Kasiyah Tatem, a native Delawarean from Delmar, Delaware, shares her story at the University of Delaware. She majors in Political Science with a concentration in Law, Politics, and Theory, with a Legal Studies Minor. As an aspiring lawyer, Kasiyah is at the forefront of positive change at UD with her involvement in Student Government and impactful work in Sisters on the Move. Read more about her impact, involvement, passions, and plans for the future in the story below! 

What would you say is your UD story?

I would say my UD story is a story about tremendous growth. I came to the University of Delaware as a medical diagnostics major eager to pursue a career in medicine. I soon realized that medicine wasn’t my passion. I knew my core values were centered around helping others, and being a part of something bigger than myself. My sophomore year, I realized that public service was my true passion, so I switched to the Political Science major. During my time at UD, I have always strived to grow as an advocate and student leader. Being a voice for a student body made up of a diverse group of individuals has been one of the greatest privileges of my UD experience. I have made life-long friendships and connections along the way that I am most thankful for. My UD story is about being a leader in any way possible, and building a stronger campus community.

Describe your student involvement at UD, specifically your involvement in the Student Government Association (SGA) and Sisters on the Move? 

During my freshman year at UD, I competed in a scholarship pageant and won the title of Miss Black and Gold for the Xi Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity incorporated. Through that title I was able to create a girls summit at UD for high school and college students. 

Currently, I serve as a council member for the College of Art and Sciences Student Advisory Council. Our main purpose is to provide student feedback to the College Dean and Staff.

In SGA, I served as a student affairs senator for the 2019-2020 academic year,  I was elected Vice President of University Affairs for the 2020-2021 academic year, and I served as the undergraduate representative in the diversity and inclusion subcommittee in the UD faculty senate. As Vice President of University Affairs, I have the privilege of leading the student legislative branch which consists of student affairs senators, academic affairs senators, a student athlete senator, a sustainability senator, an associate in arts representative, and the Unified caucus. My responsibility is aiding the senators in transforming student ideas for change into resolutions that will be presented to UD administrators. We have worked on several resolutions this semester regarding mental health policy, virtual learning policy, Blue hen re-coop days, alternative testing, virtual resource databases, and we created the first Student Body Town Hall in partnership with UD administration. Through SGA, I have had the opportunity to serve on the Student Life and Athletics Reopening Committee, Office of Communications and Marketing Health focus groups, and the student life subcommittee in the UD faculty senate. I am the Undergraduate representative on the Historic Commemorations and Building Renaming Taskforce and the Multicultural Taskforce, and I helped create the University of Delaware Police Advisory Council. In SGA, we dedicate all of our time and effort towards being the liaison between students, faculty, and administration. We aim to ensure that all student voices are heard!

I am currently the President of Sisters on the move, an RSO that serves the purpose of empowering young women of color to achieve excellence of the highest standard.

Can you describe Sisters on the Move as an organization and your role in it?

Sisters On The Move is a registered student organization that aims to provide a safe space for young women of color to feel uplifted, empowered, and inspired. We do so through impactful programming. I served as the Women’s research chair for the 2019-2020 academic year, and I am currently serving as the President for the 2020-2021 academic year. We have programmed events such as our annual ladies night, Homeless shelter feminine care drive, a women of color career panel, a freshman survival guide, a dance fitness workshop, women’s empowerment events, and a natural hair campaign/event. We have conducted fundraising campaigns for sickle cell awareness, therapy for black girls, the Okra project, and the Philadelphia bail out fund. Lastly, we have raised awareness for the Black Lives Matter Movement, END SARS movement, and Transwomen.

Sisters On The Move is a home away from home for women of color, and our executive board strives to create a sisterly community for them at UD. As President, I lead our executive board in program planning that pertains to our mission, and I am the liaison between other RSOs and Sisters On The Move. Ultimately, I aim to develop and uplift the women of color on campus as well as the women esteemed executive board as well.

What are your passions or aspirations, both academic and not?

I have a deep passion for advocacy and leadership, and through my academic career I have pursued organizations that exemplify those things. I value amplifying the voices of those who feel underrepresented, and are unable to represent themselves. My passions have inspired me to pursue a career as a lawyer. Ultimately, I aspire to transition to public service, and run for the U.S Senate. Academically, I work towards the betterment of my campus community. Aspirationally, I would love to work towards the betterment of my country.

What inspired you towards these passions, specifically what drove you to become a part of Student Government and Sisters on the Move? 

My identity is what inspired towards my passions of being an advocate and leader. I am a Black Woman in America. I understand what it feels like to be underrepresented and overlooked. I joined Sisters On The Move and SGA because I knew that pursuing leadership positions in those organizations would help me become a student catalyst for change on our campus, and I am so blessed to be a part of such amazing organizations.

Describe any challenges you have overcome.

I am a strong mental health advocate. For a while, I struggled with Depression after the passing of my grandmother when I was 16. She raised me, and I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without her. She instilled in me strong morals and values, and she was the embodiment of strength and leadership. The past 4 years have been challenging living without her, but I wake up everyday trying to make them count by contributing positively to those around me.. I’ve learned it is okay to not be okay, however I will always strive to make her proud by using the lessons she has taught me.

What are your goals for Student Government and/or Sisters on the Move for the spring and how will you go about reaching them? 

For Student Government, my goals are to continue our work of advocating on behalf the student body to UD administration as well as develop our individual members as student leaders. I would like for us to keep expanding opportunities for student voices to be heard. For Sisters On The Move, my goals are to keep creating unique and inspirational events for the women of color on campus to help strengthen our community and sisterhood. 

What are you proud of having accomplished so far?

Stepping out of my comfort zone to become an active student leader on campus is what I am most proud of accomplishing so far. Oftentimes, I would feel small or insignificant on such a large campus. Realizing my voice matters, and that I can use it to inspire and help others has improved me as a person.

How has your UD experience helped you grow?

UD is so unique because it has a great network of opportunities. We have experienced professionals educating us, challenging us to be the best version of ourselves, and preparing us to be successful postgraduates. I have met lifelongs friends and made connections that have impacted my life in the most positive way. My UD experience helped me find my passion, and strengthened my determination to excel.

Where do you see yourself next? 

I see myself graduating from UD in the next year and a half, enrolling in law school, and challenging myself to exceed every expectation I’ve set for myself.

What new hobby did you pick up during quarantine? 

Makeup is my new favorite hobby! It is like painting, but my face is the canvas!

What is something you cannot go without either having or doing?

I cannot go without my Google Calendar! I am a stickler for organization and planning.

What TV show are you binging right now?

The 100 on Netflix! Octavia is my favorite character. I love strong female leads!

First place you’re looking forward to going after things finally get back to normal? 

I need a vacation to Puerto Rico! The food is delicious, the culture is beautiful, and the scenery is so breathtaking.

If there was a movie made about you, what would it be called? 

If there was a movie made about me it would be called Unstoppable and the theme song would be Unstoppable by Sia!

This blog post is written by our Division of Student Life student intern Esha Shah.