Shadayvia M. Wallace is a dedicated leader in higher education with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. She holds a Master of Science in Higher Postsecondary Education from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/History, with a minor in Communication Studies, from Keuka College. Currently serving as the Associate Director of the BIPOC Unity Center and Program Director of MLK Scholars & First Generation Programs at Ithaca College, Shadayvia is committed to fostering student success, particularly for underrepresented communities.
In her current role, she leads the development of initiatives that amplify the voices and experiences of marginalized students, including the execution of National First Generation Week programming and assisting with the execution of Heritage Month events. Shadayvia is presently focused on enhancing support structures for first-generation and BIPOC students, cultivating alumni and community outreach, and guiding the strategic reorganization of the BIPOC Unity Center. She also plays a pivotal role in leadership development, guiding student groups like the Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Alpha, Alpha, Alpha First-Generation Honor Society, and Sister2Sister, a women of color organization.
Her extensive experience includes organizing campus-wide initiatives such as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Week as well as key elements of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship's annual Civil Rights Tour, as well as supervising staff and student leaders. Shadayvia is passionate about creating inclusive spaces, mentoring first-generation students, and empowering women of color through leadership programs.
Outside of Ithaca College, Shadayvia is actively involved with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Kappa Xi Zeta Chapter (Syracuse, NY). She has served as the Chapter Advisor for the Xi Phi Chapter at Cornell University and as Public Relations Chair for the Kappa Xi Zeta Chapter. She was honored as "Zeta of the Year" in 2021 for her contributions to the sorority. Additionally, she serves on the Keuka College Alumni Executive Council, where she engages with the Future Alumni Programming Committee and leads initiatives like the Alumni of Color Virtual Social Hour. In recognition of her accomplishments, Shadayvia is being awarded the GOLD (Graduate of the Last Decade) award from Keuka College.
With a deep dedication to inclusive excellence, she continues to inspire change and elevate diverse voices within academic institutions and beyond.
If you would like to stay connected with Shadayvia feel free to do so on LinkedIn.