New director aims to raise awareness and visibility at the Intercultural Center

Brandeis Stories

New director aims to raise awareness and visibility at the Intercultural Center

October 28, 2024

Peter Rojas, the new director of the Brandeis Intercultural Center, is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As the meeting place and connection point for diverse students to foster a sense of belonging and engagement on campus, the ICC is an organization Rojas is well positioned to lead.

The first in his family to be born in the United States to immigrant Colombian parents, Rojas grew up in Lowell, Massachusetts. He attended UMass Amherst and UMass Lowell, where he graduated. Later, he earned a master's degree in higher education administration at Florida International University.

After working in Indianapolis and Los Angeles in jobs that supported the Latino and other underrepresented communities, he moved back to Massachusetts about five years ago. Rojas joined Merrimack College, where he eventually became assistant dean of intercultural initiatives.

Rojas sat down with Brandeis Stories to talk about his vision for the ICC.

Why do you do the work that you do?

My passion for this work stems from my college experiences. At UMass Amherst, I struggled with the transition from a familiar high school environment to large college classes. Without someone who shared my background, I felt disconnected from the advice I received. This experience drove me to become someone who students can relate to and trust.

The ICC has a strong legacy at Brandeis, with over 32 years of history. It's inspiring to see the foundation laid by alumni and staff. I aim to elevate our efforts by helping students advance to higher levels of leadership, navigate spaces where they may be in the minority, and find their voice at the table.

What are your goals for the ICC?

My main goals revolve around leadership development, partnering with other student facing offices, and providing guidance beyond event planning. I want the ICC to be a space where students seek advice and share lived experiences. We aim to be relatable, understand the pressures students face, and foster active listening so that advice resonates, whether immediately or years down the line.

Sustainability is key - creating an environment where students feel comfortable with discomfort, encouraging growth, and ensuring that our efforts are lasting.

Are there initiatives you're looking forward to enacting or continuing within the ICC?

I'm focused on maintaining our existing programs, supporting student groups with advocacy, and ensuring successful events. Moving forward, I want to foster collaboration between different identities through joint events and programs, helping students see beyond their individual experiences.

One ongoing initiative is "Roses and Concrete," which pairs Brandeis students with Waltham High School students as mentors. It's crucial to provide guidance for high schoolers considering college, offering insights from those who've recently navigated the process.

"I want the ICC to be a space where students seek advice and share lived experiences."

Peter Rojas

A new program I'm launching is "Be Curious," inspired by Ted Lasso's philosophy of being curious and nonjudgmental. This event series will facilitate deep conversations on topics like politics and religion, encouraging personal growth and challenging participants to think critically.

What else would you like the Brandeis community to know about?

Our focus is on raising awareness and visibility. Conversations about DEI can be challenging, especially when discussing diversity. However, when we emphasize equity, inclusion, and belonging, people are more open to participating. For many, Brandeis is a home away from home, and we aim to create a space that feels safe yet challenging, where everyone can feel a sense of belonging.