“As a Black, queer, gender-expansive, southern-transplant who’s made Chicago my home – my identities enable me to speak with cultural humility, curiosity, and care. I’m a seeker – a person who passionately pursues knowledge, learning, and criticality. I make a point to learn a lesson from all the folks who cross my path and from each of my experiences. I chose Surge to enhance my current work as a higher education professional, intending to create more inclusive and affirming communities for the first-generation low-income (FGLI), LGBTQ+, undocumented/DACA, and international students that I work alongside. It’s important that students who are pursuing higher education at institutions that were not built for their success feel seen, acknowledged, and co-create spaces of belonging. Surge programming will give me the language and confidence to ensure that my students’ voices are shared in or present in spaces where they need to be heard the most.”
SaShay Butler | Assistant Director, Student Enrichment Services (Northwestern University)