FREDERICK DOUGLASS INSTITUTE

 

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY

Frederick Douglass Institute Graduate Assistants and Office Assistant

Sheena Butler

Sheena L. Butler is a Philadelphia native, but she currently resides in West Chester, PA. In May 2007, she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management from Cheyney University of PA. Throughout her undergraduate experience, Sheena established a strong foundation in the hospitality industry as the Cheyney University Chapter President of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. Sheena assumed leadership positions in various universities’ academic, athletic, and professional development organizations. Sheena’s major accomplishment is being the first person in her family to graduate from college and with honors (Magna Cum Laude). Currently a graduate student at WCU, Sheena will graduate in Spring 2009 with a Master’s of Administration Degree with Concentration in Training and Development.

In August 2007, Sheena began working for the Frederick Douglass Institute as a Graduate Assistant to increase her involvement within non-profit-related projects. While studying and working, Sheena is an active member of the Student Retention/Success committee at West Chester University. She also takes interest in learning from professionals in Student Affairs through her membership with the American College Personnel Association. Upon graduation, she would like to apply her Training and Development knowledge and experience to serve as a Higher Education Administrator in the field of Student Affairs.

            Ms. Butler has plans to establish a non-profit business. Her long-term goals are teaching at the college level. In her spare time, Sheena enjoys traveling around the world with friends and family, listening to music, reading, and dancing (ballet).

Bethelehem Yirga                                           

Bethelehem Yirga is originally from Fort Washington, Maryland, but currently calls West Philadelphia home.  She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Temple University’s Fox School of Business in January 2008. During her undergraduate career she served in student leadership positions and she made major contributions to Temple Student Government. Her love of the non-profit sector of business was also cultivated during her undergraduate studies when she worked her way through the ranks at United Communities Southeastern Pennsylvania, a nonprofit organization in the settlement house tradition.  Bethelehem came to West Chester University in August 2008 to pursue her M.S. in Administration with a concentration in Non-profit Management.  She began working for the Frederick Douglass Institute in January 2009, eager to learn about how Frederick Douglass’ life and work can can be used to enhance student learning, and community life, and to promote social justice. Bethelehem plans to pursue a Ph.D. program  in intercultural communications with the intent to teach.  Bethlehem is also interested in Higher education administration. 

            Bethelehem enjoys taking in the Philadelphia art scene in her spare time.  She enjoys attending art gallery shows, theatre shows and concerts of up and coming artists.

    

            Sagirah Brown was born and raised in West Philadelphia growing up with her mother and two siblings.  She aspires to become a lawyer after graduation.  While at West Chester she’s leaving her mark and gaining experience through her involvement with various organizations, leadership positions, and participation with different  campus events.  Just recently, Sagirah was elected as the Vice President of the Sisters United Board in which she currently holds the Corresponding Secretarial position.  Other organizations she’s involved in include the Pre-Law Society, Criminal Justice Association, The National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), Sykes Union Advisory Board, and Multicultural Affairs Committee, just to name a few.  She had the privilege to attend several leadership functions to learn from professionals and network with other college students. Sagirah attended The Black Student Leadership Conference in Washington D.C., and at West Chester University participated in The Leadership Experience, and the Executive Leadership Series.  One of her short-term goals is becoming a Certified Student Leader through the S.A.I.L program.  In addition to leadership positions, Sagirah is on the Black Student Union’s “Addictive Dance Team” where she participates in east coast competitions.  

            Sagirah is currently a work study student at the Frederick Douglass Institute where she applies her creative talents and diligence to various tasks. In her spare time she attends a 10 week Sunday program with classes discussing  Muslims in America. Sagirah believes that “ Setting and accomplishing goals are not easy, but she’s gradually making your way there and  showing others they have the abilities to do the same.”

Davis Pierre-Louis was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., but was raised in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. He graduate from Lankenau High School of Philadelphia in 2007.  He has also volunteered his services in the community by serving in Youth Council and by helping with other community restoration and awareness programs. He has played leadership roles in developing extracurricular activities for community youth and in providing aid to less fortunate members of society. Davis envisions a better tomorrow for his community. He dedicates himself, through his community service, toward a better society in hope that others would share his vision.

Davis entered West Chester University in September 2007 and is majoring in political science. As a student at West Chester University, he has gained knowledge and work experience at the Frederick Douglass Institute. As a work study student at the institute, Davis is continuously learning how to increase his skills in advertising programs and fundraisers, organizing office files,  and finding solutions to get students involved. He is a member of the Omega mentor program, Black Students Union, and Black Men United on West Chester’s campus.

Davis believes that the skills that he has learned would help him beyond college and throughout his life. At the Frederick Douglass Institute, finds success in being able to “work with peers, graduate students, and faculty members who all share a vision to greatly excel”

 He also enjoys writing, performing poetry, and playing intramural flag football. After graduation he plans to attend law school to study corporate law.