Joining Bard from Española, New Mexico, by way of SUNY New Paltz, Jessica Gonzales Purcell is the new director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion. Jessica has committed the last 15 years of her career to supporting historically underrepresented individuals pursuing their academic goals through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at SUNY New Paltz. In her work, she strives to empower others and remind people they are seen, heard, and valuable. She is tireless in reinforcing the idea that each of us is inherently strong and integral to the positive growth and health of the future, which we contribute to with our actions and words. Jessica advises with a student-centered approach and has worked to bring the whole campus community and all its resources together to that end.
Jessica Gonzales Purcell
Trained as a mental health counselor, Jessica specialized in family systems and disaster mental health and served as an adjunct professor teaching crisis intervention and multicultural counseling. She has frequently trained students and professionals in risk and suicide assessment, always making sure the humanity and dignity of the student is the priority. She has also contributed to and presented on the development of PILLARS (Providing Insight for Learning, Living, Achieving, and Recognizing my Strengths), the multifaceted rubrics used by EOP at New Paltz to support student growth personally, academically, and professionally.
Jessica believes passionately in the transformative power of education and the necessity of providing access and opportunities to those who are not traditionally given the privilege and power that higher education can afford.
Daniella Mingo was born and raised in Georgetown, Guyana, and moved to Atlanta during high school. She arrived at Bard via the Posse Leadership Scholarship. She has a background in residence life, civic engagement, and mentorship. She graduated with a bachelors in sociology and has found great passion for mentorship and investment in youth development during her time here. She has been working with the OEI office since her first year at Bard where she has held roles as an office assistant, building manager, peer mentor, and eventually peer mentor liaison. She has a deep desire to continue the work of equity and inclusion via mentorship and leadership development.
Daniella Mingo ’21
She is excited to bring her passion for the POC community, for education and access as she continues to work in the office. Daniella shares with students that in her experience at Bard, she was able to make it her home and create several opportunities for networking at Bard and beyond. In her role as academic advisor, she works to build a strong Posse community and support all OEI scholars and community members in making Bard a stepping stone to success.
Tahj Frazier, a product of Bard Early College New Orleans, Bard College, and a graduate of Bard MAT, brings a wealth of experience and passion for mentorship and leadership development. Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, Tahj's journey into academia was shaped by his background in sociology and a profound commitment to equity and inclusion. Tahj's involvement with Bard's OEI office since his freshman year underscores his dedication, having served in various capacities from office assistant to Post Bac Fellow for the Bard Early Colleges.
Tahj Frazier ’22 MAT ’23
Tahj's mission is rooted in fostering mentorship and investment in youth development, a testament to his desire to continue advancing equity and inclusion within educational settings.