AY 26-27 BASE Student Team

BASE Graduate Assistant 

Shennel Henries, M.A

Originally from Liberia, I have a BA in Sociology and later graduated from the University of San Francisco (USF) with a Bachelor's and a Master’s in International Studies. 

I'm currently pursuing my MBA in Finance at USF as well. I have served in several departments during my time here. I am passionate about community engagement, social justice, leadership, and creating meaningful connections through service. I serve as a Resident Minister and lead of the Campus & City Connections (CCC) through University Ministry on the Interfaith and Social Justice Team, engaging students in service and community-building. Most excitingly, I am your BASE Graduate Assistant for this academic year, and I'm looking forward to serving you all!

Black Resource Center (BRC) Assistants & BASE Interns

Daisha Bolden '28 - BRC Assistant

Currently a third-year Public Health major from Inglewood, California. Growing up in Los Angeles, I’ve witnessed the health disparities that impact underserved communities especially in communities of color which has fueled my passion for public health and health equity.

My goal is to advocate for better access, and representation in health spaces that have historically overlooked marginalized groups. I’m especially passionate about uplifting the voices of the Black community here at USF and working toward systems that value wellness.

Jeminah Odlum-Smith '28 - BRC Assistant

From St. Lucia, a small Caribbean island, I’m currently a third year majoring in Public Health, and I’m really passionate about health and helping people feel supported and cared for. Coming to USF as a Black international student, I know how important it is to have people around you who make you feel comfortable and welcome, especially when you’re far away from home. 

I want to serve the Black USF community by helping create that sense of comfort and belonging for others. I especially want Black international students to feel like they have a community here and someone they can go to, whether they need advice, support, or just someone to talk to. I hope to be someone who helps others feel less alone and reminds them that they always have a place here at USF.
 

Micaela Howard '29 - BASE Intern

Born and raised in the Bay Area, so I'm familiar with the city. I am majoring in Education and minoring in Psychology. I am more than passionate about the education and the mental growth of children, because youth is the future. So with that being said I am getting my teaching credential so I can teach but I would like my end goal to be a children's therapist. I plan to serve the USF’s African American community by helping create spaces where African American identifying students feel seen, supported, and empowered. Also a space where us students can grow. 

As a freshman, I understand how important and hard it is to find community and connection while adjusting to college life. I want to support programs that focus on leadership, academic success, and career preparation, so students feel confident navigating both college and life after graduation. I also hope to encourage open and or uncomfortable conversations about identity, belonging, mental health and anything else to ensure that Black students feel valued on campus. Because of this, BASE is a perfect place. 

IfeOluwa Olafisoye '29 - BASE Intern

From LA, was raised around Hawthorne and the downtown area since I was a baby and the Central Valley, where my family currently lives now! 
I came to USF with a major in Economics (considering grabbing a minor in Legal Studies) to pursue a career in Law in the future, as I am passionate in using my voice to uplift the people I am blessed with the opportunity to help. 
While I’m here at USF, I intend to serve the black USF community by helping further grow the sense of belonging that has been cultivated by our staff through programs and general service on campus! 

As an individual who was pushed into a variety of environments in my early development, I understand first hand the dilemma of finding your own space, this is extenuated even more for members of the black diaspora.  So I am dedicated to making my time with BASE to be as service oriented as possible, and I am excited to start this experience this coming semester! 
 

Nevaeh Holt '29 - BASE Intern

From a small town in the Central Valley part of California that goes by the name of Tulare! I am a second year student majoring in psychology and eventually hoping to minor in sociology in hopes of becoming a counseling or clinical psychologist. I am in love with helping people with their mental well being, as I feel like that is the key to being the best you that you can be. I wanna work with adolescents as we aren’t always understood as we should be. I plan to serve the Black community by just being a helping hand and guidance for those here at USF. 

Being that guidance is very important to me as a Marshall- Riley Living Learning Community mentor and as a BASE intern because we deserve to have as much access as anyone else. I want to help get our students acquainted with Black staff and other Black students so they can succeed academically here at USF, along with making sure their voices are always heard and that they know they always have someone to go to!

Caleb cook '29 - BASE Intern

From Alabama, I grew up in a small town in the South, so coming to USF and being in a completely different environment has been a really big experience for me. I’ve always been proud of where I come from, and being away from home has made me appreciate my culture, my family, and my community even more.
I’m majoring in Neuroscience because I’ve always been interested in the brain and how it works. My goal is to become a neurosurgeon, and a big part of that goal is being able to help people who may not always have someone who looks like them in the medical field. I want to use my career to make an impact and hopefully inspire other Black students who may want to go into medicine too.
 

At USF, I want to serve the Black community by helping create a space where people feel like they belong. I know how important it is to have people around you who understand where you come from and can support you. I want to be someone who helps build that community, connects people to opportunities, encourages leadership, and makes sure Black students know they have a place here. I’m excited to meet everyone, build relationships, and be part of making the Black community at USF even stronger.
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