OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Coordinator
- Coordinator for Belonging and Student Support at the Center for Belonging
Ari Grubaugh (they/them/theirs) is a Coordinator for Belonging and Student Support at the Center for Belonging and Social Change. They are a Buckeye for Life, having completed two graduate degrees at The Ohio State University -- in Public Administration (MPA) and Social Work (MSW) with a focus on Community and Social Justice. They also completed their undergraduate education at Ohio State, double majoring in Political Science and Sexuality Studies with a focus in LGBTQ studies. Throughout the past decade, Ari has held several positions at the Student Life Multicultural Center, now the Center for Belonging and Social Change, including Student Programming Assistant, Graduate Student Access Assistant, MSW-I Student Intern, Graduate Central Programming Assistant, and Intercultural Specialist for LGBTQ Student Initiatives.
As someone who is queer, non-binary transgender, and a first-generation college student, Ari is passionate about supporting all students at Ohio State, and especially those often overlooked within the college system. Equally important to them is advocating for change at institutional and societal levels in order to advance equity on and off campus. Their professional areas of interest include community social work, education, and implementing research-based best practices for supporting marginalized student populations.
Job Titles:
- Student Programming Assistant
Bethany Massenburg-Jackson (she/her/hers) is a 3rd year student majoring in Electrical Engineering. She is from Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
In the Center for Belonging and Social Change, Bethany works as a Programming Assistant supporting Black student initiatives and is one of the co-overall student chairs of the African American Heritage Festival. She is also interested in fashion, finance, and social justice. Outside of her work in the Center, Bethany is involved in the National Society of Black Engineers, and Morrill Scholars Mentorship Program
Bethany chose to work at the the CBSC to increase programming and her involvement with the Black community. She is also invested in being an ally and helping to welcome other marginalized individuals on campus.
Job Titles:
- Student Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Associate Director
- Member of the Directors Team
Charity Martin-King has a civic, business, athletic coaching, and non-profit career which spans over 20 years. She is a published author and co-founder of LEAD with Purpose, a non-profit leadership development organization. Her career experience includes Lutheran Social Services, Columbus City Schools, The Ohio State University; Young Scholars Program, Ohio Dominican University; Village to Child Program, The Mayor's Office of Education; Columbus Youth Commission, and I Know I Can. She is the former owner of Urban Spirit Coffee Shop, a social justice-based coffee house.
Mrs. King's Honors include: The Ohio State University Office of Diversity and Inclusion "Excellence Award," The Ohio State University; Sphinx Society, The Ohio State University Student Life; Outstanding Staff Award, The Ohio State University Sorority & Fraternity Life; Outstanding Community Partner Award, The National Residence Hall Honorary Society Recognition, Zeta 100; Activists, Outstanding Christian Leader by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Ohio Dominican University Advisor of the Year, Statewide Governor's Award; Excellence in Community Education, Tom Joyner Morning Show "Hardest Working Entrepreneur," Columbus Landmarks Design Award, Who's Who Black Columbus "Interesting Personalities," Who's Who Cambridge, Columbus Alive "People to Watch," CDC Micro Entrepreneur Award, Iota Phi Theta 9 Who Care Award, All-AP Coach of the Year, Columbus City Schools Coach of the Year, Jump 25 Coaches Hall of Fame, and more! She has been recognized by the Ohio Senate, Columbus City Council, Governor Ted Strickland, and Senator Ray Miller.
Charity Martin-King serves her community with particular emphasis on five core values: DISCIPLINE, INTEGRITY, SCHOLARSHIP, PURPOSE, and LEADERSHIP.
Mrs. Martin-King is often invited to lead conferences, train young leaders, and speak to church and civic groups. Subjects include "The ACT is ACTivism," "The Five Links in the Chain," "How to be a Trailblazer," and "Leadership in Perilous Times." Charity Martin-King is a prou
Job Titles:
- Student Administrative Assistant
Christian Dillard (he/him) is a 3rd year student majoring in Business Finance. He is from Cleveland, Ohio. In the Center for Belonging and Social Change, Christian works as an Administrative Assistant.
Outside of the center, he is passionate about helping and adding value to people's life. Christian enjoys seeing positivity expressed throughout individuals and communities. He is also involved with the Bell National Resource Center on the African American Male, is the treasurer of NABA, and is a Fisher peer mentor.
Christian chose to work for the Center of Belonging & Social Change because he really enjoys the environment we host for individuals. He says he knows that every time he enters our center, he is welcomed with positivity by everyone.
Job Titles:
- Student Programming Assistant
Christopher Santiago (he/him) is a 3rd year student majoring in Biomedical Engineering. He is from Columbus, Ohio.
In the Center for Belonging and Social Change, Chris works as a Program Assistant focused on Latinx student initiatives. Outside of the center, he enjoys sampling different kinds of tea. Chris is involved with LSA (Latinx Student Association), La C.A.S.A and has a second job in dining services.
Chris chose to work with in the CBSC because his identity as a Latinx person is one that he describes as a vital identity for himself. He also hopes to continue with creating a safe space for the Latinx student population on campus.
Connor (he/him/his) is a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Center for Belonging and Social Change (CBSC) and supports the APIDA student community. He co-facilitates the APIDA Community Connections group every Monday at 8 p.m. in the Alonso Family Room of the CBSC, and is also available to meet with and support all students on different programs/ideas. Connor's primary Graduate Assistantship is in Dining Services.
Connor is originally from Irasburg, Vermont, a small town in a place known to have more cows than people. Before attending Ohio State, Connor earned bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Philosophy from Saint Michael's College in Vermont. Connor has recently moved to the Midwest and is now a graduate student in the Higher Education and Student Affairs master's program at The Ohio State University. He will be graduating in Spring 2024.
As an undergraduate, Connor worked as a student assistant in the Saint Michael's Multicultural Center for four years. His interest in APIDA initiatives stems from his own experience as an Asian American growing up in predominantly white spaces. As a first-generation student, he has a special interest in creating community as that was a major reason he was able to complete his undergraduate degree. His research interests reside in multiracial student affairs, and the APIDA experience in higher education. He hopes to work alongside faculty and students in the Mixed-Race Studies group.
Outside of his work and academic pursuits, Connor loves to try new food and go running outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director
- Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated
Cerelia V. Bizzell (she/her/hers) has worked with in higher education for over six (6) years and has maintained her commitment to equality, diversity, empowering students and advocates, and creating a space to (re)imagine and embrace elements of liberation. Through advising, program and curriculum development, teaching, and writing, she hopes to assist students and the OSU community in their vision to create a safe, impactful, and transformative society.
Cerelia received a BA in Pre-law Political Science from The Ohio State University, a BS in Psychology from Wright State University, an MS in Business Psychology from Franklin University, an MS in Education from the University of Dayton, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership, Curriculum, and Culture from Miami University.
Her research focus is on the experiences of Black women student affairs professionals, tokenization, racial surveillance, performativity, radical black subjectivity, and school segregation. She is a published author and uses her passion for research and writing to bring attention to the voices and journeys of diverse communities.
Outside of research, Cerelia is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and works with local high school students to introduce them to opportunities that will enhance their understanding of collegiate life, assist with their exploration of self and community, and find strength within their voice and ability to change the world.
Job Titles:
- Office Manager
- Office Manager at the Center for Belonging
Estrella Jacobsen (she/her) is the Office Manager at the Center for Belonging and Social Change, a department within the Office of Student Life at The Ohio State University. She has been with Ohio State since 2020, with previous experience in the Wexner Medical Center where she worked as Medical Secretary in the department of General Surgery.
As the office manager, Estrella provides administrative support across all CBSC programs and initiatives, oversees student administrative assistants, manages the record-keeping and day to day operations of the center.
Estrella has a degree in Early Childhood Education and brings over 15 years of administrative experience in office management, accounting, and human resources. Prior to working at Ohio State, Estrella worked as a clinic nurse for at Olentangy Local Schools. In her primary role, she worked closely with the school community on many outreach programs that helped to serve their diverse population.
Estrella is currently working on a degree in Social Work to better support the OSU community. Originally from Torrance, California, Estrella has been an active part of the Columbus, Ohio community for over 20 years, including Columbus City Schools where her three children attended school. All three of her children are also all Buckeyes.
Job Titles:
- Student Programming Assistant
Harry Deanda (he/him) is a 3 rd year student majoring in City and Regional Planning and minoring in Architecture. He is from Columbus, Ohio.
In the Center for Belonging and Social Change, Harry works as a Program Assistant focused on DACA student initiatives. Outside of the center, he is an active member of SCOPE and PSA. Harry enjoys playing instruments and soccer. He also loves Kanye and Tyler.
Harry chose to work in the CBSC because it was a great way to get involved on campus and positively impact people.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director
- Associate Director for Belonging and Student Support at the Center for Belonging
Indra Leyva Cook (she, her, ella) is the Associate Director for Belonging and Student Support at the Center for Belonging and Social Change, a unit within the Office of Student Life at The Ohio State University.
Indra Leyva Cook commitment to diversity is reflected in the work she does, as part of the Belonging and Student Support Team, she aims to create spaces where students can thrive and find community. Her passion for education is reflected in her research interest which focus on the relationship of Latinx film and new media with socio-political cultures in the Americas. Through the analysis of films, literature, and emerging media channels, she discusses emerging narratives and political discourses that impact today's society. Indra also has a passion for media production, she has produced short films that illustrate the Latino experience in the U.S.
Indra received her BA in Communications from La Universidad del Sol in Mexico. She received her MA in Management at Antioch University McGregor in Ohio and is currently working on her Ph.D. in the Latino and Latin American Literature and Cultures at the Ohio State University.
Job Titles:
- Student Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Student Administrative Assistant
Madison Eagle (pronouns: she, her, hers) serves as Coordinator for Belonging and Student Support in the Student Life Center for Belonging and Social Change. In this role, she works closely with NativeOSU and La C.A.S.A. She centers her work in mentorship and advocacy for students on campus, with deep investment in creating an equitable and accessible community.
Madison has lived in Ohio her entire life and has lived in the Columbus area since 2010. Madison grew up in Lebanon, Ohio and attended The Ohio State University as an undergraduate. In 2012, she worked as a student employee with Native American and Indigenous Student Initiatives in the Multicultural Center (now the CBSC). As a student she met some of her best friends and her partner in the Center. The work of the Multicultural Center/CBSC is foundational in Madison's professional career.
After graduating from Ohio State, Madison became the Program Coordinator for Leadership and Social Justice at YWCA Columbus. She spent two years working with young women to provide professional development and mentorship programming. Madison returned to Ohio State to pursue a master's degree in Social Work. During this time she worked as a Youth Services Coordinator for Kids Club and Senior Service Case Manager at the Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center. She is a Licensed Social Worker and uses this lens to create educational and holistic workshops and programming.
In her current role, Madison supports students in finding their place and space on campus, providing mentorship, and challenging folks to be curious and critical of the impact of systemic injustice. She has worked in the Center for Belonging and Social Change since 2018 as a full-time professional. Her original role in the center was focused on programming for women students and has transitioned with the CBSC to create intentional spaces of belonging and student support for all while centering the needs of Native American and Indigenous students.
Madison is a lifelong social justice advocate and activist. Her identities are a driving force behind her passion for social justice work. Madison identifies as a woman, Tsalagi (Cherokee), Shawnee, Irish, mother, wife, sister, daughter and Buckeye for life. She strives to advocate and push for change for all peoples through an intersectional and Indigenous Feminist lens.
Job Titles:
- Student Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Student Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Program Manager
- Program Manager for Outreach
Michelle Miranda (pronouns: She, Her, Ella) is the Program Manager for Outreach and Social Change in the Center for Belonging and Social Change. As the program manager, she works to connect Ohio State students with volunteer engagements on campus and in the surrounding community. Michelle's goal is to foster and encourage healthy and vibrant communities of equity, promise, and hope through addressing long-lasting impacts of poverty and social immobility. She strives to prioritize and empower students and communities through mentorship, leadership development, access, and neighborhood engagement. Through collaborative efforts with Student Life and external organizations, programs and events are developed that specifically address the social disparities within the communities we serve.
Michelle was raised in Columbus, Ohio, and is a proud alumnus of Columbus City Schools. She attended the University of Cincinnati as an undergraduate and The Ohio State University as a graduate. Michelle holds a Master's in Sports Management and is currently pursuing her second master's degree in City and Regional Planning.
Michelle has continued interests in community service, leadership development, and social change both locally and abroad. She serves as an advisor for service-learning trips through OSU's Buck-I-SERV, an advisor for The OSU Sister Accord Student Organization and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Michelle is also a strong advocate for athletes with disabilities and competes in a competitive paralympic sport, known as Boccia, as a ramp operator for her brother who is a BC3 Boccia Ramp Athlete. Additionally, she serves on the USA Boccia Board as Chair of the Development Committee.
Job Titles:
- Program Manager
- Program Manager for Student Education
Seneca Crump is a Program Manager for Student Education and Empowerment within the Center for Belonging and Social Change. He completed his bachelor's degree at the University of Mississippi and master's degree at Western Kentucky University. In our center, Seneca co-facilitates workshops around social justice and cultural identity development in addition to serving as the advisor to the Ujima Leadership Network and African American Heritage Festival. Working as an advocate and educator within higher education for a little over five years, Seneca has served in many functional areas represented across student affairs. His expertise lies in educating and advising students around issues related to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) work and empowering Black student leaders to drive collective change within their community. He is passionate about creating space for racial and social empowerment of marginalized identities. In addition, he values family, community, coaching others, volunteerism, and public policy. During Seneca's spare time, he enjoys listening to music, exploring many forms of art and traveling back to Mississippi to be with close family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Student Programming Assistant
Job Titles:
- Student Programming Assistant
Wesley Nguyen (he/him) is a 4 th year student majoring in Computer Science and Engineering. He is from Lima, Ohio.
In the Center for Belonging and Social Change, Wesley works as a Program Assistant focused on APIDA initiatives and he is facilitating weekly discussions surrounding APIDA student identity and intercultural affairs. Outside of the center, he is an active member of the APIDA community with clubs like the Asian American Association, Taiwanese American Student Association, Vietnamese Student Association, and the Asian-interest fraternity Lambda Phi Epsilon. Wesley enjoys rock climbing, but specifically bouldering.
Wesley chose to work in the CBSC because it was a big part of making his college experience enjoyable, and he wants to help bring that space to others.
Job Titles:
- Student Administrative Assistant