Tashana Wilkins

Tashawna is a senior from Knightdale, North Carolina. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a concentration in Social Problems and Policy and an early-entry Master of Public Administration degree. She earned Chancellor’s List in all of her previous semesters. She has worked with the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture as a part of their public programs team. Through this work, she has served the Charlotte community by planning programs that bring art to the children and families of Charlotte. As a Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 OUR scholar, she researched the impact of arts participation on the future outlook of youth of color; she is continuing this research as part of her honors thesis. 

 What are you working on as part of your research assistantship? 

As a part of my research assistantship, I am conducting an honors research thesis that explores the impact of arts programs on the future outlook of youth of color. I am also a member of the Opportunity Fund research team where I focus on youth arts programs by connecting with organizations, like the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture and Opportunity Fund grantees, like Lorien Arts at their after-school clubs. 

Why do you think its important to connect heritage and the arts to communities?

I believe it is important to connect heritage and the arts to communities to amplify the voices of marginalized groups and break down generational barriers. 

What are you studying?

I am studying sociology for my undergraduate degree with a concentration in social problems and policy. I am also an early-entry master of public administration student.

What kind of career do you hope to have?

I hope to have a career conducting social science research for a non-profit organization. 

When you are not in class, studying, or working, what do you like to do for fun?

When I’m not in class, studying, or working, I love to workout and spend time with my friends