By: Dannika Kemp Avent
What is your current role at Yale? What other Yale groups are you involved with (volunteering, committees. etc.)?
I am currently a Senior Administrative Assistant with the Yale Temporary Staffing Services and a member of the Yale African American Affinity Group.
What makes you “Uniquely” you?
Being a woman of a multiracial background. My mother is African American and my father is Persian. I was raised to face adversity and to embrace my differences in cultures. My upbringing has played a significant role in my career and personal life. At Yale, I interact with many different cultures and I love it! In my personal life, I promote diversity on a regular basis. Although we all have different upbringings and come from all over the world, we all have something in common- We are human beings first! (Bayati family pictured below)
Tell us about how you became a “working woman” of Yale?
My journey here started approximately eight years ago as a temp worker. My first assignment was with the Office of Diversity & Inclusion and WorkLife Program. Several months after, I applied for the open position and became a full-time Yalie! It was an exciting time for me, as I had just moved to CT from NY.
Can you share how you have benefited as an employee of Yale?
Absolutely! I am fortunate to have worked in a department that allowed me to hone my event planning and speaking skills. I’ve always had a love for both. Working with the Yale Affinity groups was great practice, as well as being able to plan for and speak on behalf of Yale WorkLife. That was an even greater opportunity. In addition, the Yale African American Affinity group was a huge benefit simply due to the fact that I’ve met some great people all across campus and built strong relationships. Hashtag: priceless
What advice would you provide to new women employees at Yale?
Join an Affinity group that’s right for you and get involved! Yale has plenty to offer and the only way to find out is to get involved, go to different events and meet people and learn who does what. Yale is a great community of people and resources. Take it all in and learn as much as you can.
Can you share how you have shown commitment to the greater New Haven community?
For the past three years I have participated in the Yale Men’s Health Day initiative on Father’s Day weekend. The event promotes healthy men and fathers by providing free blood pressure screenings, health brochures and healthy snacks to all men in the New Haven area. Aside from that, I’ve started my own organization, Camp Girlie Girl ™. Camp Girlie Girl creates a fun & educational atmosphere for young girls and their moms, intended to:
- Motivate
- Inspire
- Empower
- Build Self-Confidence
- Teach Modern-Day Etiquette
- Build Lasting Relationships & Mother/Daughter Bonds
Camp Girlie Girl is just one of the many ways I commit myself to the needs of the young women and families of the New Haven community.
Tell us about your personal ventures outside of Yale?
I do a lot of motivational speaking to both middle and high school students, women’s groups, local universities and even at my church. I also co-host an online radio show weekly with Blog Talk Radio. Most recently, I’ve become an author of my first book, The Girlie Girl’s Guide to Living a Fabulously Fulfilled Life!
Can you tell us about your recent book?
The Girlie Girl’s Guide to Living A Fabulously Fulfilled Life! Is an inspirational guide for young girls and women of all ages to help them realize their full potential! It is filled with many lessons and practical advice on almost every aspect of life! I’m speaking in my “big sister” tone-of-voice and it’s definitely an easy read that many can relate too. My book is currently available on amazon.com.
What does it really mean to be a Girlie Girl?
A Girlie Girl is someone who whole-heartedly embraces her femininity, but is not afraid to show her Strength!
If you could use one word to describe your experience at Yale, what would it be?
Enriching