Meet the Staff

Sessie Agbley (he/him/his)
Coordinator, Center for Community Service
sessie.agbley@marquette.edu
(414) 288-2122

Hometown: West Africa

Interesting Fact: Pro-Hunter for Africana Memorabilia… Very few will get the reference. I guess that makes this an interesting fact.

Why I serve: We need to see people and communities as sites of investments and love. Those closest to the issues are those who have the solutions. I serve to remind myself and those around me that we must compassionately engage with our communities rather than standing in awe of the injustices and conditions faced. Serving allows us to recognize the resilience of our communities; however, it urges us to change the policies affecting our communities rather than the people. 

Kat Becker (she/her/hers)
Coordinator for Community Partnerships

Hometown: St. Paul, MN 
Why I serve: Service is one of several ways we can intentionally engage in the process of unlearning. I serve to disrupt the perpetuation of unjust narratives and foster accountability among those who hold privileged identities. Service pushes us to recognize the fullness of our communities through an asset-based lens.

Favorite thing about Milwaukee: The character and culture of its many neighborhoods.

Ask me about: AmeriCorps, facilitating social justice reflections, and book recommendations!

Chinenye Mercy Egbuikwem (she/her/hers)
Graduate Assistant for Community Service
M.Ed in Education Policy and Leadership

Hometown: Nigeria, West Africa

Interesting Fact: I love when someone gifts me a writing pen.

Why I serve: I serve because I feel good SERVING! I believe through service, I am/will be able to touch lives, as well as impact in my community. Service is another way to give back to my world and that always reminds me on the need to keep serving. Through service I learn, grow and benefit from the outcome in the long run. 

Favorite thing about Milwaukee: New to the city, I'm excited to learn about Milwaukee's culture.

Ask me about: Marquette Volunteer Corps (MVC)

Mia Gleason (she/her/hers)
Program Assistant, Center for Community Service
Senior, Elementary Education and Psychology

Hometown: Frankfort, IL

Interesting Fact: My family is South Side Irish

Why I serve: I serve to learn about and be part of the community around me. We are surrounded by beauty and amazing connections that we cannot foster and form unless we serve the community. I continue to serve at Marquette in Milwaukee because I have loved the experiences I have had and cannot wait to make more relationships and bonds with the Milwaukee community beyond Marquette. 

Favorite thing about Milwaukee: It's not too big but not too small, has great company and great food.

Ask me about: My take on Star Wars sequels, or anything 414 Fellows.

Eliza Warner (she/her/hers)
Program Assistant, Center for Community Service
Senior, Social Welfare and Justice

Hometown: Akron, Ohio

Interesting Fact: I've never had Doritos.

Why I serve: I serve because I was born into a lot of privilege and I want to use that to better the lives of those with less privileges. Service is a great way to learn more about the people and places around you who have much different stories and backgrounds. Intersectionality is the most important part of social justice. I believe the best way to make your advocacy more intersectional is to diversify the people you surround yourself with and always continue to educate yourself on new or unfamiliar issues. Service/allyship/justice work is never-ending!

Favorite thing about Milwaukee: Trying different types of food from local restaurants.

Ask me about: Being a Social Welfare & Justice major, thrifting, my tattoos

Veronika Durek (she/her/hers)
Program Assistant, Center for Community Service
Senior

Hometown: Mount Prospect, IL

Interesting Fact: My favorite animal is a llama!

Why I serve: I believe that an effective way to make change is to work directly with the community and I am able to do that with serving. I serve because I know that I am then able to help empower the community and fight against injustices that the world encounters. As you get involved with the community you develop connections and have a better understanding of the things going on around you which can help you build a stronger community. 

Favorite thing about Milwaukee: My favorite thing about Milwaukee is the lakefront! Taking walks down there is super pretty and calming!

Ask me about: Ask me about any upcoming events at CCS or how you can get more involved!