Unity students build connections over coffee

More than a dozen members of Unity in Communications gathered on Nov. 18 for meaningful discussions with faculty and staff in the School of Communications.

Elon professor Shanetta Pendleton talks to BIPOC students. — Shanetta Pendleton (left), assistant professor of strategic communications, enjoys an afternoon chat with students Jas Jackson ’27 (center) and Kemari Logan ’28 during the Nov. 18 Unity in Communications gathering at The Oak House.

Student members of Unity in Communications met on Nov. 18 with faculty and staff from the School of Communications at The Oak House for an informal gathering over coffee, tea and hot chocolate. The afternoon event provided an opportunity to foster connections while engaging in lively conversations.

To see photos from the Unity gathering, visit our Flickr album.

Elon professor Young Do Kim talks to two students. — Young Do Kim (right), associate professor of sport management, takes part in a lively conversation with cinema & television arts majors Anna Kozlova ’25 (left) and Izzy Jacobs ’25.

Unity in Communications is a student organization that emphasizes diversity, equity and inclusion within the communications industry. Open to all students, the group highlights the experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds. The organization invited faculty and staff who either identify as being from diverse backgrounds or as allies to underrepresented groups.

Among the attendees were faculty members Israel Balderas, Brandon Booker, Vanessa Bravo, Lee Bush, Colin Donohue, Kenn Gaither, Young Do Kim, Sydney Nicolla and Shanetta Pendleton. Staff members Karla Estrada Pérez, Amber Moser and Tommy Kopetskie also joined the event.

Students interested in joining Unity in Communications are encouraged to reach out to co-advisers Professor Vanessa Bravo (vbravo@elon.edu) or Karla Estrada Pérez (kestradaperez@elon.edu).