Engaged Ambassadors
Aisha Conte ’23
Major: Sociology
Minor: Africana
The issues of public concern I’m passionate about are … human rights injustice in the sector of public policy. From racial inequality to gender injustices, I have found that public policy and societal norms allow for human rights violations to remain unchecked. Through my work in various projects, I hope my role aids in the destruction of the mechanisms that allow human rights violations to remain unchecked.
Engagement experience: In my freshman year, I was in the OADI Research Scholar program, where I was able to learn the ins and outs of research from Cornell faculty and from a series of workshops. From this experience, I felt confident in my research abilities and law interest to become one of the founding students of the Cornell Defender Program. In this experience, I spent my summer helping indigent individuals virtually because of COVID. I was able to successfully conduct case investigations, sentence mitigation, and factual and legal research, as well as observation of hearings and other courtroom matters. Outside of career-related activities, I am a part of the Multi-Cultural Funding Advisory Board (MCFAB) and the Black Ivy Pre Law Society.
As an Engaged Ambassador, I … want to help push students to the constraints of their intellectual capabilities in order for them to become the best leaders/versions of themselves possible for their project. I want to help guide students with any concerns they may have concerning the certificate process and become a mentor to those who would like additional assistance.
I got involved because … of my passion for accelerating awareness for public service and community engagement, but also because I embody the central tenants of the program. My experience in the program, along with the multitude of knowledge accumulated this past year from research, makes me a reliable ambassador. I am truly excited to guide brilliant students with the projects and through their respective mind-boggling journey in this life-changing programming!
My friends would say I’m … funny and extremely creative.
Best Cornell memory (so far!): Helping to bring Rico Nasty and Swae Lee to campus through my role in MCFAB
Fun fact: I want to travel to every continent and visit all of the seven wonders of the world! So far, the only continents I have left are Africa and Australia. As for the seven wonders, the only ones I’ve been to so far are the Colosseum and the Taj Mahal.
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