Diana Tello
Diana tello: Trafalgar candidate
Passion is what turns intention into action and effort into impact.
Meet Diana Tello, a Social Service Worker student at Trafalgar Campus! A driven leader who is passionate about promoting Cultural Representation and Inclusion!
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Other leaders. I watch how people succeed (and fail) and I admire the courage it takes to experience both.
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I think a lot has to do with barriers, either is cultural, communication or social “norms”.
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One pressing issue is the disconnect that international students feel from domestic students. I would love to share how our cultural differences make us increasingly alike and break down cultural barriers that hinder both domestic and international students from learning at Sheridan.
What are some of the student issues that you would like to bring to the Board table?
Why is cultural representation and inclusion The area you are most PASSIonate about?
Advocating for Cultural Representation and Inclusion is most important to me because I come from a very multicultural background, and my personal experiences are a representation and have shaped my identity. I grew up in a Hispanic household, where culture was an important part inside and outside our home. Being connected to my culture and practicing traditions with my community gave me a sense of belonging that I would not find anywhere else. These early experiences taught me to appreciate cultural differences, and I aim to continue understanding other cultures and celebrate with people from diverse backgrounds.
Since I’ve married, my understanding has deepened, and I openly celebrate being part of a black-Hispanic family. I’ve experienced racism and discrimination; however, these personal experiences have strengthened my commitment to creating an inclusive space where culture is not only accepted but appreciated.
My cultural lens has shaped my perspective on how I navigate connections and opportunities in excluding racism and substituting it for inclusion. Racism supports the ideas that “an individual’s aptitudes are determined primarily by his or her race; that races can be ranked on a single hierarchy” (San Martin, 2019). Inclusion is defined as “the act of including: the state of being included” and “the act or practice of including and accommodating people who have historically been excluded” (Merriam Webster, Dictionary). My goal is to offer an inclusive space everywhere, representing both culture and identity. This will give people the autonomy to be who they want to be, wherever they go. Constantly offering a space where individuals can bring honour to their communities and uphold heritage traits through cultural celebration without feeling obligated or pressured to fit into society's expectations.
As a future social worker, I have learned that the representation of all cultures gives individuals dignity and respect, protecting their sense of belonging. Inclusion also ensures that individuals have the autonomy to advocate for others in their cultural group- this can be very rewarding and build confidence for them. This will also build safer communities and cultural well-being.
Divided communities don't excel, and it is not sustainable for the overall well-being of the broader community. Maintaining a positive support system and positive environments is people working together, and without support, we create a broken environment where cultures are not included or explored. I strongly support the concept of understanding the individual and their diverse social location. I can grasp a deeper understanding of the unique struggles that people may face around us in our daily lives.
“I want to make a mark on campus by being me and growing more!”
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My name is Diana Tello, and I am a first-year student at Sheridan College Trafalgar Campus. I am currently enrolled in the Social Service Worker Program, maintaining a GPA of 3.8 and above in all my classes. I am a mother of 5, and I am currently volunteering with Sheridan College as a mentor, as part of the Leadership Bridge Program, where I have learned valuable skills and self-reflection tools, reinforcing my commitment to Sheridan. I have also been involved with connecting with staff, professors, and students inside and outside the classroom, sharing our unique experiences as members in body at Sheridan. When I am not submitting assignments, I am helping other peers find their place at Sheridan by sharing available programs and local resources on where to get connected on campus. I believe that giving students, staff, and visitors a sense of belonging opens so many doors for their future, doors that they felt they couldn't open alone. Our community at Sheridan is a multicultural one, and that's what I love about it. Its diversity pulls us together, and in learning more from one another, we make Sheridan an open space for authenticity and exploration.
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I think having more diverse student/staffs and peers that may be representative of each culture/ ethnic group.
diana’s leadership style:
As a leader, what is diana more likely to do on the board?
"Student Leadership SHOULD feel more passionate and less programmed.” - Diana
As a reminder, you will need to vote for campus-specific representatives, but all Board discussions are passed when every Board member is involved. Take a look at all of your campus representatives, stop by their campaign booths, and make an informed decision on March 16 - March 20.