Kyra Seay

Hometown: Keokuk, Iowa

College: University of Iowa

Degree: Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation, Spanish Minor, Certificate in Critical Cultural Competence

Position on Campus: Communications Coordinator in the UI Chief Diversity Office

How has this leadership position helped support current UI students on campus?

This position has given me the opportunity to be an advisor to student organizations on campus. Currently, I am the advisor for the Walk It Out multicultural student fashion show here on campus as well as the advisor for Iowa Edge student organization. Both are organizations I was a part of in my undergraduate years. It’s been amazing to see the growth, vision, and ambition in my student leaders. It’s funny, because, as it is I don’t do a lot of “advising.” Essentially, my time with the organizations' leaders is merely me creating the space for them to walk through their plans or challenges. I lend an ear, create the space, and make sure they know I believe in them. I’m constantly in awe of them, they’re so capable and so creative. I’m not sure if it is the nature of these two organizations, or the type of leadership they attract, but it’s become increasingly more important for me to “advise” they practice self-care. Sometimes the most ambitious, and hard-working need friendly reminders. I’m happy to provide that for them. I have the opportunity to collaborate with student leaders on events and programming. Generally, these events have to do with social justice and promoting a better understanding of diversity and creating a more inclusive campus. That’s pretty cool.

What are you most proud of in your time as a University of Iowa staff member?

That’s a very challenging question because I think the things that I am proudest of, here at the UI, have everything to do with the leadership of my peers and the students, and less to do with my involvement. I would say that I was most proud when the University of Iowa decided to add a third option for gender on our student record system. I would say that I am most proud when students come together to make their voices be heard and stand in community with their neighbors after national tragedies.