Raven Monique Gaddy ’15 graduated from Lehigh with a degree in Global Studies and Africana Studies, and is a liaison between the Black and Latino Alumni Network for Community and Equity (BALANCE) and the Lehigh University Alumni Association (LUAA) Board of Directors. Raven, who experienced several study abroad opportunities at Lehigh, was serving in the Peace Corps as a TEFL educator in Madagascar until COVID-19; forced her to return to D.C., where she recently started a job as an International Affairs Specialist at U.S. Department of Justice. As a student, Raven was a part of Lehigh’s African-Caribbean Culture Club (ACCC) and Black Student Union (BSU). Raven was also a student manager for the men’s basketball team, a charter member of the Tau Zeta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. — a historically black sorority, and the president of the Residential Hall Council during her junior year in UMOJA.

Why did you decide to attend Lehigh?

RMG: Lehigh was not my first choice. In fact, I had already been accepted to the American University of Paris as an undergraduate. However, after discussing with my family, we thought it would be a better choice to attend a domestic university. Upon recommendation of my college advisor at Choate, I applied to Lehigh without ever visiting or knowing much at all. From my research, I found that Lehigh was the best choice, not only because of the fantastic financial aid assistance, but the global nature of the university. I was able to engage with the global community through study abroad opportunities, clubs/organizations, as well as the high level of international studies available within the classroom. While there was a great deal of theory involved, Lehigh gave me an opportunity to put my education into practice. When I found out I was accepted, I was pleased to be chosen to join such an elite institution. It was truly a blessing for me.

Reflecting on your time in the Lehigh family, what is your fondest memory as a student and/or an alumnus/a?

RMG: My fondest memory at Lehigh was when Lehigh beat Duke in 2012. While I was extremely sad that I was not able to travel with the team as a young manager, there was such an electricity on campus, and I was very grateful to be a part of that moment in history. Seeing everyone come together in celebration was special — I made friends with many people that I may have never even met otherwise. Also, coming from a prep school that took its athletic rivalry very seriously (Choate-Deerfield), I loved the school spirit.

Since your time as a student, what progress have you seen in diversity and inclusion at Lehigh? How do you use your current role to assist in creating a more diverse and equitable community?

RMG: I have seen the conversation about diversity and inclusion grow from just affected (minority) groups, to everyone on campus. It gives me great hope that Lehigh has become more interconnected and that conversations have opened up between those who usually do not cross paths. I have also seen an increase in engagement of the administration that makes me proud. Personally, I use my platform as an alum by engaging with groups such as BALANCE and by grassroots communications students on campus, when possible. As I am often out of the country, I do not get a chance to visit as much as I would like.

As a volunteer and alumnus/a, what motivates you to stay involved and connected to South Mountain? 

RMG: When I was an undergrad, I took my cues from alums that I saw around me, particularly those of color. They truly seemed to care about the legacy they left, as well as what they could do to assist current undergrad students. Lehigh is indeed a family, and I appreciated feeling like there was a network of older and wiser folks who could guide me. I hope to be that same support to current students and those to come.

What is your advice for fellow alumni, especially recently-graduated, on how they can continue to contribute to Lehigh’s equitable community and the institution as a whole? 

RMG: I would recommend connecting and actively engaging with the alumni association or affinity groups. It can be difficult to maintain contact and make an impact by yourself, especially if you live a great distance away. I currently serve as the Communications Chair for BALANCE, and I enjoy the opportunity to (virtually) meet Lehigh family who have graduated as far back as 1970.

BONUS QUESTION

In this dream scenario, Lehigh Alumni Relations reaches out to you to select ANYONE in the world to speak or perform at Lehigh for a community event. Who would you choose?

RMG: A personal hero of mine, Malala Yousafzai. I have always been passionate about Human Rights, even so far as to take a Human Rights/Humanitarian Law practicum in the Hague during my graduate studies. More recently, I have moved toward the field of international educational policy and development. I owe my ambitions to Lehigh. Not only is Malala the youngest Nobel Prize laureate in history, but also a crucial voice for the advancement of educational equality for women and girls. Lehigh has always encouraged its students to have agency and make a global difference, regardless of age — thus I think she would be a wonderful guest.