On April 2 in Crawford Hall, students and faculty members alike gathered to have an open discussion and reflection on their experiences. Hosted by the Faculty/Staff of Color Caucus, or FOCC, and Black & Brown at Drew in collaboration with student government, the discussion was centered on student and faculty of color at Drew’s experiences as people of color on campus.
The goal of the event was to create conversations across the generations of our Drew community–faculty, staff and students. Dr. Maria Turrero-Garcia of the Spanish department and Casey Gonzalez, director of student engagement, facilitated the group reflection. Through guided questions and reflections, participants shared experiences and discussed important current events impacting their communities.
Dr. Turrero-Garcia provided insight from how the event felt from the perspective of a mediator: “Facilitating the event was, more than anything, incredibly inspiring. Everyone shared their experiences with openness and vulnerability, and it was very enriching to have an evening where hierarchies were dropped in favor of genuine connection.”
President Edgar Guzman (‘28), Vice President Kayla Kiernan (‘28) and Attorney General Ann De Jesus (‘28) represented the student government association. President Guzman provided more insight into what the experience meant to him: “The event felt so meaningful, the ability to communicate with [peers and faculty] was something so special that [today] holds so much weight and value especially as a person of color.”
The FOCC has been hosting events such as this since the spring 2025 semester. As an organization, they strive to facilitate and create these kinds of spaces for students. Associate Dean of Curriculum, Jinee Lokaneeta reflects, “The efforts of the FOCC has helped us to create spaces for each of our students, especially those sometimes historically ignored or marginalized in a [predominantly white institution].” Together, we can define our Drew community through speaking out for ourselves and each other.
Previous events include: Conversations in Community, a similar event held in spring 2025 focused on sharing the experiences of students of color; Confronting Profiling, a panel held last semester to address the Supreme Court’s decision to allow racial profiling in immigration-related operations; Community in Conversation Potluck, a gathering centered on reflection and celebration of our collective diversity; Afro-Caribbean Linguistic Diversity, a collaborative panel discussion to explore lived experiences of language and belonging.
Dean Lokaneeta also highlighted the importance of this intergenerational dialogue. “It felt particularly special to come together with other members of the FOCC and students whose inspiring work really reminds us each day of the reason why the responsibility of responding to urgent problems of our time need to be centered in our education.”
Another faculty member present, Dr. Andrea Lee of the chemistry department, shed more light on the importance of intergenerational dialogues. “To me, this event represented an evolution in the relationship that the Faculty/Staff of Color Caucus have with our students of color. With the addition of student leaders in SGA and Black & Brown, we [can] humanize our experiences in a way that allows us to speak without power structures.”
This intergenerational connection was felt by many present. A student participant, Stephanie Yanes (‘27) highlighted what feelings the event left her with. “It was refreshing to be in a space with students and faculty who wanted to help students feel more seen in our campus community,” said Yanes.
The space created not only connection, but inspiration for students. “I felt seen, heard and very proud that I was surrounded by people who have the conviction to break through barriers, [which] many are so afraid to do,” said Guzman.
Dr. Turrero-Garcia also emphasized the importance of these spaces: “Organizing the Stories & Solidarities intergenerational dialogue felt necessary and urgent. Our students, faculty and staff of color deserve spaces where they can share their experiences and feel heard and seen, and I think the FOCC managed to provide such a space.”
Both sides exchanged knowledge and inspiration as people of color, as shared by Dr. Lee. She reflects, “this event will allow us to create meaningful change together as we move forward. It’s the students who create the drive and direction for the work that we do.”
At the end of the event, students and faculty came together to create a mural reflecting the messages and emotions they took away from the event.
The FOCC looks forward to holding more events and fostering more spaces like this in the future, and they strive to create community between both faculty and students. To stay updated with future events, follow their account on Instagram, @drew_facultyofcolor.
Kayla Kiernan is a sophomore double majoring in English: writing and communication and political science and minoring in Spanish and Italian. Jaden Finn is a sophomore majoring in environmental science and minoring in theatre arts.
