Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way stood before the students and faculty of Ramapo College on Wednesday at the annual Diversity Convocation to celebrate the achievements of the diverse student population. Way outlined her life dedicated to public service and how she got started with her career.
To welcome Way, Student Trustee Gloria Jeong and Student Government Association President Victor Oluwagbemi gave a speech outlining her accomplishments, awards and education. Working in reproductive healthcare, voter rights and equality under the law, Way has consistently been implementing new ideas to make life more diverse.
For instance, one of the experiences Way recounted was about the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail, which works to remind New Jersey locals and tourists about black history within the state. Often much of the state’s diversity and accomplishments get pushed to the wayside due to other important historical events New Jersey had a hand in. Way makes a point to share the important historical events and makes sure they get highlighted in our society.
One of the important life lessons Way mentioned was from her relationship with her mother, who had told her, “always be present, Tahesha.” Way explained that when she was a child, she struggled with shyness and feeling welcomed in different spaces. This was how her mother reminded Way that being present in space is most important in making change. Being heard, accepted and comfortable comes later after breaking boundaries. Way has taken this advice to heart throughout her career, especially being a Black woman in less diverse spaces.
When giving an example of how this sentiment impacted her, Way mentioned her time at Brown University during her undergraduate education. Way actively searched for diverse spaces, since there was only one Black professor in the faculty. Once she found her space to be herself and all of her intersecting identities, she recalled feeling “at home.”
This peaceful feeling had motivated her to study law so she could support other people and help them feel the sense of community and belonging that she had felt. She also recognized that she was able to go to Brown University due to the financial support the university offered, as well as the opportunity they provided.
After Way’s speech, students were able to ask questions on how she got where she was today. One question asked was about how to get started in civil engagement in today’s world. Way promotes working in the polling stations for in-person voting to get into the world of civil engagement.
Way stated that her and her mentor, previous Lt. Gov. Sheila Y. Oliver had worked at the polling stations in their pasts and used the position to get their starts. Back then, however, there was no pay for workers there, but now people can receive up to $300 a day, or $21 an hour, working in this area.
At the end of the convocation, Chief Equity and Diversity Officer Nicole Morgan Agard gave a gift to thank her for coming and sharing her experiences with the students.
dwalton@ramapo.edu
Featured photo by Dominique Walton
