Join us for a series of candid discussions about diversity, equity, inclusion and other pressing issues affecting our community. Created and produced by student members of the SEF Student Advisory Council (SEF-SAC), this series features a diverse group of guest speakers who will share their experiences and discuss challenges faced by our society.
These 30-minute interviews are being recorded over Zoom and shared virtually.
Ellie Abdelfatah shares her personal experience as a Muslimah and wearer of the hijab. To counter effects of Islamophobia in the 21st century, she urges the need for dialogue and understanding.
In 2016, Ellie founded the non-profit organization, Community Care of Syracuse which provides New Americans, refugees, and immigrants the critical support and services needed to resettle and rebuild their lives here. Her goal is to build bridges with local services that can provide resources to refugee families. Community Care has helped hundreds of families settle in Syracuse–families that came from Syria, Somalia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Congolese, Sudan, Iraq, Jordan and Puerto Rico.
Eliie’s motto, and the way she ends every Facebook post is, “Remember to love for others what you love for yourself.”
Release date March 10, 2021
Mark Neufang has worked in a number of fields throughout his life, including the culinary arts, literacy, nonprofit operations, and theater arts as both a performer and a director. The focus of this conversation, however, is on his work as a member of and activist within the LGBTQ+ community. Mark’s work as the finance manager for Diverse & Resilient, a non-profit working to achieve health equity and improve the safety and well-being of LGBTQ people in Wisconsin, has given him a unique perspective into the supports needed for this community. Mark shares personal stories with us about his work with Diverse & Resilient, as well as stories from his own experience as an LGBTQ+ youth.
“It’s okay for everybody to live their truth.”
Released on February 24, 2021
A place to celebrate and provide representation of the LGBTQA+ community in Skaneateles, NY. This group aims to promote an inclusive, diverse community for both residents and visitors alike.
Melina Carnicelli served as the first and only female mayor of Auburn NY from 1996 to 2003. Since leaving office, she has not been any less proactive within her community. She founded the 1st Amendment 1st Vote program for high school girls in order to encourage more young women to be civically active. It was an honor to be able to speak with her, and we hope you are as inspired by her as we are!
Released on February 10, 2021
1st A-1st V, Inc is a unique, interactive “outside-the-classroom” enrichment program that aligns with NYS Social Studies Standards in offering opportunity for high school girls to engage in the US political process by gaining knowledge and practicing skills to be active community citizens, and mount/support a campaign for elected office.
The Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), is nationally recognized as the leading source of scholarly research and current data about women’s political participation in the United States. Its mission is to promote greater knowledge and understanding about the role of women in American politics, enhance women’s influence in public life, and expand the diversity of women in politics and government.
SEF’s Student Advisory Council Members
Top row: Liliana Arias, Ashton Bennett, *Sophia Cattalani, KC Clark
Middle row: Hope Cross-Jaya, Alex Goethe, Trevor Knupp, Campbell Loi, Marcus McClanahan
Bottom row: Colin Morrissey, *Ethan Pickup, Libby Raymond, Fatimah Waqas* Student Representatives on the SEF Board of Directors