Jasmine Cofield, Central Michigan University

Jasmine is a tremendous leader and advocate who has directed and participated in several projects and initiatives to educate and improve the campus, local, and global community. Jasmine began her college career while in high school, earning three associate degrees before joining us at Central Michigan University. Some of Jasmine’s campus involvements include being a part of the Alternative Breaks and Service Ambassadors programs through the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center, the Global Brigades Program, GEAR UP and Pathways to Academic Success through Multicultural Academic Student Services, the Pre-Physician Assistant Club, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Conversation Partners, and Troutman Hall Council. Her domestic and international endeavors shine through with her dedication to the Alternative Breaks and Global Brigades programs where she has been on multiple trips addressing issues focused on HIV/AIDS, natural disaster relief, and patient care in rural communities. Additionally, Jasmine is dedicated to tutoring and developing her peers and youth at risk through multiple programs at CMU and other organizations. Jasmine’s leadership and advocacy has had a remarkable impact on the community and she will continue to inspire, motivate, and encourage others to be civically engaged in her future endeavors.
-George Ross, President

Through my commitment to the community, I have become a part of many organizations that I attribute to making me the strong leader I am today. I have been able to advocate and serve for the many social issues I am passionate about through the many programs the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center offers. The Service Ambassadors and Alternative Breaks programs have allowed me to work towards my passion for inclusiveness, diversity, and community development through strong, direct service. I’ve upgraded homes affected my Hurricane Katrina in Biloxi, MS, helped restore facilities dedicated to housing families affected my HIV/AIDS in Atlanta, Georgia, and will be able to travel to Honduras to volunteer in clinical rotations for its rural communities. In addition to that, I’ve volunteered for over eight non-profits in Isabella County and intend on traveling to South Dakota to serve for Native American Experiences social issue. I believe that a strong leader not only sets the example, but also has the ability to help and inspire others to recognize and reach their full potential as well. Through my volunteer work for MI GEARUP/Pathways program, I’ve mentored and tutored high school students in hopes to increase the number of first-generation and low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post secondary education.
-Jasmine Cofield