Joining Bard from Española, New Mexico, by way of SUNY New Paltz, Jessica Purcell is the new director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion. Jessica has committed the last 15 years of her career to supporting historically underrepresented individuals pursuing their academic goals through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at SUNY New Paltz. In her work, she strives to empower others and remind people they are seen, heard, and valuable. She is tireless in reinforcing the idea that each of us is inherently strong and integral to the positive growth and health of the future, which we contribute to with our actions and words. Jessica advises with a student-centered approach and has worked to bring the whole campus community and all its resources together to that end.
Jessica Purcell
Trained as a mental health counselor, Jessica specialized in family systems and disaster mental health and served as an adjunct professor teaching crisis intervention and multicultural counseling. She has frequently trained students and professionals in risk and suicide assessment, always making sure the humanity and dignity of the student is the priority. She has also contributed to and presented on the development of PILLARS (Providing Insight for Learning, Living, Achieving, and Recognizing my Strengths), the multifaceted rubrics used by EOP at New Paltz to support student growth personally, academically, and professionally.
Jessica believes passionately in the transformative power of education and the necessity of providing access and opportunities to those who are not traditionally given the privilege and power that higher education can afford.
Kelsey (she/they) is a Queer Latina from Long Island who currently lives in Highland, New York, with her three cats, two Guinea pigs, and dynamic partner! She believes in community belonging, all while strengthening students’ self-authorship. She is passionate about supporting students in holistic and intersectional ways and increasing retention for students of diverse backgrounds. Kelsey holds a bachelors in global studies and a master of science in education in student development from Alfred University. Kelsey has previously served in higher education roles at Alfred University, SUNY Geneseo, Muhlenberg College, Mount Saint Mary College, and most recently at Marymount Manhattan College.
Kelsey Oliveira
At Marymount she served as the inaugural assistant director of the Intercultural Center, where she was responsible for working with the IC team to deepen the development and implementation of equity, diversity, and inclusion programming, trainings, and workshops for the community, particularly educating about the experiences of and supporting those from underrepresented and marginalized identities. In addition, she has participated in the NASPA Graduate Associate Program (GAP), and as an active member of the Northeast Association of College & University Housing Officers (NEACUHO). In her free time she loves to spend time with her cats and partner, she loves to paint, travel, and is an avid game board collector!
Daniella Mingo was born and raised in Georgetown, Guyana, and moved to Atlanta during high school. She arrived at Bard via the Posse Leadership Scholarship. She has a background in residence life, civic engagement, and mentorship. She graduated with a bachelors in sociology and has found great passion for mentorship and investment in youth development during her time here. She has been working with the OEI office since her first year at Bard where she has held roles as an office assistant, building manager, peer mentor, and eventually peer mentor liaison. She has a deep desire to continue the work of equity and inclusion via mentorship and leadership development.
Daniella Mingo ’21
She is excited to bring her passion for the POC community, for education and access as she continues to work in the office. Daniella shares with students that in her experience at Bard, she was able to make it her home and create several opportunities for networking at Bard and beyond. In her role as academic advisor, she works to build a strong Posse community and support all OEI scholars and community members in making Bard a stepping stone to success.