Longtime director of multicultural affairs is saying good-bye after 40 years.
Naomi White-Inniss, director of of multicultural affairs at American International College. After more than 40 years of mentoring students at American International College, Naomi White-Inniss is closing the door to the office of multi-cultural affairs that she developed and retiring this summer. White-Inniss has been a positive force on the AIC campus and the community since her arrival in 1971, according to a release from the college
In her role as director of multicultural affairs, White-Inniss has been the driving force behind the student organization, P.R.I.D.E. (Persons Ready in Defense of Ebony), and is involved in many campus and community events, including the annual children’s Halloween Party, International Women’s Day Conference and the annual Fashion and Talent Show.
In her office on the second floor of the Schwartz Campus Center, White-Inniss houses 40 years of memories and she wonders how she is going to pack it all to bring to her Springfield home.
A pink couch and chair welcome visitors—and there are many. Shelves are filled with books, dolls, stuffed animals, tchotchkes and gifts from around the world, a candy jar, and much more.
One wall is lined with awards, including the Alexander Mapp Black Achievement Award in 1990, Eyes on the Prize in 1992, and National Young Scholars Program 25 years of service award, to name a few.
Inniss-White is a particular favorite among students, known for her compassionate understanding, commitment to diversity, and of course her famous ‘Ma White’s Macaroni and Cheese,’ which she often brings to campus.
Known affectionately by students as ‘Ma White,’ she has been recognized by many official groups and organizations, it is her relationships with students that she holds most dear. They trust her and instinctively turn to her when they need a push, or just a quiet listener.
“What we have up here is an open door policy for students,” she said, referring to the Student Affairs Office.
“It’s about making students feel comfortable… making sure they know that they’ll be received well and not be judged. I’ve had students come in really upset, sobbing, and we don’t know what’s going on. Until you get to what that is, they need to get to a comfortable place.
“Sometimes a student will come in and not say anything, just sit quietly—and that’s okay. Helping students through their journey here is what we do. It is a journey. Watching them develop is an amazing thing, really,” she said.
Students like Jasmine Worrell, who graduated in May with a communications degree, said White-Inniss kept her grounded and made her feel loved, right from their first meeting.
“When I first meet Ma White on my tour of AIC as a senior in high school, she spoke to me as if she watched me grow up. She is always that smiling face with plenty of love and advice,” Worrell said.
“Ma enlisted me to be the photographer for the Multicultural Office on campus and [she gave me] the opportunity to be a part of so many events with her, I saw how many people really do love her presence and influence.I can’t imagine what this campus will be like without [her],” she added.
Why is White-Inniss so loved? Worrell articulates the answer.
“Ma White is so popular with so many students of different backgrounds because she is so caring and welcoming,” Worrell said in the college release.
She also coordinates the Partners Program, a partnership between AIC and the Rebecca Johnson elementary school.
For the past 10 years, AIC students have partnered with an elementary school student one day a week for three hours to work on academic achievement, visit the college and share meals together elementary schools.
In her role as educator, White-Inniss visits schools and organizations with her vast collection of ethnic dolls to conduct workshops on diversity.
She has brought her diversity message to such organizations as MassMutual, Community Enterprises, Springfield Public Schools, and the Pioneer Valley Girl Scouts to name just a few.
She also visits schools and businesses to conduct Kwanzaa celebrations each December.
For 10 years, she hosted the popular television show “Heritage Corner,“ a program featuring black leaders, African traditions and history, with special emphasis on the youngsters in the community.
A native of New York city, White-Inniss attended Hunter College, where she studied dance. She has choreographed various AIC musical and choral productions has offered modern jazz and dance programs at several area community centers and dance studios.
This spring, she was one of the area women profiled in The Republican's International Women's Day section.