Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ambassadors
UNC Department of Computer Science is committed to creating opportunities that support and advocate for students that have been historically excluded from computer science and technology. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Ambassador Program is intended to address issues of visibility, access, and outreach for those within the department and throughout the surrounding community. As a part of this program, current undergraduate students serving in this role will be given the opportunity to serve as a resource and community builder for peers with underrepresented and historically excluded identities. DEI Ambassadors will be the student leaders affiliated with the Debugging DEI & SOAR (Success through Opportunities, Access, and Resources) initiatives in the department.
The DEI Ambassadors provide an indispensable service to the Department of Computer Science by serving as liaisons to current and prospective students, the community, faculty and staff, UNC alumni, and industry on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a DEI ambassador, each member is expected to be a significant contributor to the development of the department as an inclusive community.
The DEI Ambassador role is a paid position, earning up to $500 per semester.
2023-2024 DEI Ambassadors
Ce’Niyah Ellison
My name is Ce’Niyah Ellison, and I am a senior from Greensboro, NC double majoring in Computer Science and Information Science with a minor in Entrepreneurship. In my second year as one of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) ambassadors, I aim to create an inclusive, accessible, diverse space for minority students in the Computer Science department. At UNC, I am also involved with Pearl Hacks (as Director of Sponsor Programming) and Coulture Magazine. I am passionate about helping students utilize their networks and the resources around them. In addition to courses, feel free to reach out to me about ColorStack, Edlyft, CodePath, and applying for tech conference scholarships!
I Identify as: Black, woman, First Generation (none of my parents/grandparents graduated from a 4year college or university), Covenant Scholar | Click here to schedule a meeting with me!
Dharshini Raman
Hi! I’m Dharshini, a third-year student pursuing Computer Science and Peace, War, and Defense. As a member of groups like NCWIT, CodeLikeAGirl, and Capital One’s Women in Tech BRG, nurturing equity and diversity in tech is important to me. Diverse perspectives fuel innovation, equitable opportunities ensure fair access, and inclusion drives collaboration. DEI isn’t just about fairness – it’s about creating a stronger, more effective tech industry that benefits everyone. Beyond the books, you’ll find me giving some tech love to old computers at Kramden, a local refurbishment center. Let’s connect and chat about how we can make a positive impact together!
Click here to schedule a meeting with me!
Kayla Casey
My name is Kayla Casey, and I am a Computer Science and Statistics double major in the class of 2025. For the 2022-2023 academic year, I will a ULA for the Data Literacy Lab- a course that incoming freshman will be taking in their first year here at Carolina. If you see me in your class or around campus, feel free to spark a conversation with me! I became an Ambassador for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion because I want to see diversity at the forefront of the computer science program here at UNC. I believe that diversifying our program will help to drive the necessary academic change that will revolutionize the tech industry. I want to see underrepresented communities in computer science have increased opportunities in this field, and I believe that a big part of that movement will start with our work here.
I Identify as: White, woman, non-religious | Click here to schedule a meeting with me!
Grace Sosa
My name is Grace Sosa, and I am a rising Junior studying Statistics & Analytics and Computer Science. At UNC, I am involved in CADS and UNC Taekwondo Club. I am passionate about sparking curiosity for CS & STEM in young minds, as well as expanding CS opportunities in underrepresented communities and local schools.
As a transfer student who initially struggled to find my place in the CS community, I want to ensure others can feel a sense of belonging in CS. I am excited to be a part of the DEI Ambassador Team and looking forward to building an inclusive community within UNC and the surrounding community!
I Identify as: Asian American, Hispanic, White, Woman, Neurodivergent | Click here to schedule a meeting with me!
Sneha Jaikumar
Hi! My name is Sneha Jaikumar and I’m a fourth-year student majoring in Computer Science. I’m super passionate about making CS education accessible to all and making the field more inclusive, especially to historically underrepresented communities in CS. Outside of DEI Ambassadors, I’m part of the board for CADS, UNC’s student-run Data Science organization, where I work to create beginner-friendly workshops in the space of health, medicine, and data science. Please don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m more than happy to answer your questions/concerns as a CS student at Carolina or just chat about my/your experiences.
Click here to schedule a meeting with me!
Tanvi Pulipaka
Hi! My name is Tanvi Pulipaka and I am majoring in Computer Science major and minoring in Information Systems and Data Science. I am interested in exploring how cloud platforms and cloud computing can be leveraged to advance unique software solutions for businesses. In my free time, I love to write poetry and hike. I am passionate about promoting DEI, especially in the tech industry, to foster an inclusive learning environment. I am very excited to encourage innovation and contribute to the DEI initiatives at UNC!
Click here to schedule a meeting with me!
Bamba Diouf
My name is Bamba, I am originally from Senegal! I am rising senior studying Computer Science. One fun fact about me is that I speak four languages!