Interviews

A child of Washington Heights and ambition, Jumirna Alcober Ramirez has accomplished more than many. She earned a master’s degree at 23 years old, organized her community around the state, conducted academic presentations, wrote papers, organized & joined demonstrations, and gave interviews, and “Jumie”, as her close friends call her is just getting started. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Buffalo State. As a student leader, and later, as President of Adelante Estudientes Latino (AEL), she was the center of a universe — both locally and statewide. “Go ask Jumie?” was often muttered amongst the students.  Jumirna and others did well in holding up the legacy of on-campus civil rights advocacy and leadership, which began during my father’s era, and earlier by other AEL members. The Latino student voice is so important in Higher Ed, where today the percentage of Latino professors hovers around 4% percent.  From its inception, the Civil Rights Movement was fueled by young leaders like Jumie.  She went on to attend Medaille College, where she earned her master’s degree in Organizational Leadership in only a year. Only a sliver of the national Latina population will go where Jumirma has gone, gain knowledge, and bring it back to their communities.  After graduate school, she became further involved in community activism, bringing issues and ideas to the forefront in a substantial way, and using her lived experience to make the messaging of those ideas relevant and spur action. She campaigns, participates, and shows up for her people; that is one of the reasons she is just so breathtaking; she is fully present. She is on the cutting edge of progress – spending the summer working on a local political campaign – Uptown for Angela, when nationally only 1% of public officials in America are Latino. More specifically in New York, Latinos make up about 19% of the population, and only 9% of all New York state lawmakers are Latino. I have a feeling Jumie and her colleagues may do something about that. Her leadership transcends her neighborhood, her borough, her city, her region. She is truly statewide. With a national and international network that extends well past Washington Heights, Jumie brings Washington Heights with her, specifically its energy – even to Buffalo. In her interview, she says: “People remember how you made them feel, so treat others how you want to be treated, even when they don’t deserve your kindness.” The Interview: Learning about Jumirna and her journey will give you an opportunity to get a good glimpse of the future. The future’s leadership in this country belongs to Jumirna, and to women like her. Where you raise and what values were taught to you?  I was raised in Azua, Dominican Republic and Washington Heights, NYC. Growing up and still relevant today, my family instilled within me and my sister to value education, especially in the United States. Your knowledge, experience, and credentials are things people cannot take away from you. Dedication, productivity, and commitment to responsibilities were also values that were taught to me. These values have helped me maintain optimism throughout challenging times and build me into a better leader. To this day, these values are still highly embedded in me. I try to bring these values into the teams I lead and create a culture where everyone can grow together. What was your experience as a student? As a first-generation Afro-Latina, my experience as a student was unique. Many times, I felt like my identity was confusing to many people and I did not know where I would be embraced the most. I also did not see myself represented in roles of leadership or many roles in general. When I was younger, I was embarrassed to ask questions because I felt I would delay everyone else in the room. As I matured and realized how much of an effect not asking questions was having on me, I then decided to change. I became more vocal and expressive. Through the guidance and support I received from the mentors I have had throughout my time in school, I learned the importance of using my voice. Once I became aware of the power of my voice and the power I held as a student, I started to use that to advocate for underrepresented students across the board. When did you start working/what was your first job?  My first job was assisting my parents clean a local pre-school. I would wipe down shelves, tables, toys, and things of that sort. I did not like it because there were these big glass windows around the business that people can see directly through, so I was embarrassed that someone I know may see me. I did not want people to know that’s how my family made money. I did not want people to see me and my family “struggle”. It was a learning experience at the end of everything. Through this maintenance job, my sister who also cleaned with us, later got hired as a teacher then promoted to lead teacher. There she found her interest in early education and children’s development. What is your theory on human potential? I don’t necessarily have a theory on human potential. I see potential as something people build within themselves. I cannot say who has the potential to do what, because I feel it comes from internal drive. However, as an external factor I try my best to uplift people and help individuals find and or embrace their unique qualities, goals, and interests. I use my identity to help inspire others. What advice do you have to educators today?  My advice to educators today would be to evaluate your whys. Across the country I feel educators are undervalued, especially those who are genuine and prioritize the wellness of the students/learners. Education is not as easy as it may seem, a lot goes into play. Now with modernization and technological advancements, educators have strategies to maximize the usage of that as well.  Educators should

Every culture has a word for it, “moxie” in Sicilian, “chutzpah” in Hebrew, “brava” in Spanish and those are all the ways I know how to say it. It is the spirit when someone got when they are a “shining star”, when little light shines so bright, even they themselves are blinded. Some people got it. My mother told me- “you got it.” I was a westsider, I was Sicilian, and I was her daughter, and most importantly, because I came from a long line of hard-working Sicilian women. That is right, as Puerto Rican as I am (wepa), my mother’s- mothers have forever been Sicilian. Relentless- my maternal DNA is because- that is how you describe Sicilian mothers. When my ancestry DNA report was delivered- it was true I was more Sicilian than any other ethnicity present in my DNA; so, I accepted my fate. Smiling- I knew it meant one thing- I am unbreakable. Because I come from a long line of hard-working Sicilian women, and they told me so. When I got to know Makayla Santiago, I got the impression that she, herself, was from a long line of hard-working women; and that takes generations.  I respected her immediately. I could tell she hustles. She is a shining bright star from the Bronx, and she can succeed in any environment – the mark of a strong woman. She has mastered the dense city and the flowing open spaces of rural life. Makayla’s love is art and storytelling, and in Puerto Rico that has dual functions. Our artists have kept our history, there was no other choice in the beginning with the lack of books. The first library was established in Puerto Rico in 1523 by the Spanish in El Morro. Private families and or religious groups held small collections during the early colonization of San Juan, but they kept literally getting destroyed – in attacks. The first documented library (supported by the government) was established in 1874- when the first and true public library was opened in Mayaguez, 381 years after Puerto Rico was “discovered.” For 381 years, artists and shining stars like Makayla have told the stories of a place. Good thing Makayla is from a long line of strong women; she and others have a lot of storytelling to do, something which is both a blessing and a responsibility. Makayla’s a storyteller. In her interview, she says, “Take action and find connections.” She and her line of strong women are sure to inspire. Her grandmother is someone that she attributes much of her success, and that is the real beauty.  Read Makayla’s interview and read the story of a storyteller who casts light in dark spaces with her art. The Interview: Where were you raised? What values were you taught? I am a proud Nuyorican from Highbridge in the Bronx and shout it out at any opportunity I can. I love being a Latina/Hispanic woman. There is so much beauty and life in our culture, food, families, and values. I was raised surrounded by strong women who shaped me to be the person I am today, but the most important thing was, “Educate yourself. They can take everything away from you, but you will always have your education.” My mother and grandma did everything in their power to make sure I had a good education. My grandmother would walk me to and from my elementary and middle schools. I attended a catholic school from 3rd grade to 12th. Tuition was covered in different ways. My grandmother worked as a lunchroom monitor to cover a portion of my tuition, my pediatrician covered a portion, and my mother paid the rest. If it were not for the help we received, we would not have been able to afford it. When it came time to go to high school, my 8th-grade school principal helped work towards a scholarship program in which an anonymous doctor paid for my tuition. I was incredibly lucky and blessed to have so many people guiding me towards my education. The second most important value I was taught was to simply “Work hard. Everything you do, do it with your heart.” And that is what I did. It led me to a dream job and starting a podcast. I knew I wanted to be a voice for the voiceless and now I am. What was your experience as a student? High School: I was busy chasing boys. If I knew what I know now, then. I would not have given them a time of day. I was on the student council, was a cheerleader, played on the softball team, and maintained good grades, but the drama overshadowed my passion for learning. No one in high school really saw my potential… except for my English teacher Ms. Wilbekin… we all always have that one teacher, but I felt like there was nothing in the Bronx for me. That is why I chose the farthest college from my doorstep, with state tuition. I needed to break free and understand myself as an individual. College: At first, I thought I knew what I wanted to be. I started out with a dream of being a Music Therapist. I wanted to use music to change the world. I quickly learned that it was not the path for me and began to explore other career paths. I changed my major a whole 9 times and finally settled on becoming a dual major, Business Administration with a concentration in the Music Industry and Arts Administration with a concentration in Public Relations and a dual minor in Communications & Leadership Studies. Yes, that is a mouthful, and it took me 5 years to finish, but I did it.  To build my resume, I had a couple of part-time jobs in the arts, held internships at Warner Music and Universal Music in NYC, and sat on executive boards for multiple organizations in the college. To say I was busy would be

Papi was a teamster, proud of it too. Nothing wrong with being blue collars, far as I was raised. Better than being no collar, if you know what I mean. Growing up – I thought the union had superpowers, because my father was the strongest, and he told me – union was stronger than him. Unions, something folks fought for, my Irish ancestors specifically. They show up is all. Union means different things to different folks really, part of the beauty. But for me at least, the best thing about being a Union girl, is I get to be part of something bigger than myself and my own ambitions. By joining the union, I made a promise that I am going to show for folks that I do not even know but call family. Especially when the going gets tough and that makes me proud — my mother raised me tough and proud. Being raised a union girl means you take care of your part when it counts. Properly, mom always beeped when she saw her union brothers or sisters taking up signs, making their line, singing the songs, holding space. She always slowed down, beeping, waving her hand- to make sure they saw us. To make sure they knew we were with them –even in the car. When she was able, she gave her time, to her union sisters, when they ran out of sick time and that helped their families. That stuck out to me as a kid. Union was something to remember. The Union means peace of mind to me, but to Evelyn Rosario, a Ph.D. Candidate, it meant a chance at fulfilling a lifelong dream of achievement. Ms. Evelyn Rosario used her union benefits from UUP to pursue an education while working full-time and raising her daughter. Ms. Evelyn Rosario is indomitable-like a union in fact. She is steadfast and parable, the woman that you aspire to be. Semester by semester, working toward achieving her Ph.D. while shepherding our students into and through SUNY Buffalo State. The guiding light for many down the path of higher ed. Ms. Evelyn Rosario – made Latina herstory in higher education as a student, a staff member, and a campus member, defying the odds- always postured and well poised. Ms. Rosario is currently a Ph.D. candidate and one of the most interesting people you will ever get to know. She says, “Becoming an agent of change and a role model for others to emulate is something that I value greatly.” Read our column to learn more about my union sister that will not stop striving. And when you can – beep let the #union know, you are with them, even from the car. Interview with Evelyn Rosario, M.A., Ph.D. candidate Evelyn Rosario, M.A. PhD Candidate Where were you raised and what were the types of values that were taught in your home: I was born and raised in Yabucoa, PR (southeast coast). My parents were very family-oriented and good neighbors. We shared some of the fruits and food that grew up and cultivated in our land. We were very closed as a family with our grandparents and extended family. We had strong religious faith and try to live by principles.  Hard work and work ethics, decency, and a sense of community. They were strong values to motivate us in doing well, for ourselves, our neighbors, and our community. Respect, critical thinking, being factual, trustworthy, and telling the truth no matter the consequences. We strived to become positive role models. We looked forward to help the less privileged students. What motivated you to become an educator? I was quite impressed with my teachers from first grade to higher education, many of whom left a positive and permanent impression to this date. I was in Junior in college when I decided to explore education as a minor, and once I started taking courses, I loved it. Another factor was my counselors in school. I used to visit the guidance counselor in school and the interaction we had made me develop an interest in becoming one following their model the one in my first two years in higher education. What was your experience like as a student? I loved the experience. I learned to interact with people who had different ideas, political orientations, problem-solving, and conflict resolutions. As a student whose financial background was less than enough, I learned to be happy within my limitations. I was a dedicated and devoted student overall. [ I entered college with a 3.52 average and a full scholarship to undergraduate studies at UPR (Humacao/Rio Piedras)]. College was for me a big adjustment since I lived in boardinghouses away from home. Did you like school/learning?  I loved school and learning. Although my focus was academic and religious, and not much social, I had a good relationship with friends and people overall. 4. How did your experience as a student inform your leadership style as an educator? Understanding that I am responsible and accountable for my own behavior and expectations. As a student, I learned to have work ethics and fairness and to render quality service; taking initiative and emulating positive traits of the leaders I learned from. When did you start your work as an educator and what was your role? I completed my bachelor’s degree when I was 20. I started working as a Guidance Counselor in the Office of the School Superintendent – I had four Junior High Schools under my care. I assessed the referrals from the guidance counselor and the principals. I made referrals to the social worker and collaborated with the health counselor for presentations at schools. Later, I worked as a Psycho-social Technician for Mental Health and had a caseload that included children and adolescents, adults and geriatric, including prisoners. After married, I moved to Buffalo and started a career as an EOP Academic/Counselor at Buffalo State. What was your favorite/most informative role? All my work experience was valuable. I