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Aya Waller-Bey
University Innovation Fellow
Aya Waller-Bey is a prominent scholar and advocate in the field of sociology, currently serving as a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Michigan. Her academic focus centers on trauma narratives in college admissions essays, particularly examining how Black students navigate racialized expectations to share their experiences of trauma.12
Educational Background
- Ph.D. Candidate in Sociology: University of Michigan (2018 - Present)
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Education: University of Cambridge (2015 - 2016)
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology: Georgetown University, Cum Laude (2010 - 2014)
Waller-Bey's educational journey includes prestigious accolades such as the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, which she received for her MPhil studies, and fellowships from the Ford Foundation and the American Sociological Association.12
Professional Experience
Before pursuing her doctoral studies, Waller-Bey worked as an admissions officer and coordinator of multicultural recruitment at Georgetown University, where she gained insights into the systemic inequalities present in higher education.12 She has also held roles such as:
- Graduate Summer Intern at The Kresge Foundation
- Aspects of Leadership Facilitator at Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America
- University Innovation Fellow at Arizona State University
Her professional work reflects a commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion within educational institutions.12
Contributions and Advocacy
Waller-Bey is recognized for her writings on equity and anti-racism in higher education, contributing op-eds to major publications like Forbes and The Atlantic. She has also been featured in discussions about her research across various platforms, including TEDxDetroit and SXSW Education.12
In addition to her academic pursuits, she actively engages with community initiatives, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and advocacy for marginalized voices. Her efforts include organizing voter registration events and fundraising for local non-profits.23
Personal Background
A proud native of Detroit, Waller-Bey's experiences growing up in a culturally rich environment have significantly influenced her activism and scholarly work. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.12
Aya Waller-Bey's work continues to challenge institutional practices in higher education, advocating for more equitable treatment and representation of minoritized groups within academic narratives.
