Staff & Contact Information
Charles Kellom, Director
Phone: 847-461-3610
Fax: 847-467-1675
Email: charles.kellom@northwestern.edu
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 a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., an avid fan of music and film, and enjoys quality time with his wife and son.
Daphne Nwankpa, Administrative Assistant
Phone: 847-491-3610
Fax: 847-467-1675
Email: d-nwankpa@northwestern.edu
Daphne Nwankpa was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Daphne graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, and a second bachelor’s degree in Management and Organizational Psychology. Having previously worked at both the Kellogg School of Management and the School of Education and Social Policy, Daphne has a wealth of information related to the Northwestern University campus. Daphne believes that to live in a community, you must contribute to the community and does this by participating in a variety of service activities. Notably, she serves as the chairperson of the parent committee for Project EXCITE, a program through the Center for Talent Development that addresses the achievement gap between minority and non-minority students. In her spare time, Daphne likes trying new recipes, exercising, and enjoying time with her family.
Nancy Cambron Perez, Graduate Assistant
Email: aasa@northwestern.edu
Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Nancy Perez is the Graduate Assistant for African American Student Affairs. Nancy earned her bachelor's degree in Sociology and Latina/o Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, having completed her thesis entitled "Biologically and Scientifically Left Behind: Failing Latina Women.” Nancy is currently working towards her master's degree in Higher Education at Loyola University Chicago. Before coming to NU, Nancy worked with the TRIO program: Upward Bound, and had positions in the field of student affairs, focusing on residence life and cultural programs that led to greater recruitment and retention of Latina/Latino students. Nancy enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority sisters, watching B1G TEN athletic events, and catching up on the latest films.
Jessica Gaddis, Intern
Jessica Gaddis is a Junior in the Medill School of Journalism and Marketing Communications, majoring in Broadcast Journalism. In her time at Northwestern, Jessica has worked for Northwestern University Athletic Communications as a videographer and the City of Evanston as a public relations aide. On campus, Jessica holds executive board positions for the National Association of Black Journalists, the African American Theatre Ensemble, and NUbian. Jessica enjoys cooking, designing and spending time with her friends. Jessica hopes to pursue a career in producing and writing for the web when she graduates and is currently a Digital Intern for JET Magazine.
Torry Walker, Intern
Torry Walker is an African-American Student Affairs intern. He is a junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering of the Robert E. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and minoring in Music Technology. Recently, Torry has interned at Toyota Motors Engineering and Manufacturing North America in the design group. On campus, he has been a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and held positions on the executive board the past two years. In addition to that, he has also been a significant addition to Northwestern University’s Men’s Club Basketball team since freshman year. Torry finds pleasure in playing basketball, creating music productions, and spending time with his family.