Erdina

Hi! My name is Erdina Francillon and I am from Miami, Florida! At Notre Dame, I have chosen to study Sociology. Outside of the academic atmosphere, I am part of Multicultural Recruitment for Undergraduate Admissions, an officer in Voices of Faith Gospel Choir, and volunteer with Dr. Greene's "No Parent Left Behind" Initiative. Shades of Ebony is important to me because instead of complaining that ND is not a place for Black women, our members support each other, get involved and make ND our home

Jasmin

My name is Jasmin Simmons and I am a Spanish and Psychology double-major from Chicago. Besides being a Shades officer, I am also the Vice President of the Community Alliance Serving Hispanics and the Black Cultural Arts Council. I also coordinate an English as a Second Language program in South Bend. This year, I hope to increase the diversity of Shades members and to explore the different challenges women of color face both on and off campus.

Cooking Cupcakes for Tania's Birthday

Brittany

Hey ladies! My name is Brittany Suggs and I am in the Class of 2012.
I was born, raised, and continue to call Hampton, Virginia, my home.
I am a student in the College of Arts and Letters as a Psychology major, with a minor in Africana Studies. Some of the organizations I participate in, outside of Shades of Ebony, are the First Class Step Team, Africana Studies Club, Black Student Association, and I frequent MSPS (Multicultural Student Programs and Services) for many other multicultural events. In my spare time, I love to practice martial arts; dance; write poetry; and spend time with friends.
This year, I truly look forward to being the secretary of Shades, and having the opportunity to meet the many new faces that join the organization, as well as working with many of the amazing young women from past years. In addition to this, I am very thrilled about all the tentative plans Shades has in store for this year. Shades of Ebony is an organization that not only empowers young women to stay abreast on issues locally, nationally, and globally; but also inspires women to affirm themselves positively in preparation to be the future leaders of the world. These reasons, and being able to have developed such close-knit friendships with many of the women, hold true to some of the reasons why Shades has had such an impact on my life. So come join us! We are sure you will find reasons of your own to want to be a part of the Shades of Ebony "sisterhood."

Krystal

Howdy y'all! I am Shades of Ebony's Marketing Director, Krystal Grows. Before I talk about Shades, let me introduce myself a little bit more. I am from the beautiful Lonestar State (but I promise I'm not country). I grew up a military brat but spent the majority of my life in Killeen, TX (if you know where that is, you win a prize). After years and years in private school, I found my way to Notre Dame. I am a Graphic Design and Sociology double major. I reside in Pasquerilla West Hall and I am very involved in the dorm community. This year, I am the Secretary. I also do quite a bit of posters for various things on campus and I am broadening that field by working closely with Campus Ministry and International Students Services & Activities.
This year, I am responsible for getting Shades out there by creating all of the print and other advertising media, like this very website. What I love about Shades is that there is no other place on campus where women of color can come together and truly be ourselves

Amelia

Since graduating in '08 with an American Studies degree, Amelia Thompson has been living it up in the capital city. She works as the Program Manager at the St. Albans School of Public Service, an academic summer program for high school students interested in politics and government. Though she's loved every moment at St. Albans, her true life's passion is fashion. In January 2009, Amelia launched High End for Your Rear End, a blog for those addicted to style and fluent in fashion! That spring she landed another blogging gig as a freelance blogger for Tarte Cosmetics, one of makeup's hottest natural brands. She would love for all of her Shades chicsters to check out both of her fashion sites!