MESA & TMC Professional Staff

Nina Grant

Director of Multi–Ethnic Student Affairs and the Trotter Multicultural Center Nina is a native of the Bay Area in California (born in San Francisco and lived in Oakland), and has over 17 years experience working in Multicultural Affairs/Services in Higher Education. Before joining the University of Michigan, Nina served as the Senior Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Serves at the University of Toledo, the Director of Multicultural Programs (in the College of Agriculture) at Iowa State University, and worked at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Multi-Cultural Affairs as an Academic Counselor. She loves working with and on behalf of students, being involved with diversity/social justice education and multicultural programming, and is passionate about Multiracial identity and issues. Nina completed her bachelor's in Human Development and Family Science and her master's in Health Education both from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She has completed all coursework for a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Iowa State University. Email: gnina@umich.edu

Amer Ahmed

Associate Director Amer is an eclectic person who has been influenced and impacted by a number of unique experiences around the world. As a teacher, student, spoken word poet, Hip Hop activist, intercultural diversity consultant and college administrator, he channels his experiences into efforts that focus on addressing issues of diversity and social justice. Amer’s education, experiences and Indian Muslim–American upbringing informs his ability to recognize the need for respect and dignity for all people. Amer also serves as Faculty at the Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication, a member of SpeakOut: Institute for Democratic Leadership and Culture, and Board of Directors member for Hip Hop Congress.  He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Adult and Higher Education from the University of South Dakota.  As the Associate Director of MESA, Amer is passionate about engaging students in order to connect his skills and experiences to their needs on campus and beyond. Email: amahmed@umich.edu

Louise Brooks

Administrative Assistant/Office Manager Louise Brooks has been working in the Office of Multi–Ethnic Student Affairs for more than six years. She loves to work with everyone from different cultures. She and her husband Kevin attend Tree of Life Ministries, where she is a pastor and teacher. They also have an outreach ministry in the community. She is the mother of five and grandmother of two. Her favorite color is pink and favorite cake is German Chocolate. Email: louiseb@umich.edu

Jaimée Marsh

Community Development Program Manager Jaimée is an alum of the University of Michigan School of Social Work who is passionate about social justice and youth empowerment.  She enjoys advising student organizations and individuals who are active on campus, and offers herself as a resource in any capacity that she can to assist others in their journey.  Jaimée is community and family-oriented, and is highly supportive of community building efforts to foster a positive campus "climate".  Jaimée is a Washington State native, and her background in student affairs includes experience in pre-college programming, advocacy for/outreach to students of color, and providing support services for LGBTQ students at the University of Washington in Seattle. She is also a trained facilitator of Intergroup Dialogue, and believes that dialogue provides a foundation for achieving social justice.  Outside of work, Jaimée takes advantage of every opportunity to travel, explore new places, and make connections!  Email: jaimeem@umich.edu

Linh Nguyen

Intercultural Development Program Manager She strongly believes in the transformative work that happens on college campuses within the various departments, colleges, and student organizations, etc., particularly around issues of diversity, inclusion, identity development and social justice. She trusts in the interconnectedness of the human experience that is realized through relationship building and compassion for one another, as the means to social change and breaking down of injustices. She hopes to engage and empower students in the process of learning and development throughout their experience at U of M and beyond. Email: mlinh@umich.edu

Erica D. Williams

Multicultural Development Program Manager Erica is very enthusiastic about working in partnership with students, staff, and faculty in her role as the Multicultural Development Program Manager for MESA. She believes that reaching out directly to individuals and building relationships is the best way to engage in meaningful dialogue around issues of cultural identity, diversity, and social justice. It is her hope that through meaningful interactions, students can enhance their educational experience and build inclusive and respectful campus communities. Erica looks forward to being an active resource for students as they embark upon their personal journeys here at the University of Michigan. Outside of work, Erica enjoys serving her community through her nonprofit organization, traveling to new places, exploring creativity through writing and art, and spending quality time with her family and friends. Email: ericadw@umich.edu

Edward A. Burnett

Facilities Director of the William Monroe Trotter Multicultural Center A graduate of Concordia University and WCC, Edward has been employed by the University for more than 23 years, and the Facilities Director for a little over thirteen years. As the facilities Director he hopes to broaden the student’s perspective and experience of Multi Culturalism and diversity by hosting several Multicultural and educational programs in the Center. He has increased the utilization of the Center since taking over in 1994 by overseeing an extensive renovation in 2005 and marketing to a much broader community base and Washtenaw county. Family and religion are the two most important things in his life, spending time and traveling with his life long partner and wife Terrie and their two beautiful daughters Terrlyn and Tamera. He loves to live life to the fullest and to live by these three mottos: My people, my people, my people
Email: eburnett@umich.edu

Jessica Thompson

Event/Project Coordinator A graduate of Michigan State University, Jessica earned her B.A. in Communications Arts & Sciences. She worked for the University of Michigan Health System before she started with the Trotter Multicultural Center in January 2010. In her new position, she assists with program scheduling and planning for student organizations, departments and community members. She lives with her husband Rudy and their two children Rudy Armon and Aysa McKinzi. She enjoys event production and promotion, business startup, traveling, and most of all spending time with family & friends! Jessica looks forward to continuing her career with the University of Michigan and becoming more involved with the multicultural initiatives taking place on campus. Email: jesthoma@umich.edu