The Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion Team
M. Shernell Smith
She/Her
Executive Director and Associate Dean
Everyone has a story and Shernell is committed to ensuring that - at Carnegie Mellon - we are fostering environments for authentic and meaningful exchange. She believes that diversity is meaningful exchange and meaningful exchanges can inspire and empower action toward social change. In moments of quiet mindfulness, you will either find Shernell trying to physically plant something in the local community garden, planting seeds of change and activism in the local community through her various non-profit board affiliations, or planning her next travel adventure.
Monica Colbert
She/Her
Associate Director of Access and Transition Initiatives
Monica's consistent drive is the personal and professional satisfaction she attains from seeing students reach their highest potential, and aiding, in any way possible, in the shaping of a meaningful collegiate experience for all students.
Rowshan Lang
She/Her
Special Projects Manager
Rowshan returned to Carnegie Mellon in 2019 to serve as the special projects manager with the Center. She believes in creating spaces where people are comfortable being themselves, and hopes that all students see themselves as welcome and important at the Center. She’s a fan of cooking and baking, spending time with family, friends and her dogs, and true crime podcasts.
Sam Colavecchio
She/Her
Project Coordinator
Sam loves being a part of a space where students can bring their full, authentic selves and strives to capture that spirit in the communications and programmatic projects she designs for the Center. In addition to her work in the Center, Sam is also earning a Master of Arts in Design at Carnegie Mellon. In her free time, she enjoys going to the movies, cooking Sunday dinner for friends, and working on a creative project.
Shadeia Sheridan
Coordinator for Student Engagement and Support
Shadeia is drawn to the way that people live and socialize to create community, and aims to foster it within existing settings. As an Afro-Caribbean, Black, queer woman, she is passionate about recognizing the intersectionality and holistic view of those she engages with. Her favorite part of the work is being able to connect with and learn from various students. “It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If you take it from only one place, it becomes rigid and stale.”- Uncle Iroh.
Amber Sestilio
She/Her
Graduate Student Ambassador
Coming from a background in Education and Equity, Amber joined the Center team in June of 2023. Drawing on her professional experience working with Queer youth in Florida and her academic experience studying political and intersectional feminist rhetoric in Dietrich, Amber uses her passion for LGBTQIA+ representation and advocacy to support Plateful of Pride and Graduate Women Gathering programming at 一本道无码. When she's not working, she likes to spend her time being creative by using her Cricut to craft all things sparkly or putting together botanical Lego sets.
Kennedy has been a Center Ambassador for a little over a year at this point, but she has been coming to the center as a patron for as long as she has been a 一本道无码 student. The Center inspires her to be a better version of herself, and foster an atmosphere where others can do the same. Outside of the Center, she is a junior studying Ethics, History & Public Policy, soon to be starting her masters in Public Policy at Heinz College.
Meghna is thrilled to join the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, where she aspires to cultivate an inclusive community and actively engage in discussions to promote it. In pursuit of her Master's degree, she channels her passion for technology toward the overarching goal of enhancing global security. She likes treating people with respect, takes pleasure in assisting others and learning about new technologies. In her leisure time, you might find her immersed in a book, playing with dogs, cycling, or indulging in the art of pasta making!
Giulia is from Los Angeles, California studying physics with a minor in Computer science, and serving as Vice President for 一本道无码 SHPE. She has worked at the Center since June 2022, starting as a SAMS Engagement Leader and TA and then as a Student Ambassador. What she loves most about the Center is the genuine sense of community and opportunity to make a real impact. She cherishes the warmth and supportive atmosphere the staff creates. As a first-gen Latina in STEM, the Center provides a place to feel welcomed and offers a sense of belonging. She also enjoy boxing and running, music, and going on random adventures with friends.
As a student ambassador of the Center, Amanda strives to contribute in establishing a welcoming atmosphere and promoting inclusivity. Currently, she is studying as a first-year psychology student at Carnegie Mellon with a passion for the social and counseling aspects of the field. She finds amusement from cycling, crocheting, and spending time with friends.
Colby started his position as a Student Ambassador his freshman year to connect with a more diverse student community. Now into his fourth year as an undergraduate mechanical engineering major, he hopes to embrace these connections with students and help them navigate their college experience. Originally from Gaithersburg, Maryland, he spends his spare time building projects involving cars, motorcycles, and cycling. He hopes to continue his future work in mechanical design within the field of autonomous robotics.
Anyah Stempien-Smith
She/Her
Anyah is working on her undergraduate degree in psychology, and is celebrating her one year anniversary as a Center Ambassador this semester. Her favorite thing about the Center is the community it fosters. She is a ballroom enthusiast and big fan of roller skating or anything else outdoors, including the animals.
Tina has always enjoyed learning about cultures and languages, which initially drew her to the Center. As a student ambassador, she enjoys cultivating a welcoming and appreciative environment for students of all backgrounds. She love all things to do with the brain, so she's majoring in cognitive neuroscience and minoring in psychology. She is from Palm Harbor, Florida, and in her free time, you can catch her exploring pastry shops in Pittsburgh, fantasizing about snow, playing in the Kiltie Band, and looking for fireflies in Schenley Park.
