Campus News

Q&A with Ilianna Velez

October 10, 2019

Communications Staff

photo of Ilianna Velez
Ilianna Velez, assistant director in the Multicultural Resource Center
Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones ’97

“Q&A with…” is a series dedicated to introducing staff members to the Oberlin community. Is there someone you’d like to nominate? Please get in touch.

Ilianna Velez, assistant director, works in the Multicultural Resource Center. There, she leads initiatives promoting cross-cultural understanding and implements programs and services that support diversity and inclusion on campus. She began her role in August 2019.

Get to know more about Velez in this Q&A.

Describe your role in six words.

Educator, mentor, diversity, equity, inclusion

What’s the best advice someone gave you?

A moment of sacrifice for a lifetime of paradise

What’s your favorite place on Earth?

Puerto Rico, because I used to live there during my childhood; it's home for me. The food, music, beach, and overall culture of the island is amazing.

What's your guilty pleasure?

Hot Cheetos; I should really stop eating them, but they're so good.

Do you have a favorite concert?

Beyonce and Jay-Z in their On the Run Tour

What’s your most regrettable fashion choice? 

Platform gym shoes. I was young and not tall enough to ride certain rides at Cedar Point, so I wore those shoes hoping it would help. It didn't. 

 

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