Meet the CUEs

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Why did you want to become a CUE?

I wanted to be a CUE because I knew what it felt like to have one who truly cared and showed up for their community. A CUE my freshman year made me feel seen and supported, and that really stuck with me. I wanted to do the same creating a space where residents feel safe, valued, and like they actually belong.

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

I believe the CUE Program is vital to IU because it enables our community to celebrate our differences and embrace the idea that diversity/sense of belonging are a strength. This program encourages individuals to be their authentic selves, imperfections and all, because, ultimately, we are all human, shaped by unique life experiences that have made us who we are today.

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: Greenwood, IN

Why did you want to become a CUE?

I am always looking for an opportunity to grow as an individual, and I believe being a CUE is a fantastic way for me to help educate not only others, but myself on topics such as diversity and inclusion. CUEs have an opportunity to make meaningful impacts on the lives of students and the broader campus community and I aspire to be a part of creating inclusive and welcoming living environments, while also learning from the experiences and perspectives of others.

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

In today's society, where diversity and inclusion are becoming increasingly important, it is crucial that individuals are knowledgeable and sensitive to the needs of diverse communities. This includes understanding different cultures, experiences, and perspectives, and being able to effectively communicate and interact with people from diverse backgrounds. The CUE program is necessary as it serves to push past social boundaries and help others connect with each other regardless of their identities.

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Why did you want to become a CUE?

Being a CUE allows me to educate others on pressing issues in our world while also celebrating the diversity we have here on campus.

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

In addition to educating the IU student body on significant issues facing our society, the CUE Program also promotes a safe space on campus for all individuals, regardless of identities or backgrounds, to be themselves. Overall, the CUE Program is an empowering initiative at IU that helps build a more accepting and equitable world by touching one student at a time.

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: Richmond, IN

Why did you want to become a CUE?

I want to be a CUE to have a direct and positive impact on the people around me. I believe that strong and connected communities are the most likely to succeed, so it is my goal to help build a community that enhances IU.

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

I think it is important to have a CUE in campus housing locations in order to help bridge any gaps that may separate residents from one another.By bridging these gaps everyone will have the opportunity to grow and feel more connected as a stronger and more educated community.

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Why did you want to become a CUE?

I became interested in being a CUE through a friend and realized it was the perfect way to get involved on campus. I wanted to create real connections and inclusive communities where everyone feels valued, fostering growth and understanding that benefits both individuals and the broader campus culture.

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

The CUE Program is important for IU because it promotes understanding and inclusivity at a primarily white institution. It fosters safe spaces for varying identities, promotes meaningful conversation, and supports minority students by promoting social justice and equity within the residential experience.

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: Westfield, IN

Why did you want to become a CUE?

I wanted to be a CUE to utilize my experiences as a marginalized student to help other marginalized students have a good experience here at IU. I also believe that learning about those different from you is incredibly valuable at an individual level and for communities in general, and so I wanted to help facilitate that. At the same time, I want to continue to learn from those who I work with!

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

I believe the CUE Program is important for IU because it reaches out to students who have been left behind by other parts of society. It gives students a place to go for help and support for things that not every student might be dealing with or that may disproportionately affect them. It also benefits the entire student body by facilitating a strong sense of community, something essential for everyone.

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: Fishers, IN

Why did you want to become a CUE?

I wanted to be a CUE because I believe education about politics and government is critical to making all of us better as a community.

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

The CUE Program is important for IU because it helps cultivate events and education about our different lives experiences, while also bringing us together as one school.

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Why did you want to become a CUE?

I wanted to be a CUE to serve as a direct resource to students. I want to help students find their voices and support them if they feel lost. Moving into college can be daunting so I want to create a positive impact on students where they can have an encouraging environment.

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

The CUE program is important to IU because it aids students through their transition to college and is a space that encourages respect for everyone. It celebrates differences and opens doors to different identities and cultures that students might have not been exposed to. The program brings people together and makes residents feel connected to their values and others.

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Why did you want to become a CUE?

Since childhood, I have had strong passions for people and servitude. As a CUE, I am able to both learn from IU’s diverse student body and create spaces for cultural celebration, growth, and DEI education.

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

The CUE Program is essential in the critical development of students to broaden their cultural worldview. Through this program, we strive to empower students to increase their cultural competence and sensitivity, encouraging an atmosphere of honor and respect.

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: Portage, IN

Why did you want to become a CUE?

As a minority at IU, I feel it is important to highlight and utilize resources that are available to advocate for minorities voices and needs. The CUE position allows me to relate to and guide residents through their journey at Indiana University, while also exploring and educating about important social justice issues. The CUE role embodies such important messages and ensures the comfortability of every student on campus regardless of our differences. Bringing awareness to heavy topics and being the voice for under-represented students is an issue that I am deeply passionate about and believe is crucial in order to build positive communities. My goal as a CommUNITY Educator is to create a community where students' identities are not only respected but celebrated.

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

The CUE Program is such an essential aspect here at IU because it advocates for inclusivity and ensures the comfort of its students, while also educating them on racial bias and misunderstanding. Through this program, students learn about various cultures, traditions, and become aware of all the diversity seen on campus. We as a school represent such a diverse population with students from all over the world, and this program is an invaluable resource for making sure everyone feels included, respected, and at home. The CUEs aims to educate students to learn more about other people, their cultures, and how to respect each other. This program executes these goals by not only offering safe communities for its students, but also a nonjudgmental atmosphere. It is in these spaces that CUEs aim to protect and foster students to explore other identities and cultures as well as tune into and express their own.

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: Fort Collins, CO

Why did you want to become a CUE?

To be a warm and welcoming presence to incoming first years, and make sure they feel enlightened and educated after coming to events or seeing our boards.

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

The CUE program is necessary because as residents come in, it's crucial to have a community and that sense of belonging. I loved my time at my dorm with my CUEs, so I want to return that favor and play a role in these amazing communities!

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: Whitestown, IN

Why did you want to become a CUE?

I wanted to be a CUE because I believe in the power of education as a mechanism for social change. The CUE program was an incredible opportunity to broaden my own understanding of social justice and diversity issues while also educating others to create a more inclusive and accommodating community here on campus.

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

The CUE program is important for IU due to the sheer size and reach of our university. We all come from such a diverse array of places—IU has representation from coast to coast and all corners of the world. Providing education to allow us to understand each other on a more authentic and human level is why the CUE program is so important.

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: Avon, IN

Why did you want to become a CUE?

I wanted to be a CUE because I really care about creating a space where people feel comfortable, supported, and included. This role gives me a chance to connect with others, build real community, and help bring more awareness around identity and equity. I want to be part of the everyday moments that make our campus feel more welcoming and meaningful for everyone.

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

I think the CUE Program is important for IU because it helps create a stronger sense of community, especially for students who might feel overlooked or disconnected. It gives people a space to talk about identity, culture, and lived experiences in a real way. Programs like this remind us that college is not just about academics. It is about growing as people and learning how to support one another.

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: Whitestown, IN

Why did you want to become a CUE?

I wanted to be a CUE because I love the idea of educating students about things such as community and diversity that they may have not known about in their day to day life.

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

I think it’s really important because the CUE program showcases what makes people different. Especially in college, it’s important to meet new people and understand that everyone is different.

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: Nandura, India

Why did you want to become a CUE?

Moving from a place with such little diversity to such a vibrant and diverse environment has made me realize just how important diversity is in a person’s life. It can significantly impact one’s personal and professional growth, as it has in my own life. I want to become a CommUNITY Educator because I hope to give incoming students the same welcoming and accepting experience that I received.

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

I think the CUE Program is important because it helps people not just understand but also respect their peers and gain insight into the lives of others who have different experiences. As an international student, I didn’t know much about the culture here, but I was lucky to find the right people who helped me learn and respect others.

I want everyone to feel safe and respected, whether it's about their gender identity, ethnicity, or other personal things. Since there will be people from different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities, I think it’s important for everyone in my residence to be aware of these things including the things they disagree about to avoid hurting anyone’s feelings, whether knowingly or unknowingly.

I know many people might come from backgrounds where they aren’t exposed to these topics, so it’s better to educate them first and show them how to treat everyone with respect. This Program will help create a great environment around them.

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: Taipei, Taiwan

Why did you want to become a CUE?

I want to be a CUE because I am deeply committed to inclusion, diversity, and equity. This role would give me the opportunity to explore social justice topics through in-depth research and share what I learn with the IU community. By helping others engage with these important issues, I hope to contribute to a more informed and inclusive campus environment.

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

The CUE program is important for IU because it raises awareness about a wide range of social justice topics. While not all issues may directly affect every student, understanding them can foster empathy and support for peers who are impacted. By educating students on these topics, the CUE program serves as a bridge that connects individuals and helps build a more inclusive and understanding community.

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: Princeton, NJ

Why did you want to become a CUE?

I want to be a Community Educator at IUB because I’m eager to connect with peers in the dorms, build real relationships, and support students through shared experiences. This role lets me grow as a leader and communicator, creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels seen and supported.

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

The CUE program is important to IUB because it builds strong, supportive communities in the residence halls. By connecting students through peer-led education and open conversations, it promotes understanding, belonging, and well-being. CUEs help create a welcoming environment where students can grow socially and emotionally during their time on campus.

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: Greenwood, IN

Why did you want to become a CUE?

Becoming a CUE felt like an amazing opportunity for me to be able to contribute to the community at IU by helping others feel welcomed and supported. College is full of new experiences, and it’s important to have spaces where every person feels like they belong. This role gives the chance to not only connect with others but also become engaged in conversations about inclusion and diversity. It's about making sure we all can learn from each other, feel heard, and work together towards creating a positive and empowering environment.

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

The CUE program is important because it helps promote a space where all students can come together, no matter their background or experiences. With a diverse campus like IU, it’s crucial that everyone feels seen and has a chance to be heard. CUEs play a big part in opening the door for conversations that explore topics like diversity and inclusion in meaningful and reflective ways. The CUE program creates an environment where everyone is encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and learn from each other.

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: Fishers, IN

Why did you want to become a CUE?

I wanted to be a CUE because I wanted to play a role in students transition to IU and encourage education among residents. As a first-generation student, I recognized the value in finding a community and feeling welcomed especially in a huge university. My goal is to connect my residents to opportunities and act as bridge to them finding their own communities on campus. I hope to inform residents and bring awareness of important topics to students. I believe it is important to always seek education and I hope to motivate students and support students in their college years.

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

I believe the CUE program is critical in building a safe and welcoming student environment on campus. With IU being a huge university, students come from all different backgrounds, therefore the CUE program acts as a way to bridge and connect students from different background through education and awareness. It allows students to be heard and their cultures to be appreciated and understood which is vital in pushing students to graduate.

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Why did you want to become a CUE?

I wanted to be a CommUNITY Educator because the program seeks to advocate for residents of all backgrounds as a voice for under served and under represented social issues. The emphasis on promoting and understanding social justice in a fluid environment makes this program unique.

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

The CUE program is important for the university because it cares for the livelihood of campus residents. From the ground up of campus life, the CUE program is directly engaged with supporting students of all backgrounds. The program hopes to prepare them for potential experiences beyond college; including but not limited to stress management, first time voting, etc.

• Role: CommUNITY Educator
• Hometown: Fishers, IN

Why did you want to become a CUE?

Two years ago, I was inspired to become a CommUNITY Educator because of the amazing CUE from my previous residence hall, Nikki. I'm very excited to continue in this role for my last year—I'm dedicated to engaging in civil and constructive dialogue with all my residents, and facilitating educational events that are fun and engaging!

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

The CUE program is extremely important for college students and IU as a whole because we are a resource for all students to give them space to grow and learn about each other. Finding ways to help marginalized students who may find difficulties feeling like they belong on campus feels great. Bringing awareness and education to students who may not be marginalized helps IU's campus feel more united and understanding of the struggles other students feel from society.

• Role: Program Director
• Hometown: Toledo, OH

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

The CUE Program is important for IU because it has the potential to improve the overall campus climate and community at large. Most residents are first year students, so the CUEs have a unique opportunity to instill the values of community and mutual respect as soon as they arrive on campus. The program also provides opportunities for collaboration and creativity in educational programming.

• Role: Assistant Coordinator for Community Education
• Hometown: Centerville, IN

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

I am so grateful for the opportunity to be involved in the CUE program! I was drawn to this role because I value community, building relationships, and constantly learning and growing alongside others. Being part of this program allows me to not only give back, but to create a supportive environment where everyone can feel safe to thrive.

I believe that everyone brings a valuable perspective to the table. Therefore it is important to have spaces where each student not only feels heard, but is truly known, appreciated, and is able to feel safe while they take steps towards their future.

• Role: Assistant Coordinator for Community Education
• Hometown: Webb City, MO

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

I am passionate about educating people and I love talking about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging!

It is an amazing opportunity for students to learn from their peers! At a large university it can be difficult to feel connected and find learning opportunities that feel personal, but CUEs aim to fill this gap. It offers a space for the CUEs and other students to have conversations about identity development and social justice topics and celebrate their differences!

• Role: Assistant Coordinator for Community Education
• Hometown: Detroit, MI

Why do you think the CUE program is important for IU?

The CUE program is important for IU because it allows students to learn about diverse populations and expand their cultural competency. It is also important for minoritized students to have a space in the residence hall to feel represented and be heard.