Get to Know the BIPOC Affinity Group
This group is a way to bring BIPOC Honors, CBRS, and FDDS students together to create an empowering and supportive environment to assist one another in transitioning to and navigating college. The group seeks to engage students of all backgrounds and identities by encouraging dialogue and community building that is mindful of the diverse social, cultural, and academic needs of AU students. To do so, the BIPOC Affinity Group provides peer-to-peer support and mentoring, connects students with opportunities to explore their identities and cultures around D.C., engage with community service projects, participates in workshops focused on navigating a PWI as students of color, and collaborate with cultural- and identity-based organizations on campus. Consistent with the university’s prohibition on discrimination, any student who is part of AU Honors, Community-Based Research Scholars, or Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Programs may participate in the BIPOC Affinity Group, as it is open to all such students regardless of their race, color, or national origin.
Zophia Kotala
Communications Director
Zophia (she/her) is a sophomore from Denver, CO. She is pursuing a double major in Psychology and Legal Studies. She hopes to pursue a career in research, investigating how law and psychology intersect and affect marginalized groups.
Fav BIPOC Story
"I love Across the Spider-Verse. The discussions of family, belonging, and identity are relatable and impactful. Miles has a powerful arc that I deeply connect to. The movie is also visually stunning with an amazing soundtrack. Plus, it gives me indescribable joy to see Spider-Man speaking Spanish. One of my favorite movies of all time!"
Savannah-Rae Snyder
Community Service Director
"Hi y'all, I'm Sav, or Rae, or how you prefer to remix my double first name. I'm an Atlanta native, the middle sister of three girls, and a lover of history and theology. My album of the summer was Rylo Rodriguez's "Been One", and I recommend the upper level of Katzin for a great study spot. I'm an SIS major hoping to pursue national security and defense negotiation, and love making new friends or helping out strangers. Remember to love your neighbor!"
Fav BIPOC Story
"Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston is an African American classical piece about the pursuit of identity and self-determination for a black woman put on a pedestal for her hue instead of her soul. I love how she defines herself outside of the male gaze and denies what has been afforded to her for the sake of buying her love."
Diya Jaisankar
Engagement Director
Diya (she/her) is a sophomore majoring in SIS with a minor in Business Administration. Originally from Hillsborough, NJ, Diya intends to pursue a career in law and public policy centered around advocating for marginalized communities.
Fav BIPOC Story
"Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata is one of the most impactful novels I have ever read. It highlights the hardships of immigrant families and the importance of keeping the people you love close to you."
Aseel Osman
Programming Director
Aseel is a sophomore from the DMV area. She is currently majoring in International Relations with a focus in the Middle East and a minor in International Business. In the future, Aseel hopes to go to law school and study immigration reform and policy.
Fav BIPOC Story
"'Barry Farm: Community, Land, and Justice' is a documentary I watched in our Displaced Lives in the DMV course. It was a beautiful film about the city's residents trying to preserve their neighborhood and its rich history from DC's growing gentrification process."
Cheyenne Smith
Outreach Coordinator
Cheyenne (she/they) is a senior from Boston, MA studying political science with a specialization in Gender, Race, and Politics. In addition to political science, they are pursuing a masters in data science through the combined BA/MS program. They have a heavy emphasis on research in their studies ultimately hoping to pursue research on anti-gentrification movements and the effect of colonization in Puerto Rico. Lastly, they hope to become an advocate for policies establishing ethical and restricted use of big data and AI.
Fav BIPOC Story
"One of my favorite BIPOC stories is Encanto. The first time I saw the trailer for it, my mom and I cried. We both never realized how important it was to us to see a movie that resembles our family. The heart-warming story of embracing your family while celebrating what makes you unique is a story that resonates with me and my family greatly. Plus, all of the songs are extremely catchy and fun, plus the animation is amazing."
Rachel Hou
Freshman Liaison
Rachel (they/she) is freshman currently majoring in anthropology, but she wants to major in sociology and minor in education studies. They're from NJ where they live with their parents and twin brother. She loves to dance, read, play guitar, and spend time with family and friends.
Fav BIPOC Story
"Everything Everywhere All at Once” is one of my favorite movies and BIPOC stories. It is not only a cinematically beautiful and an entertaining action/adventure movie, but also a powerful and emotional Asian American story. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it!"
