Meet the SGA AVP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Student Government Association (SGA) recently created a new position, Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Jason Brooks, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs, with the help of the executive board, helped create a by-law and presented the position to the SGA, where it was approved unanimously.

Jason said, “The AVP of DEI position is something that has been discussed since the creation of the DEI. At the start of the year, our executive board had multiple discussions about putting this into action. This is because we recognized it will have a tremendous impact on students lives.We hope that it will give student’s a much larger voice when it comes to developing a more equitable & inclusive campus. There is only so much an AVP of Student Affairs can cover themselves. This is why it was so important we got this done as soon as possible. We are incredibly excited for Ayala to have the opportunity to serve as the first AVP in this position. We know it will benefit the student body incredibly well for years to come.”

Ayala Gedeon (she, her, hers)

Tell us about yourself :
I’m a first generation college student and my first introduction to college was through Rowan’s EOF now ACEND Program. Ten days after my high school graduation I stayed on Rowan’s Campus during the summer through ASCEND’s Pre College Institute program. They taught me the necessary skills to see myself as a leader. My twin sister, Arielle and I are very close and we are each other’s support system. She introduced me to Student Government and while she served as SGA’s first black female president I was the Recording Secretary. My other current involvements include being a sister of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and as the Director of Social Activities for the Student University Programmers. Past involvements include being a Sports Interviewer for RTN’s student run show All Access and Peer Referral Orientation Leader or as a PROS member under OSLP. 

Goals as SGA AVP of DEI:
A goal I have for the new position is definitely event programming. I believe this is the best way to engage the Rowan Community and encourage opportunities for all us to be educated and to feel safe. There are so many holidays and monthly awarenesses that could be an opportunity to plan events around and co-sponsor with other clubs and departments. 

Favorite DEI resources on campus: It’s really hard for me to pick my favorite DEI resource because they are all so impactful and have benefited me directly and  indirectly. ASCEND gave me the start I needed to be a Rowan Student. I love attending discussions in Evergreen and the Hawthorn building under the SJICR, it is such an amazing space.