Lais Rossi

Lais Rossi, undergraduate in psychology

Lais Rossi is a senior majoring in psychology and is our new DEI Student Assistant in the Dean's Office. Originally from Brazil, Lais has been at MSU for four years. She reflects on what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to her.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion mean that all students, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to express their voices through leadership, involvement and service in our community - not because representation is enforced, but rather due to the power diversity holds. I have been privileged enough to meet students from several different backgrounds on campus, and that allowed me to gain new perspectives and become more involved in different social causes that I was unaware of, such as the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. 

I have always been passionate about DEI. Since my first year at MSU, I have found ways to use my voice and experience as a Latina woman to empower other students from minority groups. I have been an advocate for the Diversity and Inclusion Office, have created programs to raise awareness of the importance of DEI and understanding implicit bias within the Fraternity & Sorority life on campus, and am currently working with other ASMSU senators and the Diversity and Inclusion Director, on a bill to be approved by the ASMSU Senate that would provide a Diversity and Inclusion Council for students, with the primary goal of reaching out to more students from minority groups and allowing their voices to be heard on decisions made in the ASMSU Senate.

How Can Students Get Involved?

ASMSU elections have just opened, and I highly encourage all students to run for it! It can be scary to take that first step, but the ASMSU student government is responsible for representing students. Through your leadership, you can give voice to underrepresented students and impact change on our campus!