Yolanda Borquaye ’14 is the president of the Association of Black Harvard Women and was the Co-Producer of Cultural Rhythms this year. Her outgoing, caring nature, genuine personality, and motivation make her a perfect candidate for our campus celebrity. Read on to see why this fabulous woman is making a difference at Harvard every day!
First, the basics! Tell us a little about yourself — where are you from, what do you study, and what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
My name is Yolanda Borquaye. I’m grew up in Savannah, Georgia, but my family is originally from Ghana, West Africa. I am a joint concentrator in Sociology and Government focusing on international development. And in my free time, I enjoy ….
What are some of the extracurricular activities you are involved with on campus?
On campus, I am the President of the Association of Black Harvard Women, and I intern at the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations.
What are your plans for this summer?
This summer, I plan on conducting thesis research in Brazil. I will looking at one of the world’s largest conditional cash transfer programs, Bolsa Familia, and attempting to figure out how it works for some families and not for other families. But before heading to Brazil, I plan on spending some time travelling with my sisters. We’re planning a mini-road trip that I’m really excited about.
What would be your dream job after graduation?
My dream job after graduation would be abroad. It would allow me to submerge myself within another culture, another place, and learn from people with different backgrounds than my own. And it would allow me to work towards solutions to many problems facing the developing world.
So, tell us about a little more about Cultural Rhythms. What was the experience like for you? How long have you been involved?
I have been involved with the Foundation since my freshmen year, so for three years now. And each year, I’ve worked on the show. But this year, I had the incredible opportunity to work on the show as the Co-Producer. In preparation for Cultural Rhythms 2013, I began working last March. And the experience was something beautiful and crazy and remarkable that I could have never imagined. I’m not sure if you saw the show, but I said on show day that it was my favorite day of the year; and I was not lying. It genuinely gives me chills to see all the talent that our peers have showcased on Sanders, all done while celebrating the rich cultural diversity Harvard has to offer. It truly is something special.
Part of what we love about Cultural Rhythms is its representation of the diversity of the student body. What would you say the most rewarding part about your role was?
The most rewarding part about my role was being able to work directly with all of the student groups.
What would you say has been the biggest challenge you have faced in Cultural Rythms? How did you overcome that?
Being a producer this year enabled me to carry out my vision for the show, and that was one that was fun and focused more on the student groups. But I think that was also very difficult: keeping the the campus and public focused on the relevance of Cultural Rhythms, which is to celebrate all of the rich cultural and ethnic diversity we have on campus–and THEN, to celebrate the wonderful work of a special Artist of the Year.
What do you think defines someone’s identity? How would you define yourself?
I think people themselves define their identities. You are only who you say you are and you only identify with what you think you identify as– even if other people try to say otherwise. I try to define myself through my actions and character. And I hope that at the end of the day, those will speak for themselves.
What do you think all girls should know and believe in?
That you are strong and that you are beautiful. And that you deserve everything the world has to give to you. So be excited for all the adventures–good and bad–that life has in store for you!