Meet Our Staff
Kevin Lauze
Graduate Assistant
Kevin is originally from Hopkinton, MA (the start of the Boston Marathon) and came to UMaine in the Fall of 2006 and enrolled as a Business Major. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance in May of 2010. After that, he decided to attend Graduate School at UMaine as well and is now an MBA student, scheduled to graduate in May 2012. Kevin came to the OMP to gain a greater perspective of the different cultures and diversity we have on campus.
“Diversity gives our city a competitive edge.”
-Mayor Thomas Menino
Serena Grier
Administrative Aide
Serena is a 3rd year student from Caribou, Maine and is a Pre-Vet major. At the multicultural center she is involved in African Student Association, Asian Student Association, and actively volunteers to help with any of the other groups at the center. The multicultural center has helped her meet new people and get more involved with activities around campus.
“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.” – Henry David Thoreau
Fartuna Said
Administrative Aide
Fartuna is a 4th Business Administration Accounting major from Auburn. ME. She is originally from Somalia. Fartuna is the treasurer of the Muslim Student Association and Sisters Supporting Sister.
“People can only live fully by helping others to live. When you give life to friends you truly live. Cultures can only realize their further richness by honoring other traditions. And only by respecting natural life can humanity continue to exist” -Daisaku Ikeda
Adrian Matos
Administrative Aide
Adrian Matos is a Puerto Rican student , third year Spanish major, Dance and Theater minor at the University of Maine. He’s a proud brother and founding father of Iota Nu Kappa Multicultural Fraternity inc. This is the first multicultural fraternity in New England. He also is a proud dancer in the dance crew D-Fusion on campus. He is also very involved with LASO, he is vice president of the Latin American Student Organization.
Administrative Aide
Hawa Mohamud
Although Hawa was originally born in Mogadishu Somalia, she grew up in Portland, Maine. As a sophomore at University of Maine she is pursuing a major in Biology with aspirations to attend Dental school when she graduates in 2014. She is involved in the Black Student Union, Muslim Student Association and also the African Student Association. The Office of Multicultural Programs not only helped Hawa with her communication and leadership skills but it has introduced her to many resources and people around campus that are very beneficial.
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi
Cynthia Kanakan
Administrative Aide
Cynthia is originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She moved to the United States when she was four years old to the City of Portland, Maine. She transferred to University of Maine in the beginning of fall of 2011, and is a Psychology major. She is an energetic, well-organized member of our team and is involved in African Student Association (AfSA) and Black Student Union (BSU).
“Never a failure, always a lesson” – Unknown
Elie Nembambi
Administrative Aide
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Elie migrated with his family to the United States where he grew up in the city of Decatur, in Georgia. He attended elementary school- high school there and moved to Portland, Maine during his senior year, where he graduated with honors. Now attending the University of Maine, he is a 2nd year political science student. He is currently the Vice President of the Black Student Union, and works at the Multicultural Center.
We can’t judge the world unless we change ourselves”. Biggie Smalls
Nimo Mohamud
Administrative Aide
Nimo Mohamed is a Somali student, second year nursing major at the University of Maine. Her family migrated to Auburn, Maine where she completed her high school education. She enthusiastically got engaged in college at the University of Maine, and joined the team at the multicultural center. In addition to this involvement Nimo is the secretary in the African Student Association (AfSA). She is also involved with the Black Student Union (BSU) and the Muslim Student Association (MSA).
Administrative Aide
Shaniqua Burgess
Shaniqua is a fourth year CHF (child development family relations) major. She is originally from Brooklyn NY, but now resides in New Haven CT. She is a part of the BSU (Black Student Union) group and also a part of the Events, and Bulletin Board Committees. The OMP has helped her grow as an individual and has been a very big support system in helping her gain the courage necessary to go in the direction of her dreams.
“Don’t associate yourself with people with the same history as you; associate yourself with people that have the same DESTINY as you.” -Dr. Costa
Muna Ali
Administrative Aide
Muna is a second year, undecided major at the University of Maine. Muna has lived in Portland, Maine for the majority of her life but was born in Kenya. She is currently involved in the Black Student Union and AFSA. Since she has been part of the Multicultural Center, it has enabled her to work with the University in being aware of diversity and has helped her develop long term skills.
” What’s better your dream or your excuse?” – A friend
Be connected!
Facebook, Twitter, multicultural.programs@umit.maine.edu
