConferenceabouttheHarvard Foundation’sinitiativesinsupportingfirst-generationand/orlow-incomestudents.
Duringayearfilledwithuncertaintyandchange,theHarvardFoundationcontinuedto regularlyconvenetheCollege'sUndocumented/DACAStudentsWorkingGroup,which bringstogethertheHarvardRepresentationInitiativeandcollegepartnersofficestosupportandcoordinateadvisingfor undocumentedimmigrantstudents.AssociateDirectorMatiasRamosheldindividualconsultationswith30+students, andourofficecollaboratedwithActonaDreamonaKnow-Your-RightsworkshopinFebruary.Matiaspresentedthe HarvardFoundation'sstudentsupportmodelattheHarvard-wideEquityDiversityInclusionandBelonging Forumand attheNationalAssociationforStudentPersonnelAdministratorsNationalConference.
Werecognizetheimportantrolethatmindfulandmeditativepracticescanplayinpeople’slives,and ourofficepartnerswiththeCenterforWellnessandHealthPromotionandtheHarvardMeditation ClubtoholdspaceforthesegroupstohostclassesandsessionsintheSerenityRoomlocatedinGraysHall Thisroom canalsobeusedasaspaceforrest,reflection,orprayer Itisavailabletoallstudentsduringopenofficehours
The2024-2025yearwasdefinedbycommunity,culture,and resilience.TheSACBoard,supportedbyHarvardFoundation full-timestaff,proudlyfunded105eventsandsupported50studentorganizationsthatcelebratedculturaldiversity, highlightedacademicexcellence,andfosteredpathwaystopre-professionalsuccess.Theseevents,opentotheentire Harvardcommunity,reflectedtherichnessandbreadthofstudentlifeacrosscampus Lookingahead,weremain committedtosupportinginitiativesthatcelebrateidentity,createconnection,andbringcommunitiestogether
Association of Black Harvard Women
Association of Students at Harvard College
Bengali Association of Students at Harvard College
Black Arts Collective
Eleganza
Ethiopian and Eritrean Students Association
Fuerza Latina
Greener Scott Scholars
Harvard African Students Association
Harvard Asian American Dance Troupe
Harvard Black Men's Forum
Harvard Black Muslim Collective
Harvard Black Students Association
Harvard Breakers
Harvard Caribbean Club
Harvard College Act on a Dream Student Organization
Harvard College Generational African American Students Association
Harvard College Nigerian Student Association
Harvard College Pakistani Students' Association
Harvard College Queer Students Association
Harvard Dominican Students Association
Harvard Hillel
Harvard Islamic Society
Harvard Latine in Health Careers
Harvard PRIMUS
Harvard-Radcliffe Asian American Association
Harvard-Radcliffe Chinese Students Association
Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA
Harvard Society of Black Scientists and Engineers
Harvard Undergraduate Association of Ghanaian Students
Harvard Undergraduate Black Community Leaders
Harvard Undergraduate Black Health Advocates
Harvard Undergraduate Black Pre-Law Association
Harvard Undergraduate Black Premedical Society
Harvard Undergraduate Brazilian Association
Harvard Undergraduate Central Asian Students Association
Harvard Undergraduate Francophone Society
Harvard Undergraduate Latina Empowerment and Development
Harvard Undergraduate Nepali Student Association
Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee
Harvard Undergraduate South Asian Women's Collective
Harvard Undergraduate South Asians for Forward-Thinking Advocacy and Research
Harvard Undergraduate Ukraine Solidarity Group
Harvard Undergraduate Woodbridge International Society
Harvard Vietnamese Association
Latinas Unidas de Harvard
Natives at Harvard College
Society of Arab Students
The Cuban American Undergraduate Stu
The Kuumba Singers of Harvard College
Ourfull-timestaffarededicatedtoprovidingstudentswithpersonalizedadvisingand mentorshipsupport.SeniorDirectorHabibaBraimahandAssociateDirector MatiasRamosservedasPreConcentrationAdvisorstosupportstudentsintheirtransitiontocollegelife,exploretheiracademicinterests,andplan theircourseofstudy.InNovember,CommunityOutreachandEngagementManagerAnnaMeiGubbinscopublishedachapteronstudentsupportinHigherEducationInstitutionsentitled“ChampioningDisruptiveDreaming AmongStudents:ACollaborativeAutoethnographyofAdultAllies”withMyersPress.
Eachyear,theDeanofStudentsOfficecelebratesindividualsandstudentorganizations fromacrosstheCollegewhodemonstrateoutstandingleadership.Twooftheawardsare connectedtotheHarvardFoundationandourmission.Thisyear,theHarvardFoundation isproudtorecognizeAnapaulaBarba’25,CodyChou’25,andByronGonzalez’25as recipientsoftheDistinguishedSeniorAward,andNathalieArrudaMilbradt’26,Ericka Familia’25,andKawsarYasin’26asrecipientsoftheHarvardFoundationInsigniaAward
Your support allows the Harvard Foundation to carry out our mission and enrich students’ experiences at Harvard. A portion of the Foundation’s annual budget comes from the support of alumni and friends in the form of individual gifts made to fund 330050 The Harvard FoundationFund.
All gifts to the Harvard Foundation are tax-deductible and eligible for Harvard College Fund class credit. Donations by check should be made out to Harvard College, with fund number 330050 written on the memo line.
Checkscanbemailedto:
The Harvard Foundation 7 Harvard Yard Grays Hall, Lower Level Cambridge, MA 02138
ForCreditCarddonations:
Please go to the Harvard College Giving Page and choose “OTHER” in the Select Fund drop down menu. Write 330050 in the Other Fund Name field to ensure that your gift is allocated to the Harvard Foundation.
Wearesogratefulforyourcontributions towardourmeaningfulwork.