Student Diversity Committee

Through seeing the impact that cultural clubs, diversity groups, and other inclusive committees had on me, I felt compelled to foster the same space for others. Aside from CLA SDC, I take part in cultural club activities that highlight South Asian experience and representation. As Social Media and Communications chair, I strive to utilize my artistic and digital skills to spread awareness, build safe communities, and empower my peers with new opportunities.

Dede Onuwaje serves as the vice chair of the CLASDC and is a third-year student majoring in Ethnic Studies and Communication Studies. Dede’s path has been informed by her lived experiences and dedication to uplifting underserved communities. In her time at Cal Poly, Dede has served as the Student Assistant to the Dean of Diversity and Curriculum for the College of Liberal Arts along with participating and leading in other of student organizations, such as the Majesties dance collective, and the Black Student Union.

Through my involvement with eop, scholars, working as the cultural commencement intern and currently working as a Behavior Technician. I work to cater to all identities in our community. Being part of this committee will allow me to hear the voices of others and celebrate all identities at Cal Poly. 

I serve as Chair of the CLA Student Diversity Committee, Vice President of the Black Student Union, and Treasurer of Attorney’s in the Margin. Outside of campus, I volunteer independently with local organizations to support families facing hunger and housing insecurity. Through these roles, I strive to create spaces where underrepresented students feel seen, heard, and valued. My goal in serving on this committee is to build genuine community, promote accountability, and ensure that diversity and inclusion are reflected through meaningful action and lasting impact.

I joined the committee because I believe that as a member of any community, every person has a responsibility to create and uphold equitable and inclusive systems and frameworks. By advocating for CLA students and creating programs, resources, and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, the CLA SDC allows me to actively contribute to this mission and help create change within the College of Liberal Arts.

When I first entered Cal Poly, I wasn't too sure on what my specific interests should be, and I wasn't very informed on how important it is that community, visibility, and student voices are honored and respected by their university. However, as I've gained more experience in my field and have become more familiar with campus culture, I now have a better understanding of these concepts. Now, I hope to actively contribute to a campus environment that provides all its students with an equitable, respectful, and safe experience. I've been in the Research Emphasis Track and BEACoN, and this year I became involved with a local non-profit, CLA SDC and the psychology club. I hope, while simultaneously learning from more experienced advocates and community organizers, to uplift vulnerable voices in these spaces and host events that adhere to a diverse population in Cal Poly.

When I first got to Cal Poly, I knew that it was going to be crucial for me to find a strong diverse community within the PWI. I am incredibly grateful to have found my people through on-campus cultural organizations like the Pilipino Cultural Exchange, and I've been heavily involved within this club and its leadership positions throughout my time at Cal Poly. Now, as an Events Coordinator for the CLA SDC, I hope to continue organizing events that contribute that strong community feeling to the broader CLA community and ensure that students from all different backgrounds can truly make a home for themselves within the college and the greater university system.

Growing up I was shaped by the incredible compassion our community showed to my sister with a rare disease. It was this that started my own love for community building. At Cal Poly, I continue this work as the Event Coordinator for the CLA SDC and as a Community Advisor in PCV where I support residents daily. Through this committee, I hope to strengthen our campus culture of empathy, advocacy, and connection.

My name is Natalia Quezadas and I’m a third year here at Cal Poly. I’m apart of the University Housing Student Assistant team, Undergraduate Law Association, Attorneys in the Margins, and I’ve also been involved with College Corps and volunteering with First Fruits Farm. On my free time I love to get involved with the community and have become a part of the San Luis Obispo Democrats. I hope my involvement encourages other people to get involved in their community so that every voice can be heard. Coming to a PWI was definitely difficult, so I learned that it’s up to us to advocate for ourselves, and be the change we want to see in the community. Being a part of a team like the CLASDC has truly made Cal Poly feel like a community that lifts each other up, and for that I’m thankful to be part of this team!

Paige Blankenship works in the MultiCultural Center on campus as a student assistant and serves as the Connections Coordinator for PolyCultural Weekend. For students of color, it can be intimidating entering Cal Poly leading to doubt about one's role on campus. PCW serve as one of many bridges students can cross to find their sense of belonging. They are also heavily involved with the Black Student Union, serves as a mentor for the Mustang Mentorship Program, and is a Reparative Metadata Fellow. As the Secretary of the committee, they want to encourage CLA students to diversify their learning experience by incorporating intersectional perspectives and knowledge. Many majors within the college have required courses about intersectional topics, but they encourage students to pursue studying and experiencing differences outside of the classroom as well. The committee’s goal is to help teach what a 4-unit course cannot.

One of my biggest accomplishments on campus is serving as the 2025 Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion of my sorority: Kappa Alpha Theta. Through my position, I try to push the needle and spread the word of various campus events to my chapter, who might not have known about them! Being a VP DEI in Greek life, which has been historically predominantly white, has strengthened my beliefs and motivations in creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in every aspect of my life. It is this core message that I hope to carry through my role as a member of the CLA Student Diversity Committee

Tri-An serves as the 25-26 Media Chair for the CLASDC, as well as an ambassador for the College of Liberal Arts. She also serves Cal Poly's Lion Dance Team and Psychology Club as Media Chair, and stays involved in her cultural club, the Vietnamese Student Association, as Tram Phan Tram's dance coordinator and intercollegiate council representative. In her free time, she enjoys exploring SLO, hanging out with friends, and crafting! She hopes to create a space where all students can be uplifted and highlighted for their achievements, and where their backgrounds can be celebrated.