Connect with Staff

Venida, Director (She, Her, Hers)

Venida brings a sense of centeredness to the Center, and the ability to bring different identities together.
She brings education, advocacy, support and fun. Venida ensures there is a seat at the table for everyone.
For those who have been traumatized, she brings calm and peace.
She helps them find healing so academically they can succeed.
Venida brings people together on campus and the community.
Her desire is to persist until all people are seen, heard and free.

Yolanda, Center Coordinator (She, Her, Hers)

Yolanda brings a calming presence with her gifts of patience and compassion. Yolanda brings structure and organization as she developed these tools in her previous roles. Yolanda brings her passion to help others in any way possible as she is a Mental Health Counselor in training who will graduate with her master’s degree in Spring 2024. Yolanda brings her bilingual talents as she speaks both English and Spanish. Her goal is to strengthen the bonds between NJCU and the Jersey City community.

Mercy, Pride Center Program Specialist (They, Them, Theirs)

Mercy brings a heart that is dedicated to supporting the safety, belonging and empowerment of Queer & Trans students at NJCU's PRIDE Center. They bring a gentle, creative and healing energy into their work as a teaching artist, facilitator and local community organizer. They are passionate about co-creating spaces that celebrate the joy and authentic self-expression of LGBTQIA+ folks. Mercy can be found at the center connecting students with resources that support their holistic wellness, self-advocacy and their ability to thrive on and off campus.

Ashley, Student Staff (She, her, hers)

Ashley brings a mixture of science and creativity.
She uses her love of writing and poetry to advocate for diversity especially concerning the inclusivity of children with special needs.
Ashley has a long term goal to witness a time when race, gender, ethnicity, and beliefs are not considered limitations to anyone’s aspirations.
As a biology and chemistry major with a Nigerian background, she hopes and advocates for more diversity in STEM.
Ashley believes that everyone should take action when they think action is needed and to strive to be anything but a bystander.

Rachel, Student Staff (She, Her, Hers)

Rachel brings a cheerful presence to the Center while also diligently working towards supporting the goals of those around her. Rachel makes sure to often ornament herself with accessories to express herself as she wishes others could express themselves freely to feel at home with her. She brings forth a mystical sense of creativity who makes origami gifts for her friends and gives love to all those around her. Rachel also brings her Filipino heritage to the table to help those who struggle with academic burnout, or the pressures given by family to succeed. She applies her love for psychology to all people that she meets to assist them in any way that she can. Rachel hopes that those around her can genuinely smile, do cathartic cries, and to especially make sure they are taken care of.

Hekuran, Student Staff (He, him, his)

Hekuran is an international student from Kosovo. He is a Music Business major who loves to write and produce music. His interest in diversity and inclusion started through activism in his home country, but that further developed as he joined new and important conversations upon his arrival in the U.S. Hekuran loves to learn and to help. He hopes to become a recording and touring musician while being his truest self.

Andrea, Student Staff (She, Her, Hers)

Andrea brings a sense of identity and kindness to the center. Andrea brings her experiences to create a safe environment for everyone. She brings her mission which is to help those around her express themselves and share their true identities and stories without limitations. Andrea brings her goals because that inspires her to work for a better future for all. She wants to help people feel proud of sharing their life stories which makes them who they are.

Iris, Student Staff (She, Her, Hers)

Iris brings passion and perseverance to the Center. She brings her bilingual talents as she speaks both English and Spanish. Iris brings her Hispanic background to advocate and bring awareness to many topics that the Hispanic community still struggles to accept and understand. As a pre-law student, Iris hopes one day to serve her community, and preach exclusivity in her field of work.Her ultimate goal, by giving her time to the Center, is to reassure the NJCU community that we are a safe place for anyone who feels in need of help.

Laila, Student Staff (She, Her, Hers)

Laila brings her biology studies with aspirations for a fulfilling military career and dreams of becoming a dentist. She brings her Ghanaian heritage and breaks barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Laila is an avid reader who brings joy in creative writing using her words to champion diversity and inclusivity. She hopes to encourage women in male-dominated fields and envisions a world where aspirations aren’t hindered based on race, gender, ethnicity, or beliefs. Laila hopes others will join her in breaking down barriers and redefining what is possible.