From the president
Kedean (Kay) Brown is a third-year student leader at Virginia Tech who has advocated for community-based learning and leading since she first stepped onto campus. She is an active advocate for first-generation students and serves as a connector between peers and community organizations. She currently serves in many leadership roles centered around community engagement and change-based activism in cultural organizations, as well as service-learning opportunities. Because of Kay's passion for creating collaborative, asset-based partnerships, she has created positive change for the New River Valley community.
Personal Statement
My perspective underwent a significant transformation upon entering college and being accepted into the first-generation living-learning community. Being part of this community changed my perspective on social justice and provided me with a deep understanding of community impact. It ignited a passion within me to serve as a mentor to other first-generation students. Consequently, I became involved in the Hokies First Peer Mentoring Program, where I dedicated myself to educating, uplifting, and empowering first-generation students. Additionally, I became a part of the executive team for the first-generation student organization. In this role, I advocate for raising awareness about the needs and experiences of first-generation college students as well as fostering an inclusive environment celebrating diverse ideas and cultures while promoting lifelong learning and academic identity. Witnessing the positive impact I was able to have on the lives of other students inspired me to seek out additional opportunities to make a difference. I am now involved in the Alternative Break program at Virginia Tech, where I serve as a student director to equip students with the skills necessary to advocate for social justice while committing to taking further action.