IDC Team

The Intercultural and Diversity Center works to create an inclusive campus climate that prepares students to thrive in increasingly diverse communities by planning and implementing a host of cultural, educational, and social programs, workshops and trainings.

Professional Staff

  • Kevin Ahuna headshot.

    Kevin Ahuna (He/Him/His)

    Director

    Kevin received his Bachelor’s degree in English from University of California Irvine, his Master's degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from The University of Vermont, and his Sociology of Education doctorate from UB, where he has worked in various capacities within Student Life since 1993. His academic interests include racial identity development, masculinity research, and intersectionality. In his role with the IDC, his focus is working with IDC staff and campus partners to promote social justice and provide students with the information, skills, and motivation to create more inclusive communities.

  • Allen Williams headshot.

    Allen C. Williams (He/Him/His)

    Assistant Director for Retention Initiatives 

    Allen "A.C." Williams received his Bachelor of Health Science degree from University of Missouri-Kansas City and his Master of Education degree in Higher Education Management from the University of Pittsburgh. He is a current PhD student in the higher education program here at UB. His research interest includes organization.  Allen is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 

  • Taje Jenkins-Jones headshot.

    Taje’ Jenkins-Jones (He/Him/His)

    Assistant Director of Programming

    Tajé Jenkins-Jones, a Buffalo native, received his bachelor of science degree in communications and media studies from Medaille University. In 2021, he founded Buffalo Black & Latino Pride Week, fostering a space to highlight and celebrate diversity amongst LGBTQ+ people in Western New York. In the IDC, he works to develop programs that are representative of UB’s community every day, in pursuit of creating a more welcoming environment for diverse identities.

  • Julie Smith headshot.

    Julie Smith (She/Her/Hers)

    Office Manager

    Julie Smith has worked in the Intercultural and Diversity Center for the past five years as the Office Manager.  She has been an employee of the University at Buffalo for the past 37 years in the Division of Student Life and has her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Houghton College.  Three words that describe Julie are Faith, Family and Friends. She strives every day to make a difference in the lives of others and enjoys meeting new people and learning from others. 

  • Meech McIntyre headshot.

    Dimetria "Meech" McIntyre (She/Her/Hers)

    Graduate Assistant

    Dimetria "Meech" McIntyre graduated from Cazenovia College with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies and a minor in sports administration. Currently, she is enrolled in UB's Higher Education and Student Affairs Master's Program. After graduation, Meech hopes to pursue a career working in athletics to enhance underrepresented student-athlete experiences and support post-graduation success.

  • Samiha Islam headshot.

    Shamona McKenzie (She/Her)

    Graduate Intern

    Shamona recently earned her bachelor's degree in English and is currently completing her Master's of Education through the University at Buffalo School of Education UB Teach program. She has worked as a Program Assistant in the IDC and is inspired to use both that experience and her many years of working with youth  to implement meaningful IDC programs and as the foundation of her future teaching career.

  • Tyrese Davis headshot.

    Tyrese Davis (He/Him)

    Intercultural Engagement Intern

    Tyrese holds a bachelor's degree in environmental design from the University at Buffalo. Currently a second-year graduate student at UB's School of Architecture & Planning, he specializes in urban design & physical planning. Tyrese has actively contributed to UB in various capacities, including serving as an Orientation Leader, UB Regional Institute Graduate Assistant, Arthur A. Schomburg Fellow, and a Program Assistant at the Intercultural and Diversity Center. Post-graduation, Tyrese intends to pursue a career focused on implementing equitable design practices in underserved communities.

Diversity Advocates

  • Stephen Bennett headshot.

    Stephen Bennett

    • Major:  International Trade
    • Fourth Year Student
    • Hometown: Bronx, New York
  • Thwande Croke headshot.

    Thandiwe Croke

    • Major: Business Administration
    • Third Year Student
    • Hometown: New York, New York 
  • Judah Daisley headshot.

    Judah Daisley

    • Major: Health and Human Services
    • Third Year Student
    • Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
  • Amara Fauntleroy headshot.

    Amara Fauntleroy (She/Her/Hers)

    • Major: Community Mental Health
    • Fourth Year Student
    • Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
  • Khalil Garrett headshot.

    Khalil Garrett

    • Major: Business Administration
    • Second Year Student
    • Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
  • Lourdes Fernandez headshot.

    Lourdes Fernandez

    • Major: Psychology 
    • Second Year Student
    • Hometown: Bronx, NY
  • Rain Ligot headshot.

    Rain Ligot

    • Major: Biomedical Engineering
    • Second Year Student
    • Hometown: Manilla, Philippines
  • Steven Ramirez headshot.

    Steven Ramirez

    • Major: Biomedical Engineering
    • Third Year Student
    • Hometown: Floral Park, NY
  • Tania Ramirez headshot.

    Tania Ramirez

    • Major: Law
    • Fourth Year Student
    • Hometown: Bronx, New York
  • Victoria Pimenta-Reyes headshot.

    Victoria Pimenta-Reyes (She/Her/Hers)

    • Major:  Civil Engineering
    • Fourth Year Student
    • Hometown:  Staten Island, New York
  • Esther Turay headshot.

    Esther Turay (She/Her/Hers)

    • Major: Psychology
    • Fourth Year Student
    • Hometown: Staten Island, New York
  • Mariel Uzhca headshot.

    Mariel Uzhca (She/Her/Hers)

    • Major: Biology
    • Third Year Student
    • Hometown: New York, New York

University at Buffalo
240 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: (716) 645-2434