DEI Statement
A commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion requires more than buzzwords and a syllabus statement. It is an active and evolving responsibility that requires listening, compassion, research, and service. Witnessing the lived experiences of my students has challenged me to have a deeper understanding of the crucial role of pedagogy and advocacy.
I’ve led exhibition tours for underserved students from the South Side of Chicago that had never set foot in a museum. I’ve taught international students that overcome language barriers in pursuit of their education. I’ve seen the look on queer student’s faces when they see artwork that represents their community. I’ve had a student from Iran that had their education interrupted because they couldn’t get back into America. I’ve mentored a legally blind student while they navigated a curriculum made for abled bodies. I’ve had incredible students drop out of school because they simply couldn’t afford to stay.
Beyond the personal experiences of these students, I recognize the inherent bias in the canon of photography – founded on an affluent, white, male, heteronormative, and western perspective. Acknowledging this history, I aim to champion the contributions of artists from diverse backgrounds, recognizing their influence on artistic movements, and challenging the exclusionary traditional narrative. I invest time and effort in extensive research, ensuring the content I bring to the classroom is well-informed, culturally sensitive, and supported by primary sources and first-hand documents from the artists.
My art practice revolves around themes of well-being, community, and social justice. In my latest series, "I Am An Eclipse," I collaborated with Centro Romero to create a socially engaged body of work amplifying the voices of Chicago's refugee and migrant community. The series, “Those Who Walk Away,” documents the final years of my sister's life and my family's grief as we fought an apathetic mental health system. In the series "Sompasauna," I explore the egalitarian ideals embedded in Finnish sauna culture.
Recognizing that change requires intentional action, I consistently evaluate and adapt my teaching methods, curriculum, classroom environment, and art practice to align with the principles outlined in this statement. By demonstrating the value of diverse perspectives, I hope to inspire my students to become agents of change in their own lives and communities.