Meet the Staff
Professional Staff
Dr. Tamara A. Johnson, Executive Director
Phone: 847-467-6200
Fax: 847-491-3128
Email: tamara-johnson@northwestern.edu
Academic Year Office Hours:
Monday, 3:00-5:00pm (1936 Sheridan Room 208)
Wednesday, 3:00-5:00pm (1914 Sheridan Room 101)
Dr. Tamara A. Johnson is currently the Executive Director for Multicultural Student Affairs at Northwestern University. In this position, she is responsible for overseeing African American Student Affairs, Asian/Asian American Student Affairs and Hispanic/Latino Student Affairs. Prior to her current position, she worked within a range of higher education settings that include: career services, counseling centers, minority student affairs and residential life. She also spent time as a consultant, working for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Johnson has served as an Adjunct Professor at Argosy University and the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She currently teaches two courses for the School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) at Northwestern University. Dr. Johnson has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a master’s degree in Human Resources and a doctorate in Counseling Psychology. Her research interests include multicultural counseling, career development and organizational consultation. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing, spending time with family and roller skating!
Louie Lainez, Director Asian/Asian American Student Affairs
Phone: 847-467-7583
Fax: 847-491-3128
Email: l-lainez@northwestern.edu
Academic Year Office Hours:
1936 Sheridan Room 101
Monday, 2:00-4:00pm
Wednesday, 1:30-3:30pm
Louie Lainez, a native Chicagoan, is Director for Asian/Asian American Student Affairs. He has been a member of the Northwestern University community since 2006, overseeing the Gateway Science
Workshop (GSW) program for Searle Center for Teaching Excellence. Prior to joining Northwestern, Louie held a position with the Office of Racial Ethnic Student Affairs at Michigan State University. He has experience working with various student organizations and has researched the impact of peer facilitated learning programs on undergraduate student learning. His academic interests include intercultural group communication and student leadership development. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Communications at Michigan State University, and his master’s degree in Higher Education Administration is from Loyola University Chicago. Outside of his work at the University, Louie enjoys spending time with his daughter and family, weightlifting and bowling.
Charles Kellom, Director African American Student Affairs
Phone: 847-467-3610
Fax: 847-497-1675
Email: charles.kellom@northwestern.edu
Academic Year Office Hours:
1914 Sheridan Room 104
Tuesday, 1:30-3:30pm
Wednesday, 1:30-3:30pm
Charles Kellom is currently the Director for African American Student Affairs. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and a Master of Arts degree in English from the University of Dayton. After graduate school, Charles worked in Dayton’s Department of Residence Education as Area Coordinator for a first-year co-educational residence hall. He then assumed the position of Assistant Director for Black/African Heritage Student Affairs at George Mason University, where he also coordinated the Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP), a five-week summer bridge program for first generation students. Charles also has experience with student group advising, responding to crises, and leading diversity trainings. He is an avid fan of music and film, and enjoys quality time with his wife and son.
Christian Yañez, Director Hispanic/Latino Student Affairs
Phone: 847-467-7337
Fax: 847-491-3128
Email: yanez@northwestern.edu
Academic Year Office Hours:
1936 Sheridan Room 201
Monday, 2:00-4:00pm
Wednesday, 10:00am-12:00pm
Christian Yañez is originally from Central California. In 2004, he completed a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Chicano and Latin American Studies at California State University, Fresno. In 2006, he earned a Master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration with an emphasis in Multiculturalism from Michigan State University. Christian started his professional career as an Academic Advisor at an institution whose student population was over 75% Latina/o. In December 2007, he joined the Northwestern familia as Director of Hispanic/Latino Student Affairs. Christian truly enjoys his work with the Northwestern community and looks forward to new opportunities to engage students and positively impact their lives during their time on campus. In his free time, Christian enjoys spending time with loved ones, playing soccer, going to the gym and dancing.
E.J. Basa, Assistant Director Multicultural Student Affairs
Phone: 847-491-3610
Fax: 847-467-1675
Email: e-basa@northwestern.edu
Academic Year Office Hours:
1914 Sheridan Room 302
Monday, 2:00-4:00pm
Wednesday, 10:00am-12:00pm
EJ Basa is the Assistant Director for Multicultural Student Affairs and was a Fellow for the Center for Leadership. Her work focuses on campus-wide diversity, inclusive excellence, academic guidance and resources, and advising pre-professional student groups. EJ earned her B.A. in English from Reed College and is currently finishing a graduate degree in Literature at Northwestern University, with a concentration in World and Comparative Literature. Her current research interests include media and identity formation, urban culture and media studies, social justice ally development and leadership development. In her spare time she enjoys writing magical realism and adventure sports.
Jerre Michelin, Administrative Assistant African American Student Affairs
Phone: 847-491-3610
Fax: 847-467-1675
Email: j-michelin@northwestern.edu
Ms. Jerre has been employed with Northwestern University since 1972. Before moving to the Department of African American Student Affairs, she worked for the Personnel Department (now called Human Resources). The mother of 4 children and 11 grandchildren, Ms. Jerre enjoys spending time with her grandkids during her time off. She is happily married and enjoys crocheting, reading (especially science fiction or anything related to outer-space), painting, making jewelry and collecting dolls.
Claire Kelly, Program Assistant Multicultural Student Affairs
Phone: 847-467-6200
Fax: 847-491-3128
Email: claire-kelly@northwestern.edu
Claire Kelly is the Program Assistant for the Multicultural Center. She provides administrative support for the Center and supervises the MSA student staff. Claire is originally from the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, but received her B.A. in English and Visual Art from the University of San Diego in 2009. In addition to her commitment to MSA, Claire is a Safe Space Ally and a Transgender Ally. In her free time, Claire enjoys painting, reading, and spending time with friends.
Graduate Student Staff
Kelcie Bartley, Graduate Assistant for AASA
Email: kelciebartley2013@u.northwestern.edu
Kelcie Bartley is currently the Graduate Assistant for African American Student Affairs. After growing up in St. Louis, MO, she attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN where she obtained Bachelor's degrees in Secondary Education and History. Kelcie is currently working toward a Master of Science in Education degree in Gifted Education, with a focus in the recruitment and retention of minority students in gifted programming. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies, going to concerts and shows, and reading.
Valeria Jiménez, Graduate Assistant for H/LSA
Email: valeriajimenez2014@u.northwestern.edu
Valeria Jiménez is the Graduate Assistant for Hispanic/Latino Student Affairs. She is also a doctoral student in the Department of History. Originally from Los Angeles, Valeria holds a B.A. in Women's Studies and Chicana/o Studies from UCLA. She also holds two Master's degrees - one in American Studies from the University of Massachusetts, and one in History from Northwestern University. She has previous experience working as a Peer Mentor at UCLA's Student Retention Center, and as an administrative assistance in Financial Aid (Pasadena City College) and Academic Support Services (University of Massachusetts). In her free time, Valeria enjoys traveling, record collecting, trying new vegan recipes, roller skating, and spending time with loved ones.
Assata Kokayi, Graduate Assistant for MSA
Email: assatakokayi2015@u.northwestern.edu
Assata Kokayi is currently a Graduate Assistant for Special Projects for Multicultural Student Affairs. She is a second year doctoral student in the African American Studies Program and a student in the Gender Studies Graduate Certificate Program. Assata's research interests include Black Power-era feminist activism, specifically black women's reproductive rights campaigns. She is co-president of NU-Mamas & Papas, a student-parent community group at Northwestern. A self-proclaimed student-parent activist, Asssata dedicates her time to education and advocacy about the unique experiences of graduate students who are also parents. Assata earned a B.A. in History and African Diaspora Studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica, and an M.A. in Afro-American Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. When taking flight from academia, Assata enjoys sharing family time with her son and daughter, listening to classic 80's/90's hip-hop and dub/reggae music, and exploring Chicago's art museums.
Casey Spruill, Graduate Assistant for MSA
Email: caseyspruill2014@u.northwestern.edu
Casey Spruill is currently a Graduate Assistant for Multicultural Student Affairs. She is also a second year doctoral student in the Media, Technology, and Society program in Communication Studies. Casey's research interests include technology use in organizations, collaboration, and open innovation. She serves as President for the Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA) for the 2011-2012 term. Prior to attending Northwestern, Casey earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Master's degree in Communication Management from the University of Southern California. As a new Chicago resident and foodie, Casey enjoys exploring new restaurants in the city. She is also known for her baking skills, and red velvet cupcakes are her specialty!
Undergraduate Student Staff
Interns
Tiffany Chang, A/AASA
Tiffany is a senior studying Learning and Organizational Change and pursuing a certificate in Integrated Marketing Communications. In addition to being a full-time student, she is Manager of ReFresH Dance Crew, and is committed to Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. and the Taiwanese American Students Club (TASC). After she graduates, she hopes to earn her driver's license and work somewhere surrounded by both innovative and creative people. In the future, she would love to open an animal shelter in the mountains of Taiwan, and adopt more dogs than her house can hold. Her favorite part of working for A/AASA is helping to show how strong and capable the Asian/Asian American student body at Northwestern can be!
Daniel Flores, H/LSA
Daniel is a sophomore majoring in Statistics and Latino Studies with a minor in Business Institutions. He hails from San Antonio, TX and truly misses triple digit weather. He currently serves as Questbridge Liaison and founder of 1st Gen, a student group dedicated to the advancement of first generation students at NU. When he's not interning with H/LSA, Daniel can be found working as a Northwestern tour guide, spreading happiness with the Happiness Club, teaching ESL classes at Centro Romero, or masicating with the Northwestern Oral Masticators (food club).
Zach Kisfalusi, H/LSA
Zach is a sophomore hailing from Northwest Indiana. The Griffith native came to Northwestern as an Earth and Planetary Science and Geography double major. His passion for journalism and sports led him to join the WNUR Sports Broadcasting team. Zach is very involved with the Hispanic/Latino community on campus as Outreach Chair of Alianza and member of SHPE and La Colaboracion. He is also an active member of Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc. Zach decided to become an H/LSA Intern this year to help shape the Latino community by planning events and collaborating with other departments across campus. After graduation, Zach plans to either become a research geologist who solves the world water crisis by tapping accessible groundwater, or become the host of a sports talk show.
Raven Smith, MSA
Raven is a sophomore from Chicago, IL. An alumnus of Whitney M. Young High School, she is now a student in Weinberg with an intended major in Chemistry and a minor in French. As an MSA Intern, she assists staff with event planning and other projects. She looks forward to coordinating programs that help freshmen adapt to the college experience. Raven is manager for Soul4Real A Cappella Group, as well as Publicity Chair for One Step Before Pre-Medical Society. She is also an avid golfer and performs with Movement Dance and Step Team. After attaining her bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Raven plans to attend medical school and become a pediatrician.
Derek Suen, A/AASA
Derek is a senior Economics and Psychology major. As an A/AASA Intern, Derek helps to plan and execute events and community initiatives, such as spearheading the first annual A/AASA talent showcase event in the Spring of 2011. In addition to his position at MSA, Derek is involved with ReFresH Dance Crew, and enjoys singing, playing piano, and exploring the Evanston and Chicago food scenes with friends. After graduation, Derek hopes to work in marketing or public relations in either Chicago or San Francisco.
Torry Walker, AASA
Torry is a sophomore from Chicago, IL. Completing the 1st 2 years of high school at Whitney M. Young High School, and graduating salutatorian of Providence St. Mel, he is now majoring in Mechanical Engineering of the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Sciences as well as minoring in Music Technology in the Bienen School of Music. He contributes to MSA by planning events focusing around the Black Male Initiative/Brothahood. Torry is also a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and contributes largely to the NU Men’s Club Basketball team. He spends his free time playing basketball, composing, engineering, and producing music. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, he seeks to make an imprint in the automotive or music technology industry using his engineering background.
Angela Wang, A/AASA
Angela is a senior majoring in Art History and Art Theory & Practice. As an A/AASA Intern, she focuses on graphic design and creates calendars, flyers, logos, and publications for MSA departments and student groups. When she is not busy with school, she enjoys writing for Northwestern Art Review, traveling and hosting travelers, maintaining numerous blogs, and urban exploration. After graduation, she hopes to participate in WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) for several months before working in the arts while advancing her studio practice.
Evening Assistants
| Name | Department |
|---|---|
| Khalid Aziz | Multicultural Student Affairs |
| Shauntelle Brown | Multicultural Student Affairs |
| Amin Elsaeed | Multicultural Student Affairs |
| Robert Ellis | Multicultural Student Affairs |
| Hagar Gomaa |
Multicultural Student Affairs |
| Zoe Goodman | Multicultural Student Affairs |
| Britany Hamilton |
Multicultural Student Affairs |
| Arshad Haque | Multicultural Student Affairs |
| Brandan Matthews | Multicultural Student Affairs |
| Ebony Page | Multicultural Student Affairs |