Commencement is a time of celebration, especially in the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA). The programs within the DDEEA make graduation an attainable goal for UW–Madison students of all backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and cultures.
Every semester, the brilliant students from this division give us plenty to be proud of, and they have even more to be proud of themselves. Read on to see thoughts from some of the outstanding DDEEA graduates of the class of 2024 in their own words.
Dora Aranda: Biochemistry, BS | Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO)
“CeO has been a huge resource for me on campus. They have provided me with the tools to succeed and overcome obstacles. They see me for me, and have given me the opportunity for growth.”
Dora recently won the Outstanding Undergraduate Returning Adult Student Award. She plans to get a job working in pharmaceuticals after graduation.
Dajonae Bradley: Psychology, BA; Criminal Justice, Certificate | McNair Scholars Program
“My favorite part about UW–Madison and the DDEEA is having space to grow personally and professionally around like-minded people who want to succeed and make an impact. You build a strong network with people who teach and support you along the way.
The McNair Scholars program experience will push you to discover your capabilities, develop your skills, network, and utilize valuable resources that will help you achieve your goals. I experienced some of my greatest challenges while in the program, but the amount of growth and support I experienced was unimaginable.
I built meaningful connections as an undergraduate student at UW–Madison, so I will miss my advisors, mentors, professors, and peers dearly.”
After graduation, Dajonae plans to earn a Master of Social Work at University of Michigan or Washington University in St. Louis.
Nick Herbst: Biomedical Engineering, BS; Biology in Engineering for Engineering Majors, Certificate | Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program
“After graduation, I will be moving to Nashville, TN to pursue my PhD in Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt University. The staff and your cohort at Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program provide you with such a great support system.
After I graduate, I’ll miss being so close to Lake Mendota; I loved walking the Lakeshore path.”
Lina Godinez: Management and Human Resources (MHR), BBA; Marketing, BBA; Consulting, Certificate; Sustainability, Certificate | Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO)
“I am grateful for the DDEEA because I found a community of strong, talented leaders who support and inspire me. The inclusive community in the Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program has enhanced my college experience by exposing me to new backgrounds while also providing me the comfort and support of similar backgrounds to connect with my cultural identity.”
After graduation, Lina will join Pentair, a sustainable water solutions company, in the Leadership Development Program in Human Resources.
GG Christensen: Art, BS; Communication Arts, BA | First Wave Hip Hop and Urban Scholarship Program
“I just completed my first solo art exhibition, which will be up at the Class of 1925 Gallery until May 17th. I also just completed my first short film, which will be shown at Mills Folly Microcinema on May 1st. I am going to see if it brings me any more opportunities over the summer.
My favorite part about UW–Madison is the friendships I made here. I couldn’t have done it without First Wave! It can be hard to find your people in Madison, but First Wave forces you to make great art, try things you never have before, and offer great opportunities. Community is only what you put into it though—Make the effort!”
GG has been accepted into and will join the MA in Arts and Creative Enterprise Leadership program with the Bolz Center for Arts Administration here at UW–Madison after graduation.
Justus Zemberi: Neurobiology, BS; Global Health, Certificate | Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program
“The Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program gave me an opportunity to connect with a diverse community of individuals who support your unique voice, experiences and values, and are genuinely invested in your development as an individual and a student. Most of all, I will miss the fantastic people I have been able to meet and the wealth of opportunities that have been offered to me at this incredible university.”
After graduation, Justus will attend medical school at the University of Pennsylvania.
Jessica Ayite-Atayi: Global Health, BS | Precollege Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence (PEOPLE)
“PEOPLE program prepares you to be a college candidate, and even in college, it prepares you for the real world. My experience with PEOPLE is everything I could ask for. Starting from middle school to now being a graduate of the program is truly amazing. I am beyond grateful for all PEOPLE has done for me! I was able to experience different opportunities, as well as utilize resources that were always offered.
PEOPLE Program’s principles focus on academic success, bridging community, advocacy, and global leadership. Through these principles, PEOPLE creates a supportive environment that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and determination among their scholars. It was very accessible to me, and they did a great job helping me complete college and start life in the real world. From attending ACE back in middle school to the PEOPLE summers in the dorms, up to now, I feel like every aspect of PEOPLE has prepared me to get to where I am today. None of this would’ve been possible with this program.”
Jessica is on the pre-PA track and aspires to become a physician’s assistant after graduation.
Mai Chada Vang: Human Development and Family Studies, BS | Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO)
“CeO is a great way to connect with other individuals and attend fully funded conferences. The CeO advisors are also always willing to seek out resources and opportunities for you in order for you to succeed!
What I will miss most about this university is being surrounded by my friends every day and having spontaneous nights out.”
After graduation, Mai will pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Gabe Sanders: History, BA; Chican@ and Latin@ Studies, Certificate | Posse Program
“The Posse program provides invaluable communal and financial support during a period marked by significant instability and vulnerability.
UW–Madison is a hub for advocacy and civic engagement, which has allowed me to build friendships with some of the most radical and insightful people I have ever met. I’ll miss the community I have built over the last four years.”
Gabe won a prestigious fellowship to attend UCLA School of Law after graduation, specializing in Critical Race Studies and Public Interest Law and Policy. He is the DDEEA Posse class speaker.
Lily Chavez: Education Studies, BS; Political Science, BS; Chican@ and Latin@ Studies, Certificate; Public Policy, Certificate | McNair Scholars Program
“The McNair Scholars Program has given me a great mentorship, a strong foundation in research skills, support, and most of all a community of students working towards similar goals as I am. It has been so great to meet students interested in research and graduate studies and be able to lean on them for support and encouragement.
Creating lifelong friends in this program, who I know will support me both personally and professionally, has been the best aspect of my experience!”