From the president
Tavyonia "Tay " Tashonda Davis is a recognized leader at University of Wisconsin-Parkside for her commitment to the LGBTQ community. As the Student Assistant for the LGBTQ Resource Center, Tay promotes the Center on campus while regularly engaging and supporting her peers through social and advocacy-based events. Tay is also the current President of the Black Student Union (BSU) and her understanding of the importance of the intersectionality of her work sets her apart from other student leaders. She continues to bring students across campus together around important issues such as implementing the Day of Silence event on campus and coordinating a speaker to talk to students about the intersections of being Black and LGBTQ.
Tay is majoring in Psychology and Sociology, minoring in Ethnic Studies, and earning certificates in Child and Family Advocacy and Diversity and Inclusion. She received the Success Coach of the Year for the 2018-2019 academic year from the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Black Excellence Award from BSU, the Emerging Leader Award from Campus Activities and Engagement and the University of Wisconsin System's P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ+ People.
Personal Statement
I first became involved with assisting my community in high school. Attending various volunteer events, such as Milwaukee community clean ups or assisting with Milwaukee Public Schools' Special Olympics events, enabled me to give back and develop a passion I had never noticed before. I began to continue this path by becoming more involved in higher education organizations such as mentoring programs and student-led organizations. Being part of one of the most predominately marginalized groups instilled in me a passion for advocacy and education. The importance of diversity and inclusion in all spaces, not just higher education or corporate America, enables me to capitalize on the root of social issues and the immediate need for change. Serving as the President of Black Student Union and as a student assistant in the LGBTQ Resource Center has put me in a position to advocate for and celebrate the importance of African American and LGBTQ students' representation in higher education institutions.