University of Alabama in Huntsville
Diversity & Inclusion Student Alliance
The Diversity & Inclusion Student Alliance was a student organization within the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. From August 2023 to April 2024, I served as Director of Neurodiversity & Disabilities Awareness, where I transformed my passion for mental health advocacy and personal experience with chronic illness into impactful campus initiatives. In the role, I planned community-centered events, connected with students and created social media content that celebrated neurodiverse and disabled communities while amplifying the challenges they face. The position was deeply meaningful to me, as it allowed me to contribute to a more inclusive campus culture while advocating for visibility and understanding of conditions beyond what the eye can see.
The Invisible Disabilities Panel
October 2023
1 in 10 Americans have an invisible disability, making it one of the most common, yet most misunderstood forms of disability. Invisible disabilities range from mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD, speech, hearing, and vision impairments, learning disorders, autoimmune conditions, chronic pain and several others.
Invisible Disabilities Week occurs annually in October to spread awareness about invisible disability in all its expressions. In honor of 2023 Invisible Disabilities Week, I organized a panel event that sought to amplify UAH students' experiences with invisible disability while sharing campus resources for those in need of support.
The panel had two segments. The first segment featured speakers from The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI), Disability Support Services and The Counseling Center. I moderated the discussion, where experts explained invisible disability and how it impacts the UAH community. Mental health struggles, discrimination in the classroom and unequal access were examined, along with campus resources to help.
Katie Greene, formerly Education and Resource Specialist for ODEI, moderated the second segment, when the audience heard from UAH students living with invisible conditions. Alongside another student, I shared my story getting diagnosed and navigating life with chronic illnesses. At the conclusion of the panel, Katie facilitated an open mic where audience members asked questions.
As an individual that has been affected by invisible disability, organizing the panel was a rewarding experience. The event was nominated for Student Event of The Year at The UAH Student Life and Leadership Awards.
