Meet the Team

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  (718) 982-3308 | Damaris.Hipolito@csi.cuny.edu | 5N-112

  ASAP/ACE Academic Advisor

  Accelerated Study in Associate Programs| ASAP

  Accelerate, Complete, and Engage | ACE /  Languages spoken: English/Spanish

Who are you on campus? 

My name is Damaris Hipolito. I am an Academic Advisor for the ASAP/ACE program at the College of Staten Island.
 
Why did you join RELAY? 

I joined RELAY because I wanted to provide further concrete support for my students. Throughout my experience as an academic advisor here, I have assisted my students in connecting with the Chairperson/Dean from several departments to address issues involving certain professors discriminating against their students in a racial and/or biased manner. In addition, during the Black Lives Matter movement, I have consulted with my students who wanted to address certain concerns that related to identity, self-preservation, and discrimination. I have referred my students to appropriate resources, such as the CSI Counseling Center. However, as a Latina woman with tan skin and curly hair, I have experienced racism throughout my walk, therefore, I wanted to seek a community and find further resources through the RELAY Fellows program.
 
How did you get involved in anti-racism work? 

At the start of my professional career at the College of Staten Island, I attended a Safe Zone training course conducted by Jeremiah Jurkiewicz. Furthermore, when I was a Program Manager at NYU College Advising Corp, I was able to conduct training to the College Advisors that I have supervised. As well, I have brought in other presenters to our College Advisors to help them learn how to handle those types of conversations when it came to collaborating with Principals, Assistant Principals, Teachers, and their high school students at their job site placements. From there, I facilitated open-ended discussions/topics about race, bias, equity and inclusion. Overall, I have also completed a DASA Workshop (Harassment, Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Discrimination in Schools: Prevention and Intervention) as part of my teaching license preparation.   

Who are you off-campus?

I am a mother to a 2-year toddler, a wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and a legal guardian. I love to watch YouTube gamers, play video games, read, write, draw, and think. I am working on strengthening my baking skills and catching up on anime.

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  (718) 982-4180 | David.Allen@csi.cuny.edu | 3S-207A

  Professor

  Department of Curriculum & Instruction

  Languages spoken: English

Who are you on Campus?

I’m a professor in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction at CSI. My students become middle school and high school English language arts teachers, mostly in Staten Island public schools. I also do research and write about how groups collaborate and create together, in schools and other settings, including theater arts.

Why did you join RELAY?

I joined RELAY because I hear more and more stories from students, staff members, and faculty members about ways they have been harmed through actions and words of others. RELAY also provides me, as a white man, with resources to learn about myself and how my actions and words can harm others.

How did you get involved in anti-racism work?

I got involved in anti-racist work, in a sustained way, 13 years ago when I started working as a facilitator for the New Jersey Network of Superintendents, a collective of school districts committed to disrupting racism. That work has taken me into some of the wealthiest schools in the state, as well as some of the poorest, along with alternative settings, such as a high school in a juvenile detention center.

Who are you off Campus?

Off-campus, I am a husband (to Fumio), a dog companion (to Carlisle), a son with a 94 year-old mother (Virginia), a brother (5 siblings), and an uncle (7 nieces and nephews). I love music and theater, reading and writing, and exploring off the beaten track places on Staten Island.

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(718) 982-3960 | Frances.Melendez@csi.cuny.edu | 4S-106

Clinical Professor

Director of the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Languages spoken: English/Spanish

Who are you professionally?

Frances A Meléndez, Ph.D. Clinical Professor, Director of the Clinical Mental Counseling Program at the College of Staten Island is a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of New York. She is a graduate of the College of Staten Island and received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the Graduate School of The City University of New York.

Dr. Meléndez has extensive experience working with adults and children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS in particular BIPOC women over 50.

As Director of the CMHC program she with her colleagues is committed to the training of licensed Mental Counselors who will carry out their professional responsibilities in ways that promote social justice so they may understand the impact of systemic racism on those population often marginalized and underserved.

Dr. Meléndez’ clinical interest focus includes but not limited to disparities in mental health services, depression and women, substance abuse, trauma, psychogenic seizures (PNES), empowerment and self-advocacy, HIV/AIDS, Stigma as it is related to being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and mental illness. She is committed to introducing long- and short-term therapy to at-risk populations that have traditionally refused mental health services. During the COVID19 epidemic she worked pro-bono with Frontline workers.

Why did you join RELAY?

The mission of the RELAY team was of great interest as she herself understood how microaggressions could make you feel that you had no voice to be heard.

How has your experience prepared you for RELAY?

Her life experience and career have prepared her for RELAY as she states “As a Latina I have experienced macro/micro aggressions that often silenced me or felt like I was being put in my place. My personal and professional life experiences have always been about advocating for justice, I understand the importance of not replicating oppressive practices. I am aware that often some people may have good intentions but have no understanding of the impact of their hurtful practices. Anti-racist work has been my career as I have advocated for the rights of BIPOC and LGBTQ within the medical, HIV, Homeless and Academic communities.”

Who are you off-campus?

Off campus she volunteers as a Board member for Care for the Homeless as well as volunteering to speak at the IS 61 career day. She is a wife, mother and grandmother who loves to laugh, read, listen to music and dancing.

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  (718) 982-3736 | Fumio.Someki@csi.cuny.edu | 3S-208

  Director of Assessment

  Associate Professor of Educational Studies

  School of Education / Languages spoken: English/Japanese

Who are you on campus?

I am an associate professor of Educational Studies as well as the Director of Assessment for the School of Education (SOE). I teach Special Education courses.

How did you get involved in anti-racism work?

After I moved to the United States in my mid-30s, it took me a while to realize how my life had been impacted by various kind of biases. It took me even longer to realize my rights and learn how to stand up for myself. I would like to help others who are impacted and support them to speak up.

Why did you join RELAY?

Whenever I have participated in events that promote diversity on campus, I am often the only one or one of very few people of Asian-decent. I want to represent Asian populations and make sure our voices are heard along with others. Further, I thought my background as a clinical psychologist and special education teacher may bring in different strengths and perspectives to RELAY.

Who are you off-campus?

I am a happy owner of a rescue dog (lab, husky and German shepherd mix) named Carlisle. I live on Staten Island. I love collecting stationary, reading Japanese comic books, playing puzzles, and trying out different cuisines. Some of favorites are: Korean, Polish, Colombian, Japanese Peruvian (Nikkei), Sri Lankan, and Ethiopian foods. I always welcome your recommendations! :)

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  (718) 982-3091 | Jeremiah.Jurkiewicz@csi.cuny.edu | 1C-225

  Assistant Director of Social Justice (LGBTQ Resource Center)

  Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  Languages spoken: English  

Who are you on campus?

I serve as the Assistant Director of Social Justice and I manage the LGBTQ Resource Center located in the Campus Center (1C-226). I help to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ students to gather and be themselves. I provide guidance and support to LGBTQ+ students throughout their time at CSI. We have programming, initiatives, and opportunities for students to engage, connect, and grow.

Why did you join RELAY?

I joined RELAY because I have heard the pain that many colleagues and students of color have continually faced at CSI. I believe that through honest communication and providing support and guidance, we can create some healing at CSI.

How did you get involved in anti-racism work?

I first moved to Staten Island in 2008 to attend CSI as a student. I lived in Stapleton and I passed by Tompkinsville Park the day that Eric Garner was murdered by police. It was a wake up call to the continued oppression that black people face in the US, even here in NYC.

Who are you off-campus?

I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend and laughing together. I enjoy board games. video games, theater, movies, the arts, and hanging out with friends. I love to cook and wish I had more time (and money) to make fun meals. My parents are avid travelers and instilled that in me from a young age. I have had the opportunity to go to Australia, Canada, Guatemala, Peru, England, Israel, and Palestine. I love learning about the world, cultures, and meeting new people.

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  (718) 982-2414 | Mitchell.Lovell@csi.cuny.edu | 1P-122H

  Computer Lab Technician

  Department of Media Culture

  Languages spoken: English

Who are you on Campus?

I am a CLT in the Department of Media Culture. I helped our cinema-production students get access to equipment to realize their cinematic projects. I also direct the annual CSI film festival.

Why did you join RELAY?

I joined RELAY because as a lifelong Staten Islander, I want better for our communities. The prospect of having an avenue for restorative justice excited me. I consider how I might have benefitted if something like RELAY existed as I went through High School and college. In the past, I felt that speaking out against racial bias was a distraction. Putting up with micro-aggressions was just a part of life, and if I were able to carry the burden of being Black on Staten Island silently, it would be a sign of individual grit. So when a teacher suggested I was part of a gang on the first day of school, I stayed silent. When others, suggested I was “one of the good ones” , I was often not equipped to call them out. I want better for those who are in similar positions. Any micro aggressions or act of racial bias feeds into the larger system of Racism. It is not something that should be taken lightly. It is not the burden of the marginalized to go through life silently.

How did you get involved in anti-racism work?

My engagement with anti-racist work started, with being vocal on social media, and marching with demonstrations demanding justice for the life of Eric Garner. My formal training of anti-racist work started in early 2020 when I enrolled in a community class titled, “Self, Systems, and Solidarity.” The class was geared towards artists on Staten Island. I RELAY is similarly focused on creating a welcoming and safe campus.

Who are you off-campus?

Off campus, I am filmmaker and video artist. I enjoy being my family’s videographer.

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(718) 982-2882 | Nada.Michael@csi.cuny.edu | 4N-207

Associate Director

CUNY Start

Languages spoken: English/Arabic

Who are you on campus?

I’m the Associate Director of the CUNY Start program. CUNY Start works with students who need to strengthen their English and Math skills before beginning their credit classes at CSI. I oversee the program, staff and students and make sure that we are supporting students in making academic progress and that they feel connected to CSI and are ready to begin their career at CSI with a strong foundation.

Why did you join RELAY?

We developed a similar process in CUNY Start to address incidents of racism and bias that kept coming up in the classroom between students. It made me realize that we needed something similar for the wider CSI community and that the focus needed to be on repair and how to move forward together after a harm has happened.

How did you get involved in anti-racism work?

I’ve been involved in antiracism work since the early 2000s when I lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin which at the time was the most segregated city in the country. I worked for a leadership development program for young adults that was intentional about bringing together a diverse group of young people who were interested in improving their communities. For many of them it had been the first time they were in a room with someone of a different racial or ethnic background. We facilitated many trainings to help them learn about each other and overcome the many “stories” they heard growing up about people who were different than them. I fell in love with the work and committed to being involved in antiracism work moving forward. Since then, there have been, unfortunately, so many incidents that continue to show how much this work is necessary.

Who are you off-campus?

Off campus, I am a mom to two young daughters who keep me very busy. I am an avid reader (fiction and memoirs are my favorite), yogi, lover of nature, and voracious eater of all kinds of cuisine. Trying new foods is among my favorite things! I also love to travel -it’s an experiential way to learn about other people and their cultures and it offers me a way to learn more about myself when I’m in a new situation.

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(718) 982-3119 | Robert.Kee@csi.cuny.edu | 1C-201B

Coordinator for Student Leadership Development

Office of Student Life

Languages spoken: English

Who are you on campus?

Robert King Kee brings a diverse set of skills, knowledge, and abilities to his work as the Coordinator for Student Leadership Development at the College of Staten Island (CSI) from professional experiences in the areas of leadership development, education, community development, conflict resolution and non-profit consulting. Robert is also a Doctoral Candidate in the Community Based Leadership Program.

Who are you on campus?  
My name is Robert King Kee.  I serve as the Coordinator for Student Leadership Development at the College of Staten Island (CSI). In my role, I provide leadership development training and facilitation to our student leaders and organizations across campus to foster collaborative processes, build commitment and alignment. In addition, I oversee our Volunteer Programs and the Food Pantry here at CSI. In addition to my professional roles, I am also a Doctoral Candidate in the Community Based Leadership Program here at the College of Staten Island. 

Why did you join RELAY? 
I am a sociologically trained professional with over twenty-five years of experience, driven by a deep passion for and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and social justice. I have a passion for supporting organizations and leaders who are working toward greater social justice. I joined this team because of alignment of my personal and professional values and mission for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work at CSI and beyond. 

How did you get involved in anti-racism work? 
I knew ever since I was a child, that doing work around Civil Rights was what I wanted to do. I have always worked with organizations that were fighting for racial, social, and economic justice. Prior to joining CSI, I was a Senior Associate with the Interaction Institute for Social Change in Cambridge, Massachusetts where I had the privilege of facilitating leadership and diversity training across the globe. I just knew that this was my passion and my purpose.  I never really believed that I had any other choice.  My personal and professional mission is to facilitate and implement anti-racist, cultural competency and leadership curricula for leaders, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and NGO's specializing in racial, social, economic justice here and abroad. I have also designed, trained, and co-facilitated the Diversity/Cultural Competency and Leadership Programs for the National Service Leadership Institute of the Corporation for National and Community Service. My prior experience as a senior leader in nonprofit organizations includes serving as Director for several NY State Americorps after school literacy programs for children and youth. I have a rich background in Sociology, Organizational Development, and Race and Ethnic relations. I have also served as a social worker for the City of Philadelphia and was a former housing developer for a nonprofit organization in New York City. 

Who are you off-campus? 
I have a fervor for nature and the outdoors, photography, roller skating, mountain trekking, Broadway, exploring National Parks across the world and completing triathlons. I am member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, and Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars. I spend much of my free time traveling, reading, and spending time with my partner, family and friends.  

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718-982-2157 | Shawn.Landry@csi.cuny.edu | 2A-204

Program Director

CSI Liberty Partnerships Program

Languages spoken: English

Dr. Shawn Denise Landry, LMSW is a Native Staten Islander. Her career spans over twenty-five years she has devoted herself to working with the access and equity of young people in the New York City Metropolitan area.

“We declare our right on this earth to be a man, to be a human being, to be respected as a human being, to be given the rights of a human being in this society, on this earth, in this day, which we intend to bring into existence by any means necessary.” -Malcolm X 1965

Who are you on campus?

I am the Program Director of the College of Staten Island Liberty Partnerships Program. With my team, I design and implement academic and cultural programming for students ages 11-21, opening the students to access, equity, and inclusion. I introduce them to academic and cultural enrichment. My mentees include junior high, high school and college students. For many of them, I serve as their first supervisor and introduction to the World of Work. Many of my students continue in their pursuit of post-secondary goals and careers and now are contributing and empowered members of society.

In addition, I am a Seminar Instructor for Field Instruction at the College of Staten Island School of Social Work in 2018. Dr. Landry and her team introduce them to experiential learning opportunities, project management and high level of expectations.

Why did you join RELAY?

Working with RELAY is an opportunity to address and create solutions to the bias, discrimination, and inequities and lack of professionalism Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) live with daily on this campus. As a BIPOC, Christian, cisgender women myself, anti-racism work is empowering a duty of citizenship, and a responsibility of licensed professional social workers ethics and values.

Who is Dr. Landry off campus?

Dr. Shawn D. Landry, LMSW is an accomplished, engaging workshop creator, trainer and facilitator. Over the course of at least six years now, Ms. Landry has worked with Peace Dynamics Consultants and the ‘STAND UP & LEAD!’ Initiative and the Annual “Mahatma Gandhi-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Season for Nonviolence” Culminating Events in New York City. Additionally, Ms. Landry is a founding Executive Board Member of our Institute for International Leadership, Nonviolence & Service, a nonprofit organization recognized at the United Nations. Shawn enjoys her work, and this is her passion.