Mukulu Mweu -- Mukulu is the Associate Dean of Students of Intercultural Programs and Services and the Director of the Intercultural Center. Mukulu is originally from Kenya, and she came to the US as an international student to study at Portland State University, where she received a BA in International studies and a minor in Black studies. While at PSU she also completed her Masters degree in "Educational Policies, Foundation and Administration. As the Director of the Intercultural Center, Mukulu's goal is to help students from diverse backgrounds have a pleasant experience at Whitman. She also hopes to facilitate a more positive climate by getting the campus community beyond the “tolerating” mode to one that is more appreciative of diversity. During her free time, Mukulu enjoys traveling, sightseeing, hiking, films, and music from around the world.

 

Andrés Dankel-Ibáñez -- Andrés is the Assistant Director of the Intercultural Center. Prior to coming to the Intercultural Center in August’07, Andrés was a community educator and director of a TRiO program that served the educational and identity needs of least advantaged students in the Walla Walla Valley. After completing his BA in History and Latin American Studies from Gonzaga University in 1998, Andrés served for two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer (Guatemala ‘98-’00) creating sustainable development projects for internally-displaced refugees.As the assistant director of the Intercultural Center, one of Andrés’ goals is to holistically nurture the identity development of Whitman students who come from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.  Likewise, Andrés aims to enhance the formation of student leaders who desire to make Social Justice an integral part of their Whitman experience.  Ultimately, his goal is to foster a better understanding of all members of the human race on the part of the Whitman Community.

 

 

Kris Barry -- Kris is the International Student and Scholar Advisor. She helps international students with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement requirements. She plans and directs an orientation camp for new students and provides cultural support to multicultural students throughout the year. Kris serves as an adviser for ISFC (International Students and Friends Club). Additionally she aids international visiting faculty & guests coming to Whitman on the J visa designation. Kris is a long-standing Walla Walla community member who assists the Intercultural Center with programming and directs the International Friendship Family Program. The Friendship Family Program matches local residents with incoming international students.

 

  Sonja Aikens -- Sonja is the Administrative Assistant for the Intercultural Center.  Originally from Tucson, AZ, after elementary school she moved with her family to La Serena, Chile where they lived for 18 months.  Sonja has a BA in General Studies from the University of Arizona.  Prior to coming to to Walla Walla she lived in Chicago  where she worked for various non-profit organizations, including The Nature Conservancy and Rotary International.  She greatly appreciates the opportunity to meet and learn from Whitman's international and multicultural students while supporting the programs of the Intercultural Center. 

 

Henry Musa Kpaka -- Henry was born in a small town in Sierra Leone, and spent most part of his life at home before coming to Whitman. He graduated from United World College of South-East Asia (UWCSEA) two years ago. He is very interested in volunteer services, and spent a year in Kenya and Cambodia on a volunteer project before coming to Whitman. Henry has a strong interest in African Politics but would like to double major in Economics and Mathematics. He is interested in sports - especially Soccer, and likes different kinds of music.

Geoff Liu -- Geoff, a Senior here at Whitman, was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington. He is a Biology major with Chemistry, Psychology and Chinese minors. In his spare time he enjoys working on his car, participating in community service, relaxing with friends and playing intramural sports.

Nadim Damluji -- Nadim, who is half Lebanese and half Iraqi, was born in San Diego, CA, in 1988. At age 9 he and his family moved to Beirut, Lebanon, returning 3 years later to San Diego. Nadim attended The Bishop's School, a high school in San Diego where he founded Club Unite, an organization devoted to connecting diverse students at Bishop's. He went on to become president of the school during his senior year. Now a sophomore at Whitman, Nadim is an Intercultural Center intern, involved in the Campus Activities Board, is ASWC Programming Chair, as well as being a columnist for the Ear, and an IM Volleyball enthusiast.

 
Ashma Basnyat --

 

Haley Woods -- Haley, part of the class of 2009, was born and raised on Maui.  She is a Psychology major with a Race and Ethnic Studies minor, who plays rugby in her spare time.