Our Team

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Director

Myriam Kadeba grew up in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa. She received her doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Akron, Ohio, and has been working at VCU since 2016. Dr. Kadeba’s areas of interest include but are not limited to multiculturalism, advocacy and social justice, international affairs, community building, and mental health. Ultimately she values helping to empower individuals and communities that hold identities that have been systemically and historically marginalized while promoting wellness, agency, community healing, and thriving.

How do you practice self-care: I see self-care as embodying and practicing love and nurturing one’s mind, body, and spirit. Engaging in self-care for me includes making sure I stay hydrated, get proper sleep and nutrition, and find ways to move my body as able. Add to the mix random dance parties with my nieces and nephews, baking and cooking elaborate recipes to share with loved ones, journaling after reading something profound, being reminded of, and finding joy in the small things.

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Associate Director

Joshua Lockhart is a native of Richmond by way of Norfolk, VA. He received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina and went on to earn a Master of Science in Education from Old Dominion University. Joshua applies his knowledge of the historical landscape of higher education and how it allows people of color to be recognized and affirmed to assist in fostering an inclusive campus environment by embracing the knowledge of his own cultural identity and the cultures of other collaborators. Joshua’s areas of interest include facilitating programs, activities, celebrations, and events that embody unique and engaging cultural experiences and being a key aid in providing support to the sociocultural success of many historically underrepresented student groups. Joshua’s passion for education and engagement is based on one of his adopted missions to help build a movement to eliminate the disproportion and disparity within the educational system, by guiding men and women of all ethnic backgrounds on the path to success. He desires to be a part of a movement where he can be an example and assist in making a difference in a person’s life.

How do you practice self-care: I love to take a self-care trip. Getting away for a weekend every now and then can help you disconnect, relax, and be rejuvenated. Self-care trips don’t have to be costly; you can simply drive to the next town over and see the sights, or go camping nearby. The goal is to veer away from your normal schedule and take the time to do something just for yourself. It makes a huge difference in my life.

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” – Booker T. Washington

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Assistant Director

Jair Lecky is a helper raised in Woodbridge VA. He studied at VCU for undergrad and got degrees in Psychology and Social Work. During his undergraduate experience, he was involved in service-based organizations such as The Carver Promise & VCU ASPiRE. Seeking to continue working in higher education spaces, Jair decided to continue his education, and recently graduated with a master’s in Counselor Education, with a concentration in College Counseling and Student Affairs. Jair has been a full-time staff member at VCU since 2019, bringing experience from Residential Life and Housing. 

Engaging in self-care is something that I have been more intentional about due to the pandemic. I practice self-care mainly through connecting to music, which can take the form of listening to music, writing music, or singing. I believe that music is living, breathing, and has emotion. I also find video games to be therapeutic. After days where it feels like things are happening “to me,” it is comforting that within the realm of video games, it is a space where I have agency. 

“An impossibility is just a possibility you don't understand yet” - Matt Haig

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Program Manager

Beck Oh is a student advocate from Northern Virginia. In 2018, she completed her undergraduate program at New York University, earning degrees in Journalism & Social and Cultural Analysis. They spent their time in New York building community and resources for student journalists of color. After graduating, Beck went on to work for an evening news broadcast show.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Beck began volunteering as a youth crisis counselor. The experience inspired her to apply to and attend Virginia Commonwealth University’s Master’s program for social work. They are passionate about community organizing, empowering students, and LGBTQ+ mental health.

How do I practice self-care: I practice self-care by journaling when I feel anxious, reaching out to friends, and taking long walks.

“I don’t do things for the response or controversy. I just live my life.” – Rihanna

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Administrative Coordinator

Dave Brown was born and raised in Takoma Park, a suburb of Washington DC. He attended Montgomery Blair, Takoma Academy, and Northwestern High School in Maryland. He relocated to Richmond, Virginia in 1998. He started working for VCU in 2005 and has been with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs since 2016. His work-related interests include expanding his knowledge as an anti-racist/anti-fascist and using his privilege to work towards a more just and inclusive world.

How do you practice self-care: I practice self-care by keeping my P.M.A.(positive mental attitude) intact in a variety of ways. I find that spending time with my wife/kids/friends is a perfect way to recharge/reset myself. I am a music fanatic and have spent the majority of my life enjoying music in a live/in-person setting. I love photography and have had two books of my music photography published, as well as produced vinyl records by some of my favorite bands throughout the years. I’ve also worked at independent record stores for over 15 years. So, yeah, music is a big part of my self-care too.

"I roll with the punches, so I survive." - Chuck D.

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Office Assistant

Amy Carcamo is a fourth-year psychology major from Arlington, Virginia, and a proud first-generation Salvadoran American. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in social work with the goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). In her free time, Amy enjoys creating small clay figures while unwinding with reality television. She is currently watching The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Bad Girls Club.

I practice self-care by listening to music while coloring in a coloring book and hanging out with friends.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” - Maya Angelou

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Office Assistant

Anita is an undergraduate in their senior year as well as a first-year graduate student in Sociology! She was born and raised in Woodbridge, VA, and is a first-generation Lao-American. He has a wide range of research interests, such as Asian identity and health disparities, but is also open to exploring other fields and disciplines. In her free time, she volunteers with the Democratic Party of Virginia, hoping to increase voter registration and engagement!

I practice self-care by taking naps as needed and listening to music! As well as going out for a sweet treat, usually boba, every now and then.

"Life is full of chances. Take it lightly" - Kim Jonghyun, SHINee

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Office Assistant

Carrington Smith was a talented visual artist from the 757 area of Virginia with a passion for celebrating African American culture through her work. A recent graduate of Granby High School and an alumna of the Governor’s School for the Arts in the Visual Arts department, Carrington explored complex themes of identity, heritage, and societal perspectives. Now attending VCU for the 2024-2028 academic years, she is majoring in Graphic Design for the Art Foundation. Carrington's artistic journey is enriched by her deep connection to her community and commitment to using art as a medium for cultural expression and social commentary.

How do you practice self-care: I practice self-care by making sure to take care of myself by doing skincare, drinking water, getting active, and being around positive people who have good energy.

“If you don’t define yourself for yourself, you’ll be crushed into other people’s fantasies of you and get eaten alive.”- Issa Rae (Actor)

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Office Assistant

Frannie was born and raised in Charlottesville, Virginia. She is preparing to graduate in December with her Bachelor’s degree in Art History with a minor in Italian Studies. Her research interests include the intersection of art and policy, graffiti and public art, censorship and artistic controversy, and the ways art shapes and reflects identity and community memory. 

After graduating from VCU, Frannie plans to attend graduate school for Arts Administration, where she hopes to work to make community art and museums accessible to all. 

I practice self-care by cooking, reading, attending therapy, and reaching out to my loved ones.

“The humblest tasks get beautified if loving hands do them” - Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

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Office Assistant

Gisselle Pacas-Iraheta is a PROUD Latina (Salvadorena), first-gen, and Scorpio who is currently a junior at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), majoring in Health Services with a focus on the Pre-PA Health Track. Gisselle was born in Richmond, VA, and Raised in the neighboring county Chesterfield. Gisselle is committed to becoming a Physician Assistant to increase Latinx representation in medicine and work towards improving the U.S. healthcare system to better serve Latinx communities.

How do you practice self-care: I practice self-care by being around uplifting friends/family, shopping, exercising, and being with my two dogs (Landon & Scrappy). 

"When you choose yourself everything around you will choose you too" - Maia

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Office Assistant

Isaih Wade is a freshman from Virginia Beach majoring in Finance. He’s passionate about building a strong foundation in business and is excited to grow both personally and professionally during his college journey. Outside of academics, he enjoys music, spending time in nature, and being around his loved ones.

I practice self-care by listening to music, getting fresh air, and making time for the people who matter most to me.

"The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win." - Kobe Bryant

she/they
Office Assistant

Third-year, dog lover, friend to many, actor, dancer, and hobby collector. She was born and raised in Maryland, moving to Virginia for high school, where she decided to pursue a career in the performing arts as a Theatre major (BFA) at VCU. 

Outside of acting, Jhay has many other interests, such as professional video editing, knitting, crocheting, makeup artistry, calisthenics, drawing, and the occasional video game every now and then. You may even catch her doing drag on the weekends if you're lucky. If Jhay had to absolutely pick another career path, it would definitely be law, and if we were in a completely different time period, she would have loved to have been a court jester. Take this from Jhay: don’t take life too seriously! But also fight for those you love and for those who can’t, and for those you don’t even know. 

“If you can't love yourself, how the hell are you gonna love somebody else? Can I get an amen?” – RuPaul

he/him
Office Assistant

Joe Wells Cole is a first-year computer science student with a concentration on software engineering. He was born in the small town of South Boston, Virginia. Some of his interests include reading, photography, and technology in general. 

I practice self-care by listening to music and going outside when I feel overwhelmed.

“No part of my experience has turned out to be a waste of time” - Satoru Iwata

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Office Assistant

Lena Dao is a first-generation Vietnamese college student majoring in mass communications with a concentration in media production and a psychology minor. She was raised in Manassas, Virginia. She has grown to love movies, with some of her favorites being Sound of Metal and Princess Mononoke.

I practice self-care through reorganizing my room and listening to music! My playlists energize me, and seeing how my space looks afterwards gives me a sense of accomplishment.

"Love your past, but travel on." - Jen, The House

(He/Him)
Office Assistant

Ryley was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and moved to Virginia Beach in 2012. He graduated from the Governor's STEM Academy at Landstown High School and is now a sophomore at VCU, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Pre-Medicine. Driven by a passion to help others, Ryley plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in psychiatry, where he aims to support individuals facing mental health challenges. 

I practice self-care by going on walks around the city, working out at the gym, and spending time with friends.

Quote: “Fear keeps the doors between sealed. It is a basic response to threat.” - Howard Thurman

Graduate Assistant

Shahad is a master's student in the art education program. In their spare time, they are working on their graphic novel that tackles global issues around gender, race, and social structures, which are topics they like to research. 

My favorite things to do for self-care are drinking tea and going on a bike ride! 

"I have no label for what I am doing" - Kakali Bhattacharya

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Office Assistant

Stephanie is a sophomore at VCU majoring in political science and exploring potential career paths. She’s an active member of the Lambda Eta Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. Outside of class, she enjoys spending time on campus, especially sitting outdoors to study and unwind. Stephanie is passionate about finding her place in the world through both academics and community involvement.

I practice self-care by taking naps and journaling!

"All you need is love" - The Beatles

(she/her)
Office Assistant

Tajyhia Manuel is a first-generation college student from Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is majoring in Mass Communications with a concentration in Broadcast Journalism and is passionate about storytelling and media. Tajyhia enjoys spending time with her loved ones and has found joy in working at a summer camp, where she helps create meaningful experiences for others. She is committed to uplifting her community and pursuing opportunities that allow her to connect, inspire, and lead.

I practice self-care by taking naps and giving myself time to recharge alone.

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt

She/He/They
Office Assistant

Zaniah is a junior double-majoring in English and African-American Studies. She is from Virginia Beach and spends her free time doing a variety of different things, mostly reading or writing in some capacity. Though lately she has been playing video games like Marvel Rivals and Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.  

I practice self-care by journaling and writing poetry.

"'Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up" - James A. Baldwin