Director
Dr. Rashida Love was born and raised in California’s San Fernando Valley. After graduating high school, Dr. Love and her family relocated to Washington State, where she attended South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia. Dr. Love then transferred to The University of Southern Mississippi, where she completed her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Counseling Psychology. Over the course of the last 15 years, Rashida has worked in a variety of staff, administrative, and faculty roles within higher education at several colleges and universities around the country, most notably in senior leadership roles at Multicultural Offices at The Evergreen State College and University of Nevada Las Vegas.
In 2021, Rashida completed her doctoral degree in Higher Education Leadership from Colorado State University. Her doctoral dissertation: We Are Not The Same: The Experiences of Black Women Multicultural Directors at Predominantly White Institutions examined the experiences of Black Women Multicultural Directors at Predominantly White Universities, and reflected her ever-evolving commitment to centering the experiences and voices of women of color at predominantly white institutions. Rashida is passionate about supporting women of color in academic and professional spaces where they often experience intersectional oppression, and believes this journey starts with our students. As the Director of the Sisterhood Initiative, Rashida strives to build a community where women of color are uplifted, acknowledged, and celebrated for their authentic selves. She believes the University of Washington is made stronger and richer by the women of color who attend and work here, and is deeply proud to serve in this role.
Assistant Director
Dr. Raedell Boateng is a teacher at heart. She began her career in the elementary classroom and has since spent more than a decade helping future teachers, leaders, schools, and communities weave justice, healing, and belonging into every part of education—always centering the voices and brilliance of those most often pushed to the margins. Navigating a transnational life between Seattle and Accra with her family, Dr. Rae also brings a global perspective to her work and a deep understanding of what it means to build community across borders. Born and raised in New York State, Dr. Rae earned a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, a Master’s in Elementary Education from Arizona State University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Multicultural Education and Teacher Education from the University of Washington. Her doctoral research was a self-study that used storytelling as a culturally sustaining methodology. Dr. Rae is the founder of Justice for All, Everyday, a liberated coaching and consulting practice launched in 2018, and the creator of Kwesi Co., an Afrocentric, curiosity-driven unschool/homeschool model that centers cultural and wisdom and curiosity. Outside of work, Dr. Rae loves spending time with her family and chosen community, reading, going to church, intentionally healing, and eating good food. She is delighted to be a part of the Sisterhood Initiative. As much as she brings her skills, energy, and experiences into this space, she also needs and cherishes what this community offers in return.
Teaching Associate
Dalya Perez is a UW alum with a PhD in Education Leadership and Policy. While at UW her research and dissertation focused on the impacts of colonial mentality on Filipino American undergraduate students, she was also part of the founding research team for the Brotherhood Initiative. She was most recently a Senior Product Manager at Microsoft, leading inclusion and equity in mixed reality technology. Dalya is currently a consultant, partnering with organizations on strategic planning processes, curriculum development, and dynamic project management support. She is a proud Filipina American and Egyptian and resides in West Seattle with her husband and two kids and in her free time is found teaching campy dance fitness classes! She is psyched about supporting Sisterhood Initiative students this year!!!
Student Success Coordinators
Christelle Silué is a dedicated and community-driven leader with a passion for fostering connection, empowerment, and growth. As the founder of Truly You Therapy PLLC and a Licensed Associate Independent Clinical Social Worker, she brings a deep understanding of identity, belonging, and resilience shaped by her experiences growing up within the African Diaspora.
Guided by a trauma-informed lens, Christelle approaches her work with sensitivity to the complex ways individual experiences and systemic forces intersect. Whether in community initiatives, educational spaces, or collaborative projects, she is committed to creating environments where people feel seen, valued, and supported.
She is passionate about amplifying marginalized voices, addressing the impacts of systemic oppression, and contributing to collective healing. Outside of her professional commitments, Christelle finds joy in exploring new ideas, building relationships, and discovering innovative ways to spark meaningful change.
Sahra Ibrahim is a first-generation Somali-American, and two-time alum of the University of Washington, where she earned her master’s degree in Educational Policy. With a strong background in academic advising and student support, she is committed to creating inclusive and equitable environments that empower students to succeed and feel a sense of belonging in higher education. Having lived in the Pacific Northwest her entire life, Sahra brings a grounded understanding of the region’s educational landscape and community values. Her passion for education policy stems from a belief that systemic change is necessary to reduce barriers for underrepresented students, and she is especially interested in how policies can be designed and implemented to foster access, equity, and meaningful student success. Beyond her professional work, Sahra enjoys gaming and reading fantasy novels, always eager to exchange recommendations and explore new stories. She values opportunities to connect with others through shared interests, collaborative projects, and community-building efforts, and finds joy in fostering environments where people feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow. For Sahra, both her professional path and personal passions reflect her belief in the importance of cultivating spaces where individuals can thrive authentically and with confidence.
2025-26 Program Assistants
Nyla Hassan is entering her senior year at UW, majoring in Public Health–Global Health with a minor in Nutrition. Throughout her time in SI, she has served both as a Peer Mentor and a Peer Mentor Lead. As a member of the very first cohort, Nyla strives not only to lead by example but also to connect with younger cohorts and continue learning from her growing SI community, recognizing that every perspective in this space is valuable and worth learning from. Outside of academics, Nyla enjoys hot yoga, spending time outdoors, being with friends and family, and anything involving animals. She is also a proud member of Delta Gamma, where she has served as Director of Special Events for the past two years.
Sophia Keogh is a psychology major on the premed track. She’s a third year student at UW from Bellevue, Washington. Sophia currently works at ADAPT Labs at the University of Washington, which conducts research on resilience and substance use among Black and African American young adults. She is also on the founding board of Mind To Mind, an RSO on campus that facilitates connections between the UW community and homeless shelters in the University District. Sophia enjoys being creative, specifically by drawing and playing music, and she is excited to work alongside Nyla to create a program that boosts positivity, support, and growth. She wants to devote her time this year to increased engagement at SI events and creating a community not only for Cohort 4, but previous cohorts and those to come!
2025-26 Peer Mentor Leads
Riley Selden: Riley Selden is a third-year Medical Anthropology major on the pre-med track at the University of Washington. Originally from North Carolina, she has become deeply involved in her campus community. She serves as Vice President of the National Society of Black Health Professionals, an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering Black students pursuing careers in healthcare. Riley is also the Vice President and Membership Chair of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Passionate about mentorship and community building, she looks forward to advancing both through her involvement in the Sisterhood Initiative. In her free time, Riley enjoys dancing, listening to music, and attending football games.
Sihaam Ahmed: Sihaam is a fourth year Psychology student minoring in Diversity and Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies. She currently serves as the Director of DEI and Partnerships for Active minds, where she works to promote mental health awareness and foster inclusive spaces on campus. Passionate about making mental health care more accessible, Sihaam hopes to become a clinical psychologist dedicated to serving marginalized communities, especially communities of color. Outside of academics, she loves expressing her creativity through makeup, cafe hopping around the city, and doing karaoke with friends. Sihaam is excited to continue building meaningful connections within the SI community as a Peer Mentor Lead!
2025-26 SI Peer Mentor Staff
Alexis Martin: An LA native, Alexis Martin is a sophomore at the University of Washington and an Interdisciplinary Honors student minoring in Mandarin. She pursues studies that bridge technology, equity, and cultural expression. Alexis currently interns with Gesture, helping faculty integrate AI into their classrooms, and serves as a Community Advisory Board member for the Black Adult Resilience Study in UW Psychology. She also interns with Executive Diversity Services, founded by former Black Panther Elmer Dixon, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Passionate about media and storytelling, Alexis explores identity and collective memory through film, writing, and digital platforms. Outside the classroom, you’ll find her writing poetry for the Black Student Journal, capturing life’s moments with her camera, or discovering new restaurants around Seattle.
Gianna Lollie: Gianna is a second-year student majoring in Marketing and Finance, with a minor in Education, from Federal Way, Washington. In her campus involvement, she serves on the executive board of the Black Student Union and is a member of Black Leaders In Business. Outside of academics, Gianna enjoys trying new matcha spots, going thrifting, exploring the nature around Washington, and spending time with family and friends.
Isa Saiz: Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Isa Saiz is a third year student studying Environmental Science with a focus in restoration ecology. She is a Student Ambassador for the Office of Multicultural Outreach and Recruitment and also a part of Husky Boxing. She is passionate about working with underserved and specifically Tribal communities on community led environmental restoration projects. In her spare time Isa enjoys baking, reading and trying new restaurants especially bakeries.
Kitana Ludwig: Kitana is a second year student studying Law, Societies, and Justice and Psychology at the University of Washington from Renton, Washington! She enjoys trying new restaurants, watching crime shows, and going to concerts. In addition to The Sisterhood Initiative, Kitana is involved in a wide variety of organizations throughout campus. She works as a Student Ambassador for the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity, she is President of the Lao Student Association, DEI chair for the pre-law frat Phi Alpha Delta, and a member of Alpha Chi Omega. When she is not at school, Kitana works with kids for the City of Renton’s Recreation Department. Kitana is passionate about helping the community, and aspires to be a lawyer who can help bridge the gap of accessibility for underprivileged minority groups.
Kelis Hightower: Hey! I’m a second-year Informatics student with a passion for building tech that’s equitable and inclusive. I’m originally from Atlanta, Georgia, but I’ve been in the Pacific Northwest for a while now and really enjoy exploring what the region has to offer. When I’m not studying, I’m probably cooking something new, checking out a restaurant on my list, at the gym, or just wandering around the city. I’m also involved in Sisters in Color, Women in Informatics, and the Black Student Union—communities that mean a lot to me and help me stay connected.
Lizette Vazquez-Perez: Lizette is a 3rd year majoring in public health, minoring in French, and works in the de la Iglesia lab at the University of Washington. She loves studying with her friends and going to get sweet treats after long “lock-in” sessions in the library. Her professional goal is to pursue a career in medicine and become an obstetrician-gynecologist specialist. She is a first-generation Mexican/American, from Yakima WA, who loves listening to music and saying hi to everyone she sees. During her breaks you will catch her looking at plane tickets to different cities, drinking too much Red Bull, and playing the NYT games. She is so excited to meet the new cohort!
Mia Veljacic: Mia is a third-year student from Vancouver, Washington majoring in Environmental Public Health and aiming to pursue a career in medical & clinical research. She is a member of Alpha Chi Omega where she serves on the executive board as Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging, and she participates in Sisters in Color and Chicanx/Latinx for Community Medicine. As a multiethnic individual, she is passionate about building community and ensuring equitable access to resources and knowledge. Outside of school, she enjoys playing soccer on her intramural team, crafting, spending time with friends and family, and cheering on her favorite sports teams. Ask her about Gel X nail inspo, Manchester United’s most recent Premier League campaign, or her inability to choose a favorite book.
Natalie Mejia: Natalie is a second-year student majoring in Biology: Physiology with a planned minor in Bioethics or Diversity. Originally from Longview, WA, she is on the pre-med track and is passionate about women’s health and advocacy, and she hopes to help improve the healthcare experience for women of color. Outside of class, Natalie is involved in Chicanx/Latinx for Community Medicine (CCM) and Planned Parenthood: Gen Action, and works as a medical scribe in her hometown. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, exploring Seattle with friends, movie nights, trying new food, reading, and thrifting.
Nia Odhiambo: Nia Odhiambo is a sophomore majoring in accounting and marketing and minoring in education. Nia is involved with clubs like Women in Business and Black Leaders in Business. She is also in Phi Mu where she intends on being an exec in the near future. Over the summer she will be going on a Foster led study abroad program to Ireland to study international business. She is an extrovert who enjoys hanging out with friends and family, going to concerts, traveling, and paddle boarding.
Sarah Allen: Sarah is a second-year student at the University of Washington, planning to major in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences. She hopes to pursue a career in food safety and water treatment, with a particular focus on reducing health hazards in marginalized communities. Originally from Richmond, California, Sarah is involved in UW’s Black Student Union and recently joined the National Society of Black Healthcare Professionals. This summer, she’s working with the Student Conservation Association at a wastewater treatment plant. In her free time, she enjoys listening to all kinds of music, playing guitar, swimming, spending time outdoors, and being with friends and family.