Engaged Ambassadors
Aaliyah Brown ’23
Majors: Government and Anthropology
Minor: Spanish
The issue of public concern I’m passionate about … addressing the cycle of recidivism, debilitating school-to-prison pipeline and gentrification-driven urban tenant crisis that pervade minority communities.
Engagement experience: I am a student volunteer with the Parole Preparation Project. We work and develop a relationship with a parole-eligible individuals serving life on their parole packet, interview prep, etc. The larger advocacy goal is to reform the parole process so that these individuals can rebuild their families and communities. I am also a Posse Scholar and am involved in Les Femmes de Substance, Wanawake Wa Wari and the Black Ivy Pre-Law Society.
As an Engaged Ambassador, I … will work to create an environment that provides, cultivates and uplifts safe spaces and the voices that contribute to them. I always strive to make sure each person in a space feels comfortable and empowered to speak their truths.
I got involved because … I am passionate about service and being able to bring one’s authentic self to any environment. I want to support my peers as they explore ways to pursue their interests and goals on campus.
My friends would say I’m … hilarious, motivated and the best karaoke partner they ever met.
Best Cornell memory (so far!): Having an hour-long ride home because my friends and I got on the wrong bus. I don’t know why one of us had a speaker on them, but that was a fun ride 🙂
Fun fact: I would be perfectly content traveling the world as Beyoncé’s backup dancer. No explanation needed.
Future plans: I aim to become an attorney and work in the nonprofit sector.
Engaged Ambassadors
A cohort of students who have completed the Certificate in Community-Engaged Leadership and lead a variety of special projects for the Office of Engagement Initiatives