Africana Studies Major Jobs and Graduate School Acceptances 2019
Africana Studies
Kennedy Lewis
Majors: African studies, political science
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Employer: Teach for America
Job title: middle school generalist
Graduate School: Texas Southern University
Field of study: education
How has Dickinson prepared you for life after graduation?
I think Dickinson has just given the tools—e. g., hosting fairs and whatnot for life after college—but the real work came from me and my friends that are willing to help me.
What are some of the defining moments of your Dickinson experience?
Getting my illustrious organization back on campus. Being a part of the Student Liberation movement on campus.
Internship Experience
- LAFLA (Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles)
- SCS Noonan Scholars - student support intern
- Explo at Yale - Rickshaw editor and coordinator
Janaiya Banks
Majors: Africana studies, law & policy
Hometown: QueensVillage, New York
Employer: Deloitte
Job title: human capital analyst
Job Responsibilities
This analyst identifies efficiencies to enhance organizational performance through innovative talent, leadership and change programs. This analyst also designs and develops integrated HR and talent management strategies, helping clients adapt with disruption through core service delivery optimization and digital enablement.
How has Dickinson prepared you for life after graduation?
Dickinson has given me the tools to push past my own limitations and succeed to the highest degree.
What are you most anticipating about your career or postgraduate pursuits?
The thing I’m looking forward to the most is seeing my friends thrive in their postgrad opportunities. I know the work we put in, and I’m ready to see the fruits of our labor.
What are some of the defining moments of your Dickinson experience?
Definitely studying off campus my entire junior year. I had the best internship during my semester at the Washington Center and it really prepared me for postgrad life. My semester in Cameroon was more impactful than words can express, and I would encourage everyone to study off campus. It’s life changing.
Internship Experience
Perella Weinberg Partners, New York, HR Summer Analyst - Summer 2018
- Assisted with planning and execution of summer intern and full-time training programs.
- Coordinated campus recruiting efforts, including the planning of on-campus events.
- Created templates and updated materials used for learning & development and recruiting.
The Public Defender Service, Washington, D.C. Intern Investigator - Fall 2017
- Researched and reviewed case files and gathered information to solve crimes.
- Interviewed subjects, targets and witnesses for information verification.
- Collaborated with legal staff, the Chief Investigator and other law enforcement agencies.
- Conducted comprehensive investigations to obtain evidence.
The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, Jersey City, Total Rewards Intern - Summer 2017
- Evaluated annual market data submissions, validation and data management.
- Facilitated annual biometrics screening fair and other wellbeing-related projects.
- Worked on long-term compensation and retirement programs: Savings Plan and Long Term Incentive Plan.
Harlem RBI, Bronx, Teacher & Coach, Summer 2016
- Collaborated with a co-leader and workshop teacher to design and lead daily lesson plans that focused on helping youth build social-emotional skills.
- Coached and organized a baseball team of 18 second- and third-graders.
- Supervised and managed team and individual behavior at all times.
Quadrese Glass
Major: Africana studies
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Employer: Imagine Scholar
Job title: graduate program coordinator
Job Responsibilities
How has Dickinson prepared you for life after graduation?
Dickinson has given the tools, or instructed me how to get the tools, to mobilize a community around an issue. Dickinson has taught me that it's ok to ask questions, even when you're being shushed by those encouraging you to ask questions. Dickinson has taught me to cry and keep going, for there's work to be done; the house is in need of ordering. Dickinson has taught me that life moves quickly and it happens, whether you're present or not. Dickinson is where all I've learned in life coalesced and festered and morphed and grew and became me. Dickinson has softened my smile, but deepened my laughter, showed me intimacy in corners I would've never searched. Dickinson has taught me I am love, I am beautiful, I am great. Dickinson--meaning mostly the people I've met here-- taught me that I am enough.
What are some of the defining moments of your Dickinson experience?
- Belize service trip
- Cuba Mosaic
- Meeting Ke'son, Neah, Karl, Elijah, LA, Killa, Dana, Isoke, Lailah and those I've loved here and who've loved me
- Declaring Africana studies, then English
Internship Experience
The Food Trust, Philadelphia: Assisted the director of Outreach and Human Resources with projects related to food security in Philadelphia.
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Harlem, New York: Conducted independent research while utilizing the Schomburg's rare archives that are dedicated to Black life. I also attended daily seminars facilitated by renowned Africana, literary, history, religion and hip hop studies scholars.
Keson Bullock-Brown
Majors: Africana studies, American studies
Hometown: Irvington, New Jersey
Employer: TEAM Charter Schools - a KIPP region
Job title: student support - teacher in residence
Job Responsibilities
- Perform daily teaching tasks like teaching, grading, monitoring lunch.
- Work closely with other school staff to create and reinforce a firm foundation for all classes.
- Modify and build curriculum to make it the best, working closely with the dean of instruction and department.
- Help with diagnostic and progress monitoring testing across the school.
- Update student performance trackers and use data to help guide plans.
- Communicate consistently with families about student progress.
How has Dickinson prepared you for life after graduation?
Dickinson has given me a gateway to accessing the robust opportunities the world has to offer. It's given me the space to grow as a person and student, which has allowed me to always challenge my current situation. I feel that Dickinson has adequately prepared me to enter this next phase of my life.
What are you most anticipating about your career or postgraduate pursuits?
I'm most anticipating the challenges that I will face and am looking forward to immersing myself in a new space. I hope to continue to use Dickinson as a resource to help me propel throughout my work both as a scholar and a teacher.
Internship Experience
- Exploration Schools - Yale University
- DREAM - Brick Peshine - Newark, New Jersey
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published April 9, 2019
