We hope you will join us in welcoming Shontay Delalue to the College Visions team! She is the Vice President for Institutional Equity and Diversity at Brown University and we are ecstatic to have her as one of our newest CV Board Members!
Here is what she has to say about College Visions:
“CV is an extremely important resource to the community. The college process can be daunting – especially for those who are the first in their family to attend. CV goes beyond college access support to ensuring CV students who are enrolled in college receive support as well. A first-gen college student can waste a lot of time and money in their first year trying to figure out how to navigate college. CV recognizes that the promotion of college enrollment, persistence and graduation results in ending cycles of generational poverty and in turn builds an educated workforce that can bring systemic change back to their communities.”
Read more of her interview below!
Could you tell me a little about yourself? (Where are you from, where do you work/what do you do, hobbies or anything else you would like to share.)
I was born and raised in Roselle, New Jersey. I am a proud first-generation college graduate. I am currently the Vice President for Institutional Equity & Diversity at Brown University which means I oversee the strategic initiatives for the institution that ensure we have a diverse and inclusive campus where everyone feels a sense of belonging as well as equitable policies and practices.
Growing up in a low-income family I was not able to travel and I didn’t receive my passport until I was 21. Now, I love to travel having been to over 20 countries on 6 continents and 47 U.S. states! I also enjoy going to church with my husband and two children ages 13 and 3.
What was your educational journey like?
I went to all public schools in my hometown from K-12. My high school was predominately Black. I ventured off to college at the University of Maine which is predominately white. I received a full academic tuition scholarship to attend and got my undergraduate degree in Communication and my Master’s degree in Educational Counseling. Shortly after moving to Rhode from Alaska in 2005, I decided I wanted to pursue my doctorate. I started my program in 2009 and received a Ph.D. in Education from the joint program between the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College in 2014.
What advice do you wish you had as a first-year college student?
As a first-year college student, I wish I would have been given the advice that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but actually a sign of perseverance and strength. I didn’t do well academically in my first year because it was such a culture shock and my grades suffered as a result. I was able to bounce back in year two but really wished I had sought academic and social-emotional help early on.
What moved you to donate to College Visions (CV)?
I was moved to donate to College Visions because of its mission. I am a firm believer that with the right advocacy and support, low-income and first-generation college bound students can thrive in college. The advising and resources made available by CV through its programming is changing lives. We should all want to do our part to support our youth.
Do you think CV is an important resource to the community and why?
CV is an extremely important resource to the community. The college process can be daunting – especially for those who are the first in their family to attend. CV goes beyond college access support to ensuring CV students who are enrolled in college receive support as well. A first-gen college student can waste a lot of time and money in their first year trying to figure out how to navigate college. CV recognizes that the promotion of college enrollment, persistence and graduation results in ending cycles of generational poverty and in turn builds an educated workforce that can bring systemic change back to their communities.
We are so appreciative of every member on our hardworking Board! Special thanks to our three other new members, Ivette Luna, George Tager, and Joshua Wynn. We would also like to thank our outgoing Board member, Sara Enright for her service and dedication to our students. We would not be College Visions without your investment, commitment, and vision!
