Christa Grant is the director of the Damietta Cross-Cultural Center, overseeing diversity initiative on campus and providing workshops and programs for community members to learn about diversity and social justice . In addition to running the center and advising several student organizations, Christa has previously taught Zumba classes at Siena and was a Residence Director before working as the Damietta Director. Stop by the center in SSU to say hello and learn a thing or two, and be sure to check out the Damietta Facebook page for news on its latest programs.
Hometown: Hong Kong, now living in Colonie.
Years at Siena: Eight.
HC: You’re from Hong Kong. How did you end up at Siena?
CG: I was an exchange student from Hong Kong. I came to Buffalo when I was 16 years old, went to high school, and then went straight to college majoring in Communications and Sociology at the University of Buffalo, where I met my now-husband my senior year. My husband’s originally from Schenectady, so after graduation, we moved down here and I worked at the Boys and Girls Club of Schenectady for three years before I went to graduate school. I became an RD at Siena in 2008. I was in Hines Hall for two years, and then was in Hennepin for one year before I became the Assistant Director of the center in 2011.
HC: You lead the Damietta Center. What was the history of the center before you came onboard?
CG: I started in 2011. I think, five years ago, the center was not as well-known as it is now. It took a lot of hard work to really build up the reputation we have now. But with that being said, I still notice that a lot of people on this campus have never heard of our office before. I think one of the more important things to know is that the Damietta Cross-Cultural Center is not just for one population. We serve all students because our main focus is to promote diversity and social justice. For us, diversity is addressed on campus as not only race, but also ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientations, gender, ability, class, and so forth. I really think that we have a lot more work to do so we can recruit more students to involve in our office. One thing that we’re doing really well – and that’s how people started getting to know us – is the #DamiettaPresents Facebook pictures that feature students once or twice a week. That allows students to get to know their peers in a different setting and allows students to see us in a different light. They also find out interesting things about their own peers that you wouldn’t have talked about otherwise in random conversation.
HC: And the center and the work it does has definitely become more well-known over the years?
CG: Yes, I think we’re more of a presence now because of the programs we offer and the collaboration that we do on this campus with so many clubs and departments. But, again, we still have a lot more work to do to get people to know us.
HC: Why do you think it’s important to promote diversity and knowledge about other cultures?
CG: I think we’re living in a society that is very diverse and is constantly changing. It’s really important for students who are going to the workforce, who are definitely going to be interacting with people from different backgrounds, to understand diversity and social justice, and be culturally aware and competent. It’s so you can be successful in the work that you do, in the relationships you build, and with the people you meet. Being cross-culturally competent is a trait that a well-rounded, educated person has.
HC: What’s your favorite part about working with the center?
CG: I love working with my students. Not only my student leaders who work for us in the office, but also the students that I work with on a daily basis, either through the clubs, different programs, or different campus organizations. I really enjoy seeing them applying what they learned in the programs to the events that they do, the conversations that they have with their peers…really seeing them transform to be a social change agent.
HC: What Damietta-sponsored events can we look forward to this semester?
CG: We have the 3rd Annual Hip-Hop Week event the week of April 4th. We’re bringing a very famous rapper, Chuck D, onto campus on April 4th as our keynote speaker to kick off the week. We’re also bringing a speaker on campus, Nyle Fort. He’s an activist who was the leader of the Black Lives Matter movement while protesting in Ferguson. That event will take place on Tuesday, March 8th, 6 p.m., in the Sarazen Student Union 243. We’re also hosting our 1st Annual Social Justice Photo Exhibit on March 9th during free period in the Maloney Great Room. The exhibit will be featuring students and how they see social justice through their lens in pictures.
HC: You taught Zumba classes on campus. How did you get into it and why is it important for girls to have that fun space to work out?
CG: I got licensed to teach Zumba back in 2010 as a challenge to do something for a New Year’s resolution. So I did it and started teaching in 2011. It was a very interesting journey and was definitely rocky my first year of teaching, but I have really learned to do it with my own style, making sure that the students can follow my choreography. I really think that, as I’ve said in class, you don’t really need to be a dancer to do Zumba. I don’t have a dance background; I just like to work out, dance, and have fun. I think Zumba really provides that avenue for everybody to feel free and enjoy themselves and be able to hang out with their friends in a fun and healthy environment.
HC: Are there any other ways you like to stay fit other than through Zumba?
CG: I’m currently doing the 21 Day Fix program under the Beachbody workout. Basically, it’s 21 days of exercise, doing 30 minutes each day and following a clean, portion-controlled diet. It’s a lifestyle change. I’ve lost weight and toned my body up. The workout made me realize that I wasn’t in as good shape as I thought I was.
HC: What aspects of Siena make it feel like home?
CG: One piece that makes it feel like home is the relationships I have built throughout the last eight years, whether with students, faculty, or staff. As an administrator, I’m providing a support system for the students while my colleagues are providing a really good support system for me, not only personally but professionally.