Meet Our Staff
Full Time Staff
Elisa Oliver
Director
She/Ella
Email: eoliver@wcupa.edu
Elisa Oliver serves as the Director of the Dowdy Multicultural Center. Elisa is originally
from Miami, Florida, and is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in education policy,
planning, and administration with a focus on higher education at West Chester University.
Elisa earned her bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Sciences (2009), and her master’s
degree in Higher Education Student Affairs (2011) from Florida State University. Elisa
joined Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. (LTA) in the spring of 2006, and had
the honor of serving as the LTA National President from 2018-2020. She is passionate
about cultivating community and developing strong leaders. Elisa enjoys music, dancing,
traveling, and serving the community.
Chyna Hart
Associate Director
Email: chart@wcupa.edu
Raekwon Bates
Assistant Director
He/Him
Email: rbates@wcupa.edu
Raekwon Bates serves as the Assistant Director for the Dowdy Multicultural Center. Born and raised in Baltimore, MD, he graduated from Cheyney University, the first HBCU, in 2022. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs (HEPSA). Raekwon is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
Angela Garrett
Administrative Assistant
Email: agarrett@wcupa.edu
Student Staff 2024-2025
Graduate Assistants
Chris Crump (he/him/his)
Graduate Assistant | Email: cc891110@wcupa.edu
MA Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs (HEPSA)
Bachelor of Psychology & Recreation | Cheyney University
Meet Chris, a dedicated and community-oriented individual originally from Philadelphia, PA. He is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., where he channels his passion for service into meaningful action. Outside of his commitment to the community, Chris enjoys playing flag football and immersing himself in a good book. His diverse interests and strong sense of purpose make him a valued member of any team.
Deantae Moultrie (she/her/hers)
Graduate Assistant | Email: DMC_GA1@wcupa.edu
MPH Public Health
Bachelor of Applied Science | Messiah University
Meet Deantae, a lively first year master's student originally from Nassau, Bahamas, with a deep passion for multicultural work. Her love for traveling and writing reflects her curiosity and appreciation for diverse cultures. During her undergraduate years, Deantae was highly active, participating in various campus clubs that fueled her commitment to fostering inclusive communities. Her dedication to promoting multiculturalism continues to inspire her work and relationships today.
Mary Adjoa-Mansa Taale (she/her/hers)
Graduate Assistant | Email: DMC_GA2@wcupa.edu
MA Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs (HEPSA)
Bachelor of Education | University of Cape Coast Ghana
Meet Mary, a dynamic second-year master's student who brings an international perspective
to our team. She is deeply passionate about teamwork and collaboration, always eager
to engage with others and foster a welcoming environment. Mary is dedicated to creating
spaces where students of color feel a true sense of belonging. Her commitment to academic
excellence is reflected in her membership with the Chi Sigma Alpha Honor Society.
When she's not studying or collaborating, Mary loves to cook, sing, and embark on
exciting adventures.
Student Assistants
Angel Flowers (he/him/his)
Special Projects Student Assistant | DMC_BOE@wcupa.edu
3rd year | Physics and Engineering 3+2
Meet Angel, one of our vibrant team members hailing from Reading, PA. When he's not busy mentoring WRT 100 students at the WCU Writing Center, you might find him shooting hoops, hiking scenic trails, or getting lost in his sketchpad. Angel’s passion for creativity doesn’t stop there; he also loves writing, thrifting for unique finds, and constructing intricate Lego designs. A true Spiderman enthusiast, Angel brings a web of enthusiasm and creativity to everything he does. His diverse interests and commitment to mentoring make him an invaluable asset to our team!
Ciani Figueroa (she/her/ella)
Social & Cultural Programming Student Assistant | DMC_SCP@wcupa.edu
3rd year | K-12 Spanish Education
Meet Ciani, an energetic team member from Lancaster City, PA. In her free time, Ciani
immerses herself in a wide range of podcasts, always eager to learn something new
or discover intriguing stories. On campus, she wears multiple hats: as a Resident
Assistant in Goshen Hall, she supports and engages with residents, and as the Programs
Coordinator for the Multicultural Organizations Advisory Board (MOAB), she helps plan
and execute events that celebrate diversity. Ciani’s dedication to both her roles
and her interests makes her a standout contributor to our community!
Kyanna Randolph (she/her/hers)
Social Justice Education Student Assistant | DMC_SJE@wcupa.edu
4th year | Communication Studies
Meet Kyanna, a spunky team member, leader, and dedicated advocate at West Chester University from Northeast Philadelphia. As President of Empowering Communities Around You (ECAY) and Vice President of the Dowdy Multicultural Center’s Multicultural Organization Advisory Board (MOAB), she drives positive change on campus and beyond. With a solid 3.0 GPA in Communications, Kyanna also excels as a career ambassador at the Career Center, guiding peers in resume building and career planning. Her previous work with the Athletics Department and her entrepreneurial venture, Satisfying Lil Sweethearts, showcase her commitment to inclusivity and empowering young women of color. Kyanna's diverse contributions and leadership make her an inspiring member of our team!
Madison Peacock (she/her/hers)
Peer Mentoring Program Advisor | DMC_PMA@wcupa.edu
4th year | Early Grades Preparation: PreK-4 Major, Literacy Minor
Meet Madison, a dedicated and passionate team member from the Poconos, PA. As a mentor for the Ram Initiative, she supports students with intellectual disabilities, fostering an inclusive environment. Madison also serves as the Treasurer of Future Teachers United, where she contributes to shaping the future of education. Her research fellowship, focused on analyzing representations in diverse children's literature, underscores her commitment to equity and education. When she's not immersed in her studies or extracurricular activities, Madison loves reading, baking, and spending quality time with friends. Her blend of academic dedication and personal interests makes her an invaluable part of our team!
Mya Hill (she/her/hers)
MOAB Coordinator | DMC_CPO@wcupa.edu
4th year | Social Work
Meet Mya, a tenacious team member from Southwest Philadelphia who is making waves on campus. As the Vice President of Empowering Communities Around You (ECAY) and the President of the Multicultural Organizations Advisory Board (MOAB), she leads with passion and dedication. Mya also serves as a counselor for Harcum College's Upward Bound Program, where she provides invaluable support to students striving for academic success. In her downtime, Mya loves designing creative flyers, cooking up delicious meals, singing her heart out, and enjoying cherished moments with friends and family. Her blend of leadership, creativity, and community spirit makes her a standout member of our team!
Sayla Raynor (she/her/hers)
Social Media + Outreach Student Assistant | DMC_SMO@wcupa.edu
4th year | Public Health
Meet Sayla, a dedicated and bubbly team member. She serves as the treasurer for the National Council of Negro Women and the secretary for both Empowering Communities Around You and the Multicultural Organization Advisory Board. Her commitment to these roles reflects her passion for fostering community engagement and supporting diverse voices. A native of North Philadelphia, Sayla also enjoys unwinding by listening to music, which adds a harmonious balance to her busy life. Her fun-loving spirit and passion makes her a standout member of our team!