Avery Caya

Graduate Assistant, CLAS/Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (They/Them/Theirs)

 In my role at the Center for Career Development I work on the planning, creation, and implementation of programs and events focused on the ways in which students’ identities impact their career development, some examples being  employer and alumni panels, workshops, webinars, presentations, and networking events. In addition I also write blog posts and create social media posts highlighting various areas of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. I am also a member of the Center’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, DE&I, where I assist with the creation of career events for our Affinity Communities alongside an amazing team of people.

I am currently in the Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) masters program at UConn. I love being able to see students grow into themselves and thrive, which is what drove me to pursue student affairs as a career! As a member of the LGBTQ+ community with experience in student advocacy and community building I understand the importance of students having access to spaces where they can fully and confidently explore all aspects of themselves and how their identities intersect, and I want to be someone who creates those spaces and advocates for the safety and inclusion of all students. 

Bio

Hometown: Cumberland, RI

Things I enjoy: In my downtime I enjoy playing video games and tabletop games, reading fantasy or horror novels, cooking, drawing, going for walks, and listening to music (especially goth rock, darkwave, and post-punk).

Advice to students: Seek out clubs, organizations, and centers that you feel you can be yourself fearlessly in, and you’ll always have a place where you feel welcomed and embraced. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! As an undergrad student, joining clubs and organizations surrounding my identities and my interests made me so many friends and helped me gain a sense of belonging and community at my university. Participating in events at cultural centers also provided so many opportunities for me that wouldn’t have been there if I hadn’t put myself out there! 

Education

University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Gender & Women’s Studies
Favorite Project: Being the co-chair of the curriculum subcommittee of the university’s Trans Inclusion Committee! It was such an eye opening experience to see what goes into the creation of the curriculum for various classes and what goes into department reviews. It was also very rewarding to work towards changes to create an inclusive and welcoming campus for future generations of transgender and non-binary students!

Previous Roles

  • Part-Time Coordinator of Creative Marketing – URI Gender & Sexuality Center, Kingston, RI