Crossings | 2024

C ROS SI NG S

Dear

Graduates,

As you approach the peak of your college journey, we want to take a moment to congratulate you on this remarkable achievement. Your dedication, perseverance, and passion have brought you to this significant milestone, and we could not be prouder to witness your success. Throughout your college years, you have embodied the values of the BRIDGE community resilience, determination, and a commitment to excellence. Your dedication to academic success, leadership development, and community engagement has not only enriched your own lives but has also left a lasting impact on those around you. As you embark on this new chapter of your lives, we want to remind you that your journey as BRIDGE Scholars does not end with graduation. You will forever be a part of this vibrant and supportive community, and we are excited to continue supporting you as you navigate the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Whether you are pursuing further education, launching your career, or exploring new paths, know that the BRIDGE Scholars Program is here for you every step of the way. Our network of alumni, mentors, and partners is ready to provide guidance, resources, and encouragement as you strive to make your mark on the world. As you celebrate this momentous milestone, remember that you are not just graduates - you are BRIDGE Scholars, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to lead with purpose and create positive change in your communities and beyond. Congratulations once again on your graduation, and we look forward to witnessing the incredible achievements that lie ahead for each one of you.

Best, Westphal BRIDGE

class of 2024 Westphal BRIDGE

Denise Marie Snow

Written By: Emily Sze & Ayana Hall

Denise Marie Snow, founding director of Westphal BRIDGE Scholars and program director of Westphal Diversity Programs and Partnerships, is a remarkable individual who has made a significant impact on Drexel University. She has impressive academic achievements, having received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Cheyney University, she then later pursued her Master of Science in Management from Rosemont College. As she was one of the very few minorities on campus, she always felt the disconnect between herself and her classmates. From these experiences, she understood how it felt to be a minority and not have a voice. This led to being able to connect with her students and understand their experiences and struggles. Many students have commented that she always goes above and beyond what is expected. She is known to be an extremely nice and genuine person, both personally and professionally.

Since 2016, Denise has been committed to Drexel for nine years. Those who have known Denise are extremely proud of her accomplishments, and grateful to have known her. The Westphal BRIDGE Scholar Program, which started as a small project over COVID-19, has grown into a well-established program that has helped countless Westphal students. The acronym, BRIDGE, means Build Relationships in Diverse Group Experiences. The program works to provide resources and opportunities for minority groups in Westphal while fostering community engagement and academic achievement. The program launched in the fall of 2020 with only sixteen first-year students. Since then, the program has grown to one hundred minority and first-generation scholars across Westphal. In its fourth year, the Westphal BRIDGE scholars have its first group of graduating seniors, who are going to enter their fields with knowledge and kindness like no other. Denise was an impassioned academic advisor who has made it her mission to support minority and first-generation students at Drexel University since 2016. Before developing the Westphal BRIDGE Scholar Program, Denise was already managing over four hundred students as an advisor in Westphal. Denise was, at the time, the only Black advisor in Westphal. This meant that she was the point of reference person when a minority student needed someone to connect with. But she soon noticed a disturbing trend - far too few minority students were making it to graduation. In fact, she could count them all on just two hands!

Denise has amassed a wealth of experience in student services and education. She has held positions as the director and advisor of various student service programs all over Pennsylvania. Furthermore, she has exhibited her commitment to her community by serving as the membership coordinator for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and as the public relations chair and social action chair for the Kappa Omega Zeta chapter. Since 2012, Denise has served as an Academic Advisor and adjunct instructor at Gwynedd Mercy University in Center City, Philadelphia, where she has had a significant impact on student’s academic and career development before moving on to doing the same for Drexel.

Determined to make an impact, in 2020, Denise developed a program specifically for minority and first-generation students. She aimed to create a supportive community where students could come together, maintain connections, and feel a sense of belonging in the vast landscape of Drexel University. As Denise puts it, “We stand on business, what we do as creators, designers…we are really serious about, which also includes supporting our people in any aspect of this life.” Denise’s passion and dedication to her students are truly inspiring. She believes that everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed and thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. Her program has already made an enormous impact within the lives of many minority and first-generation students, and it is all thanks to her unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive community. As Denise worked to develop this program, she found herself gaining increased responsibilities that started to become hard to manage. As much as Denise loved helping her students as their advisor, she had to make a change for her own mental well-being. She reached out to Westphal’s Dean, Jason Schupbach, and he helped Denise achieve her goals full-time using the help of the university. The journey to getting to this point was rough, but Denise always held out hope because she believed in BRIDGE and what it would mean for the students here at Drexel. Now that Denise is working with BRIDGE full-time, she can truly put her all into this program that she cares so deeply about. Through her experiences, she has learned more about compassion and advocacy, and she hopes that these same skills will translate through the BRIDGE program. These skills can help students not only with collaborating and giving back to their communities but also with future internships and jobs. In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Westphal BRIDGE was born. Despite the challenges faced by Denise and her team, they were able to develop BRIDGE from scratch, including structural work, gaining financial aid, networking, and more. However, due to the pandemic, the students could not connect in person, which made it difficult for the program and community to grow.

But did that stop Denise and her team? Absolutely not! With their sheer determination and hard work, BRIDGE has come a long way in just a few years. The community has grown exponentially, and students now have a place to hang out and connect with each other freely. Denise was able to recall instances where she would see students working

together on studies, collaborating and sharing resources in hopes of pushing one another to success. As word spread about the program, more university staff became aware of it and started supporting the program and its scholars. “I’m happy to see the impact BRIDGE has had”- Denise. The program has not only helped students achieve their academic goals but also created a sense of community that they will cherish for a lifetime. BRIDGE is now a lively community that has grown immensely over this brief period of time, and we’re thrilled to celebrate the very first graduating class of BRIDGE scholars. This is a powerful moment for BRIDGE, as we all get to see the fruits of Denise’s hard work blossom. This will set an example for all future students at Drexel and show everyone that, yes, it is possible for us all to achieve our dreams. Thanks to Denise, and the program she fought so hard for, we now have incredible scholars going out to reach their goals and become professional artists. The Westphal BRIDGE Scholar Program has made a ton of progress since it was first established. But of course, there is always room for improvement. When asked about goals for the program Denise brought up wanting more partnerships for internships and coops, seeing the mentorship program grow, and lastly, to gain a multimillion-dollar endowment to continue to financially support our scholars. Additionally, a Westphal BRIDGE Council, where a team of BRIDGE scholars gets elected and becomes part of the executive board, as she believes that the power lies in the students and that leads to change in the community.

As word spread about the program, more and more university staff became aware of it and started supporting the program and its scholars. “I’m happy to see the impact BRIDGE has had”Denise. The program has not only helped students achieve their academic goals but also created a sense of community that they will cherish for a lifetime.

BRIDGE is now a lively community that has grown immensely over this short period of time and we’re thrilled to celebrate the

very first graduating class of BRIDGE scholars. This is a powerful moment for BRIDGE, as we all get to see the fruits of Denise’s hard work blossom. This will set an example for all future students at Drexel and show everyone that, yes, it is possible for us all to achieve our dreams. Thanks to Denise, and the program she fought so hard for, we now have incredible scholars going out to reach their goals and become professional artists.

The Westphal BRIDGE Scholar Program has made a ton of progress since it was first established, but of course, there is always room for improvement. When asked about goals for the program Denise brought up wanting more partnerships for internships and coops, seeing the mentorship program grow, and lastly, to gain a multimillion-dollar endowment to continue to financially support our scholars. Additionally, a Westphal BRIDGE Council, where a team of BRIDGE scholars gets elected and becomes part of the executive board, as she believes that the power lies in the students and that leads to change in the community.

Denise has always been a caring and loving person and wants her students to know that “I love you. I care about your condition as a human and what you care about anything. In my world, I am willing to help you and help you to succeed. It’s my purpose and what I believe to be a culture of caring.” She goes as far as to say, “If no one cares, I will care”. Denise cares. With the book, we want to congratulate our new graduates as they find themselves forging a new path on their own. Outside of the celebrations of our amazing seniors, this book also serves as a thank you to Denise for everything she has done for her students over the years. Her love and support changed the way minority students experience life at Drexel, and we cannot thank her enough. As her closing statement, “One day at a time, one step at a time, keep moving.

Test im onials

Without Denise Marie Snow I don’t know how I would have navigated Westphal as well as I have. The creation of Westphal BRIDGE the first year I started at Drexel was just the cherry on top but Denise the person played a SIGNIFICANT role in my success. I remember my first couple of interactions with Denise, she made me feel a sense of belonging at Drexel. Through her positive and bright energy to her love of music, I am so blessed to be able to say she is a part of my life. Coming into the school year during COVID was an especially difficult transition and time. Denise’s creation of Westphal BRIDGE allowed us scholars to build community with one another to make it through this new journey. She has created an exceptional, dynamic, and extremely supportive group and that is all because she exudes those characteristics. Denise is always there for a hug, a cry, and a laugh. She has encouraged me through rough times. When I have missed my family, she reminds me I have one here and she’s really just taken me under her wing as her own. I will never have all the words to express my gratitude and love for her. Denise Marie Snow is the epitome of kindness, hard work, and a genuine spirit.

-Jazminé Morrow

Community seems like a word not fitting for the feeling Denise has instilled in BRIDGE. A much better word for how Denise has integrated and helped us navigate through college is more so similar to a family. Denise has been a huge player in my and other students’ academic and professional success. Need someone to look at your resume? help with your self-understanding as a professional and worker? Denise does, did that, AND more. It has been an honor to be a part of this Family, I am eager and hopeful for what the continuing generations will accomplish. I have no doubt in my mind that Denise is the biggest influence on my own success and academic life at Drexel. Every day I am grateful and wish for this family to continue.

-Jackie Lara

Denise is someone who uplifts me in any situation. She always has the best intentions for each of us BRIDGE scholars and truly makes me believe in myself. Denise has offered everything from a listening ear to valuable connections, even a kind smile on a difficult day. She has consistently encouraged me to pursue my craft and follow what makes me happy, even when I doubted myself. I will always be grateful to Denise for going out of her way to support me—whether it was helping me schedule my classes or sharing an opportunity she thought would be perfect for me. She has made my journey at Drexel a positive and welcoming experience, where I feel safe expressing myself!

-Maya Williams

Since coming to Drexel, I have always been enamored with Denise and the community she created; I met her in my University-101 class. Working with Denise, I can see how dedicated she is to the community she created and the people inside of it. She allows everyone a chance to work on their passions and help our community, as well as the Drexel Community as a whole. Being a part of this community has allowed me to grow into a more giving person. Because of Denise, I have become more hardworking and started advocating for myself in other spaces. Furthermore, I hope that Denise has a speedy recovery from the accident. We miss you, Denise!!

-Brianna Cordova

I joined BRIDGE in my second year at Drexel, eager to be social after a year of online classes. My friends spoke highly of BRIDGE and its amazing community, so I decided to check it out. At my first BRIDGE event, I met Denise, who warmly encouraged me to apply. Everything I heard was true—Denise knows how to build a strong community. Different years, majors, and interests all came together to feel like one home. Seeing Denise network at professional events and cheer us on was always inspiring and made me feel valued. And, of course, Denise always chose the best food and music!

-Tazianna Footman

I have known Denise since my second year, and she is one of the nicest and most supportive people I’ve ever met. I remember going to a BRIDGE event with another friend and I felt out of place because I was not a BRIDGE Scholar yet. Instead of asking me to leave, Denise welcomed me with open arms and let me integrate into this community. She works tirelessly to maintain a community that is diverse and empowers us to do the best we can to succeed. Since Drexel is a PWI, it is amazing to see the effort Denise is putting in to break barriers and norms for minority students. She’s always there to help and answer any problems and questions we have. Denise is the personification of joy, love, and support.

-Kody

Hearing Denise speak about the Westphal Bridge Scholars was one of the main reasons I accepted the role of Associate Dean of IDEA at Westphal. It was inspiring to have the opportunity to work with someone so proactive and dedicated to equity and access in education. I still remember meeting with Denise in her advising office, where she showed me all the photos and paraphernalia she used to recruit students. She is truly a tremendous force for good at Drexel!

-Francis Aguas

Jaquelin Lara: Running

Tamara Tondreau: Content Creation and anything related to music (listening to music, attending concerts, etc)

Nikita Batra: Thrifting, crocheting/crafting, baking

Aaliyah Gibson: Listening to music

Bella Perez: Drawing

Dot Pallanes: Cooking

Hanako Chen: Jewelry-making

Jaida Owens: Practicing Drawing, Listening to Music, and Hanging out with friends

David Garcia: Drawing and playing video games

Van Nguyen: Reading books, music, and Instagram Recipes for Cooking

Nyla Hernandez: Rollerblading

Anne Marie Strader: Read and play Irish fiddle tunes

Hunter Douglas: Reading! I love to read fantasy, romance, and young adult novels

Luis Beltran: Cooking

Ren: Arts and crafts

Cameron Burns: Dancing

Jayla Tahani Rojas: Learning

Angelene Jimenez: Skateboarding

Tin Ta: Photography and Movies

Natalee Mayes: Taking care of my house plants

Dom Lopez: Writing

Leslie Lacy: Keeping up with pop culture, TV/Film

Kody Cheung: I started to pick up reading! I also love to sketch and go on walks!

Jillian Wright: Baking

COHORTS COHORTS

Brianna Cordova: Making videos and baking

Janyra Santos: Photography

Lauren McGibbon: Knitting, Sewing, cooking

2027

Serenity Freeman: Watch video essays about cartoons/media and politics. I also like to write stories and poetry in my spare time.

Johanna: Usually drawing or doing Origami

Aalona: Sewing

Tamara Rosentgberg: Playing guitar

Ashton Stewart: Crocheting

Nina: Painting

2028

Chaya: Ceramics or DIY crafts

Miguelfi Guzman: Anything creative (dancing, singing, painting) and active (working out, running)

Aissaiyah Bennett: Sleeping

Jillian Wright: Baking

2029

Xiomara Schulz: Cooking

Gustavo Lezama Zuruma: Watching TV with roommates

Emily Sze: Been really into deep house music- beats, walking around the citydiscovering new things and buildings, architecture

BRIDGE Scholars

Abiot, Elizabeth

Abdulai, Sophie-Satu

Adams, Angelina

Alvis, Casey

Alfred, Berlinda

Anderson, Chaya (Kaya)

Autry, Caleb

Banks Jr., Derrick

Barksdale, Jay

Batra, Nikita

Beamer, Simone

Beltran, Luis

Bennett, Aissaiyah

Blake, Summer

Brown, Naima

Burns, Cameron

Cardova, Brianna

Chen, Hanako

Cheung, Kody

Cobb, Solomon

Cullen-Conyers, Maya

Daniel, Myles

Davis, Teliyah

Douglas, Hunter

Ear, Monyvathana

Evers-McKoy, Yanik

Footman, Tazianna

Freeman, Serenity

Garcia Patiño, David George, Isaac Gibson, Aaliyah

Gozali, Tiffany

Guzman Carmona, Miguelfi Hall, Ayana

Hall, Jia

Hall, Ashton

Hearn, Nevaeh

Hernandez, Nyla

Hipps, Mayori Holland, Malachi

Jarvis, Johanna Jenkins, Amaya Jenkins, Morgan Jimenez, Angelene

Johnson, Niles

Kankam-Boadu, Inshera

Kassa, Tekuam

Koji, Katie

Lara, Jacqueline Lacy, Leslie LaPorte, Sofia

Le, Vy

Lezama Zaruma, Gustavo Lin, Nina

Lopez, Dom Mamratova, Dariya

Mathies, Nadiah

Mayes, Natalee

McGibbon, Lauren

Minus, Kellie

Morrow, Jazmine

Moore, Jess Morris, Jordyn

Nahar, Ayisha

Nguyen, Min Chu (Van)

Nkhono, Promise

Odike, Olivia Owens, Jaida Padia, Leen

Pallanes, Dot

Pagan, Isabella Perez, Bella

Phillips, Jaide

Porras, Sophia

Ruff, Morgan Rojas, Jayla

Rohland, Charlie Rosentgberg, Tamara

Ryan, Julia

Sample, Jamal

Santos, Janyra

Sayan, Ren

Schulz, Xiomara

Shoshi, Samiha

Simmons, Sanai

Smith, Alena

Snell, Lona

Surratt, Joshua

Stewart, Ashton

Strader, Anne Marie

Sze, Emily

Ta, Khanh-Tin (Tin)

Teta, Ita

Tondreau Chaney, Tamara

Tran, Nicole

Vargas, Tomas

Vargas Salmón, Vale

Villanueva, Anabel

Wallace, Ishmael

Watkins, Keilah

Williams, Maya

Williams, Soiree

Woods, Brenet

Wurapa, Christian

Wright, Jillian

“Crossing” Over to Japan!

Written By: Johanna Jarvis

s a Bridge Scholar studying abroad, being away from my community physically has been challenging, but it comforts me to know that we continue to support each other no matter where we are. For context, I’m currently studying in Japan for both the Spring and Summer Quarters through the Tamagawa x Drexel University Graphic Design program.

I want to start by expressing my immense gratitude for this opportunity. As a Westphal student, I highly recommend exploring these design-specific programs, especially since Drexel doesn’t offer many hands-on mixed media classes. The social aspect is also a huge bonus! With the semester system, the workload is spread out, allowing more time to join clubs and meet new people—something that can be difficult back home with Drexel’s rigorous schedule. Studying abroad also offers the chance to take day trips if you’re in a convenient location, and weekends become a great time for exploration. Overall, being here has been a refreshing change from the Drexel routine, and I’m truly enjoying every moment.

At Tamagawa, we’ve been able to engage with unique classes like 3D printing and glassworking and have access to on-campus workshops and resources. The hands-on work has been a highlight, focusing on the processes of creating art pieces. For instance, with glasswork, we work with molten glass, which looks like luminous, glowing orange taffy. The process can be incredibly hot, but it’s been fascinating to learn techniques like glassblowing and mold making. In 3D, we’re using CAD software to create models for printing, which has also been a great learning experience.

Socially, the transition was intimidating at first, but things improved once I got past the initial nerves. Everyone here is friendly and welcoming, and sharing Japanese culture has been a delight. Though the language barrier can be discouraging, any effort to communicate is appreciated, leading to wonderful opportunities and friendships.

Outside of school, there are countless new places to explore, from the bustling Shibuya Scramble Crossing to the impressive Giant Buddha Statue at Kamakura Kotoku-in. Traveling here has been more physically demanding than getting around Philadelphia, but it has been worth it! I would also recommend learning some Japanese if you plan to visit, as many places may not have English-speaking staff, though a translator or reading the menu works well since face-to-face interactions are minimal.

Overall, this study abroad experience has been incredible,

filled with new adventures and lessons. I feel like I’m learning something new every day and can’t wait to share my experiences once I’m back home.

At Tamagawa, we’ve had the opportunity to explore new classes such as 3D printing and glassworking, with plenty of resources and time to visit on-campus sites and workshops. The courses I’m taking are highly hands-on, focusing on the processes of creating art pieces.

In glassworking and kilnwork, we work with molten glass, which looks almost like glowing, orange taffy—it’s truly mesmerizing. Although the process is incredibly hot, we’re learning fascinating techniques like glassblowing and mold-making. In our 3D class, we’re also using CAD software to design models for printing, which has been an exciting experience!

Socially, the transition was initially daunting, but things fell into place once I pushed past my nerves. Everyone here is incredibly friendly and welcoming, especially when it comes to sharing Japanese culture. While the language barrier can be challenging at times, any effort to communicate is appreciated, and it leads to wonderful opportunities and friendships.

Outside of school, there are so many incredible sites to explore, from the bustling Shibuya Scramble Crossing to the awe-inspiring Giant Buddha Statue at Kamakura Kotoku-in. Getting around here has been more physically demanding than navigating campus or Philadelphia, but it’s been worth every step. I’d also suggest learning some Japanese if you plan to visit, as many places may not have English-speaking staff. However, being able to read the menu or use a translator works well, given that many interactions don’t require face-to-face communication.

Overall, this study abroad experience has been fantastic, full of new adventures and opportunities to learn. I feel like I’m discovering something new every day, and I can’t wait to share everything once I’m back home.

NE W YORK FASH ION WEEK

Written By: Promise Nkhono

As an annual tradition, the Westphal BRIDGE Scholar Program organized a trip to New York for Fashion Week. Those interested signed up and boarded the bus early in the morning on February 10. A total of 28 members joined the trip, and together, we traveled to New York, dressed to impress and ready for a day that would be a far cry from the usual studious Drexel scene.

Upon arrival, we quickly realized we had underestimated the amount of walking and the challenge of navigating the subway networks. However, these obstacles made each stop on our itinerary even more rewarding.

We began our day in Manhattan with a visit to the Met Museum, renowned for its vast collections of art from various periods and regions. We explored installations of Egyptian, Asian, and Modern Art and wandered through a recreated Ming-style Chinese courtyard and Zen Garden. However, my favorite and most anticipated collection awaited downstairs in the Museum’s basement.

I don’t know if I was the only one feeling this way, but as I stood in front of the Museum’s entrance, I couldn’t help but think about all the times I stayed up late to watch the Met Gala. I imagined the countless influential stars and celebrities whose invisible footsteps I was now tracing. As I descended the stairs to see Anna Wintour’s collection, carried along by the crowd’s shared excitement, I

felt a deep sense of honor and awe.

Ambient lighting illuminated several mannequins, each dressed in the most stunning designs. I remember each wall had a different theme or style, yet there was a subtle connection between all the garments that celebrated women and highlighted the multifaceted nature of our fashion choices and roles.

Next, we hopped back on the subway and headed to Central Park. It was refreshing to see a green expanse of land right in the middle of the concrete jungle. Central Park was not as flat as I had imagined—it had hills, roads cutting through it, and winding stone paths. It was a peaceful break before we made our way to Brooklyn for the fashion show.

Brooklyn had a completely different vibe. It felt more intimate, with fewer skyscrapers and more shops and cozy cafes, giving it a homey, neighborhood feel. When we arrived at the venue, we entered a room with a 360-degree runway encircling our chairs. Off to the side, a DJ was playing a mix of genres, offering something for everyone. The scene was set for an inspiring display of creative talent, art, fashion, and music.

One by one, the models graced the runway, showcasing designs that reflected a variety of themes. After the show, we mingled with other guests, took photos on the red carpet, and enjoyed some refreshments.

Exhausted and hungry, we boarded the subway again for the long ride back to Manhattan for dinner. We dined at a beautiful restaurant called Blue Smoke, where we sat in smaller groups, sharing good food and great conversation. Before we knew it, it was nearly 10 p.m., and we had to hurry to catch the last bus back to Philly.

Overall, I felt incredibly grateful to participate in this trip as a Westphal BRIDGE Scholar. I built strong relationships with fellow members of the program in a fun, diverse environment that I will cherish forever. Together, we navigated New York’s wild subway system and experienced real-world art and entertainment that celebrate and inspire people. For many of us, experiences like this profoundly shape our outlook on the industries we hope to enter and encourage us to keep moving forward.

Anabel Villanueva she/her

Major: Fashion Design

Aaliyah Gibson she/her

Major: Fashion Design

“Creativity is intelligence having fun”

-Albert Einetein

Activities / Clubs / Involvement:

BRIDGE Scholar, Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar, Social Media for the 2024 Drexel Fashion Show

Favorite Bridge Event:

As a fashion major, it has to be NYC Fashion

Week

About Anabel Villanueva

I am the Charles Evans Scholar for the class of 2024 and I did an independent internship in London at a couture atelier called Suzie Turner Couture

Anabel’s Introduction and Perspective:

I was lucky enough to be part of the inaugural cohort of BRIDGE scholars and received an email “Announcing the BRIDGE Scholars Program” back in the days of Zoom. The email came through Drexel Westphal, from Denise Snow, and provided a description of the program and encouragement to apply. I remember, even then, being so humbled by the invitation to become a part of something so wonderful, I was almost too nervous to apply. I am so grateful for the encouragement I received from Denise, even before my acceptance into the program, and so glad I ultimately applied. To me, being a BRIDGE scholar has always meant community, collaboration, support and adventure. Even in the early days of BRIDGE, with all the events being held remotely over Zoom, the program and its participants always provided a source of comfort, community and enjoyment. The events on Zoom became something to look forward to among the monotonous days of being stuck in the same place, seeing and doing the same things over and over again. I gained so much from those early events, even my first college roommate. Being a BRIDGE scholar is such an honor and it is one of

the things I am most proud of from my time at Drexel. For many of us, Denise and BRIDGE have become a home away from home and a wonderful resource for all of life’s ups and downs. From the countless events held for us, to the great adventure that is the annual NYC Fashion Week trip, to scholarship support and emergency assistance and advising, BRIDGE is there for all life throws our way. As a fashion design major, the annual NYC Fashion Week trip has always stood out to me. NYC Fashion Week is something I had always dreamed of attending but never something I thought I would attend so soon. It is one of the many opportunities BRIDGE has given me that would otherwise be near impossible on my own. More than that however, the extended nature of the trip allows for deeper connections and more opportunity to genuinely get to know other scholars in a more well rounded manner. The connections one can make through BRIDGE are endless and I know they will continue well after I have graduated from Drexel. BRIDGE has meant so much to me during my time at Drexel and I am so excited to witness all of the incredible work the program will continue to do. I hope to one day pay forward all BRIDGE has provided me with.

Aaliyah’s

Favorite Bridge Event:

Going to NYFW

I hope to create my own fashion brand one day Activities / Clubs / Involvement: Bridge Scholars

“Ideas Come from Curiosity”

Introduction and Perspective:

I was introduced to the bridge through a friend who was also there. To me, being a BRIDGE scholar means leading minorities like me to know that their dreams are possible and that they can be successful. Being in a PWI as a minority is not an easy thing to do. I often felt alone, isolated, and outcasted. Finding the BRIDGE community felt like finding an oasis in a desert. It was refreshing to see others who looked like me and had similar experiences. I’ve made friends and formed a support community within the bridge community. I finally felt like I belonged somewhere. I am so grateful for all the support from BRIDGE, and I can’t wait to contribute back.

Participating in the BRIDGE program gave me a sense of belonging and empowerment. We all had similar backgrounds and upbringings, and together, we advocate for the success of minorities in predominantly white spaces. In BRIDGE, we were able to voice our opinions and thoughts and be heard when we were often overlooked in predominantly white spaces. I’m so grateful to be surrounded by others who want to feel empowered and heard. In BRIDGE, I can embrace who I am without fearing judgment. As a BRIDGE scholar, I want to spread awareness on campus and strive to make it more diverse. Being a part of the BRIDGE program also means celebrating those who came before you and have made way for you to be able to do the things you are doing now. Before becoming a bridge member, I remember being the only black

Simone Beamer she/her

Major: Animation & VFX

Activities / Clubs / Involvement:

Jaquelin Lara she/they

Major: Architectural Studies

Activities / Clubs / Involvement:

LUC - (previously Program Associate) NOMAS

“Saying the system is broken suggests that it once worked well for all. It has not. Indeed, too many parts of the system were designed to exclude and do damage”

(no longer involved) DU Women’s Soccer Club

Simone’s Introduction and Perspective:

Initially feeling isolated at Drexel, a friend from Lebow Bridge introduced me to the program. BRIDGE seemed like an ideal opportunity to connect with peers while engaging in activities centered around community and shared values, which resonated deeply with me. Drexel’s environment, particularly for individuals of color navigating a predominantly white institution, can be isolating. Joining BRIDGE is more than just being a participant, it signifies embracing those around you, fostering a sense of community where it’s lacking in the college space. BRIDGE serves as a place to share experiences, struggles, and stories, fostering upliftment and relatability among each other.

Regrettably, family obligations and hectic schedules have hindered my attendance at BRIDGE events. Balancing familial responsibilities with academic commitments presents significant challenges. With a nonverbal brother requiring a lot of attention and care and my mother frequently away for work, I often find myself shouldering additional responsibilities at home. In such circumstances, finding time for extracurricular involvement becomes a bit difficult.

To ensure my continued participation in BRIDGE while fulfilling my familial duties, I aim to leverage the time management skills acquired through various experiences, be it in work or other endeavors. Setting aside dedicated time for BRIDGE-related activities and maintaining a well-organized schedule will be pivotal in managing these competing priorities.

“Siempre

con el grind”

Community Outreach and Photographer

Favorite Bridge Event: Destress events in 2022

About Jaqulin Lara

Currently I work alongside community leaders in North and South Philly hoping to connect Philadelphia children to college resources. I enjoy community oriented projects and have recently had a project which I had helped design and orient into reality. Located in the Logan Neighborhood the project is at the Jay Cooke Elementary school and is aimed at families and children to enjoy using the play area to learn and keep themselves entertained. I currently have been in talks with a Mexican grassroots organization hoping to get design advice and opinions on their proposed community stage.

Jaquelin’s Introduction and Perspective:

I was sent an email right before starting college during COVID. When it comes to being introduced to a new setting it was always difficult for me to get accustomed to the environment. I would say when I was starting off school the flexibility and my adaptability was not the best but I would always try my best. Joining BRIDGE provided me with a network of people willing to join in and help me out on things as small as technical questions or going out of the city for NYFW. The diversity of both cultures and fields of studies helped me in a way that helped me see connections and methods of working together even if our majors weren’t necessarily the same. I was one of the first when it came to establishing BRIDGE and feel honored to have been apart of this program. I continue to advocate and introduce other students to it in hopes that they too can help each other out and have a group of people to rely on in a new environment.

Jazmine Morrow she/her

Major: Fashion Design

Nikita Batra she/her

Major: Music Industry

“Words have life so speak life”

-Jazmine’s Mom

I have so much love for BRIDGE because it feels like someone is always looking out for you. To know that you have someone to talk at all times, confide in and enjoy college with makes me want to continue to find community outside of school. I would be remiss not to mention our Program Director Denise Marie Snow whom has crafted such a beautiful experience for students in Westphal and her love and care bleeds through this college and I am blessed and grateful to know and be in fellowship with he

Jazmine’s Introduction and Perspective:

I was introduced to Bridge by an email. My freshmen year is when BRIDGE was introduced and started so our Cohort was the first of its kind. Being a BRIDGE Scholar meant having a community and help navigating school.BRIDGE has become a family for me. New friends, opportunities and new experiences. I love being a part of this community I feel like I have people to grow with whether we are in the same grade or not it’s just fun to always know someone and have a group to fall back on when necessary.

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”

Inside BRIDGE, Introduction and Perspective:

When I was a freshman starting college in the most uncertain and virtual times, I’d received an email about applying to the first ever cohort of Westphal BRIDGE. I was much younger and different then, and despite being the target demo for this program, I had convinced myself that I wasn’t enough of what they were looking for to join. Luckily, Denise sent another email extending the deadline and I applied on a whim. Upon my acceptance, I joined a batch of a dozen other fresh faces where we tried our best to connect virtually and never stopped receiving support and advocacy from our beloved program director (and at the time, my academic advisor too!) It was easy to join things as a freshman, especially when we lacked so much of our in-person experience. It even introduced me to my first ever college roommate, and we would go to BRIDGE events as a duo. The initial connection came from a “Sound-off Circle” type event where Denise held space for us to vent and build community during a stressful part of the term, but with such a small cohort, we were the only 2 to attend. I was also the only MIP major to start!

BRIDGE is easily the best thing I’ve stayed a part of on campus during my college career. The program and people have expressed more care and career support for my endeavors and growth than any other, and I was so glad I took the chance. BRIDGE has grown exponentially since

we started as the first cohort, and I can’t believe we’re graduating! It has meant unity, collaboration, incredible networking events, meeting other passionate, extraordinary students, and uplifting voices in our respective disciplines. I was consistently surprised that I could trust there was someone else on campus looking out for me, whether that be professional opportunities, academic advice, or personal support. Denise was always open to hearing my updates during her office hours whenever I was able to catch her (BRIDGE kept her quite busy!) It was also comforting that even if I had to spend a lot of nights working, there were still events I could make it out to and the program always respected all that I was juggling. Our group chat has even become a place we can casually text for anything from advice to project help to supplies. It’s been really special to see it grow in scale (though I was equally fond of it when we were a small batch), and the people that have put in the extra effort to improve our collective college experiences. I can only hope it continues to receive the support and reputation it deserves so other students can feel more empowered to thrive in this environment. It can get overwhelming or burn you out to continuously make space for yourself, believe in yourself, and shift the odds in your favor – bridging those gaps and taking even some of the emotional weights off of our shoulders is more help than you can imagine. I’m excited to pursue post-graduate plans as a Westphal BRIDGE alumni!

BRIDGE Yearbook 2024

Be A BRIDGE Supporter:

Westph a l BRIDGE Builders

Westphal Bridge Scholars extend our deepest gratitude to our donors, supporters, allies, and advocates:

Jackson Family Fund

Emmett Cunningham

Levoyd E. Robinson

Debra H. Ruben

Jervis W. Thompson

Tony Dofat

Brent White

DC Claassen

Mysha Harrell

Lina DiLemmo

Kate Bianco

Nikolas Kozel

Dayana Marshall

Tia James

Greg Ruggiero

Trevor Phaneuf

Josh Weiss

Jonecia Lewis

Tanglao-Aguas Family

Plaza Art Store

Jason Schupbach

Neville Vakharia

Lina Brouse

Daniel Hoang

Jade Blissett

Nicholas Paggioli

Jessica Moore

Anya Niven

Autumn Murphy

Denise Marie & Richard Snow

Brooke Law

Harry Han

Joanna Zale

Promise Nkhono

Vivian Tan

David Garcia

Noah Platts

Amari Harbin

Jazmine Morrow

Jacklynn Niemiec

Olivia Haas

Xiomara Schulz

Manya Mittal

Marina Lamphier

Teagan Sanda