Alesondra (Alex) Christmas is a second-year doctoral student in the Department of Dance. She graduated with honors from Central Michigan University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Theater with minors in Dance and Advertising and a certificate in Cultural Competency. Previously, Alex has performed in the University Theater Dance Company and Hue Productions. Alex continues to promote diversity and inclusion throughout the department and university through various student organizations and as a graduate assistant for Leadership Initiatives for Women of Color through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Alex enjoys collaborating with her colleagues and creating work for the stage and community in addition to pursuing research centering on Black women in concert dance and their experiences navigating higher education. Her research focuses on Racial Battle Fatigue of Black women studying dance at predominantly White institutions. Alex has an interest in privileging on the stories of Black women in higher education and dance at large. Through her academic and service Alex seeks to provide space for Black women and Black dancers on college campuses.