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Mental Health On the Margins
How BU Can Better Support the Mental Health of
Black Students
Ina Joseph | Kilachand Honors College | Spring 2020
My name is Mara Ina Joseph.
Simply put, I am a young, Black woman determined to do it all.
I defined my adolescence by practicing relentless determination. I wanted to defy the odds and prove that a Black girl could do it all and then some: I could create and direct a play for Queer women & women-identifying folks of color to share their narratives. I could lead one of the top collegiate dance teams in New England. I could run a radio show and write for student publications, all while working multiple jobs and excelling in Boston University's honors program. I could graduate with honors and move on to build a career in communications during a global pandemic - advocating for inclusive and forward-thinking work in both account and project management capabilities in the marketing field - while still engaging in the artistic communities that bring me joy.
I could do it all, I did, and I continue to do so.
Oh, and you can call me Ina.
What have you been up to, Ina?
 Returning to my love of audio storytelling & editing with a professional (& personal) highlight reel, created for my nomination for the ADCOLOR Rising Star award. |  Exploring Paris while meeting global colleagues and expanding my industry insights on a global scale via Publicis Groupe's "Work Your World" program (and sharing my experiences & learnings with colleagues back home!) |  Becoming a Boston lead for Digitas' Black employee & ally resource group, Onyx, and taking other opportunities to create community and liven the culture at Digitas' Boston office (such as partaking in panels for prospective employees, planning office events, and curating Onyx events & newsletters), |  Speaking at Jefferson Township's Peaceful Teach-In about my experiences as a black woman living in a predominately white community. |
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 Collaborating with BU administrators to improve mental health services for Black students. |  Participating as an alumni panelist on BU's Collective Day of Engagement on Racism and Antiracism. |  Graduating Cum Laude in the midst of a global pandemic. |  Sharing my artistry through dance and movement. |
 Working on my mobile photography with a gallery dedicated to my last semester at Boston University. |
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