BSC Staff
Nia Gipson
she/her/hers
Black Student Coalition Coordinator
Nia was born and raised in Chicago, IL. She attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she earned her B.S. in Agricultural and Consumer Economics. Nia went on to earn her M.S. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in College Student Development at Oklahoma State University. In her spare time, Nia likes to cook, dance, paint, pretend she’s on Wildin’ Out, and go on nature walks. Serving as the inaugural Coordinator of the BSC is immensely important to Nia. She is honored and excited to be able to lay the foundation and help create community and systems of support for our Black Identifying Students. Nothing matters to Nia more than making students feel like they belong, so she hopes to create an environment that is more than just a place to learn, but a place that feels like home.
Tekhia Jones
Tekhia was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. She is currently a junior majoring in Communications Studies here at Western and minoring in Anthropology. In her spare time, Tekhia likes to play basketball at the Rec Center, cook meals with friends, and jam out to music. Although she didn’t move to Bellingham until her sophomore year, Tekhia immediately became involved within the Black community through the position of Public Relations Director for the Black Student Union. Since then, she has remained in that position and has also taken on the role of Vice President of Black Student Union. In addition, she is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and is part of a consult group for the Centers. She is excited to be part of an organization working to build community on campus!
Ijomi
Ijomi was born in Seattle and raised in Renton/South Seattle area. They are a first year at Western, hoping to major in journalism with the goal of getting into music journalism. Ijomi is fond of fashion, haircare, music & pop culture! They are also currently on the Black Student Union Club board as a Freshman representative. Ijomi has a background in getting involved in clubs in their senior year, serving as President of their high school’s Gay Straight Alliance Club, and Public Relations of BSU & theatre clubs. Ijomi is honored to be apart Black Student Coalition and hopes to continue to grow and excel and leave their mark!
Aryam Tamene
Aryam was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee by her Ethiopian mother. She is currently a freshman who plans on majoring in English with a Creative Writing emphasis. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, visiting bookstores, annotating her books, studying languages, and watching Ghibli movies. Ever since her arrival to Western, Aryam has been involved in BSU and ACC events/meetings and greatly enjoys interacting with both communities.
Faith
Faith was born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She is a first-year here who plans on majoring in Political Science. In her free time, she loves listening to music, cooking, going on adventures, reading, and hanging out with friends! In High School, she was involved in numerous activities such as Student Government, BSU, Theatre, and Track and Field which has prepared her for her college endeavors here at Western! Faith loves the BSC and is thrilled to join the team and be a part of this community!
Dibora Markos
Dibora Markos grew up in Durame, Ethiopia, and moved to the States during high school. She is a junior at Western, double majoring in Economics & Political science, as well as double minoring in Sociology & Law, Diversity, & Justice. In her free time, she enjoya running, doing yoga, dancing, and cooking for friends and family. Dibora is the Vice President of ACC, and involved in various committees at Western. Dibora also serves as the Retention Director for the BSC, and is super excited to connect students with campus resources to ensure the success of Black students at Western.
Ezana
Ezana, is a 2nd year student at WWU, majoring in Supply Chain & Manufacturing. He hales from Seattle (Go Bulldogs) and in his free time, plays soccer and does MMA. As the BSC Programming Director, Ezana is excited for a year of community events and anticipates helping to build the BSC's foundation!