The Civil Service Council will feature a Civil Service employee at Illinois State University each month to highlight an exceptional colleague and the outstanding work being done on campus. This month, learn about and applaud Assistant Director of Cultural and Social Justice Programming Yelyse Walls.
What is your position on campus, and how long have you been with the University?
I have been with ISU professionally since 2015, and I am now the assistant director of cultural and social justice programming for the Multicultural Center!
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
I truly feel like I am walking in my purpose. I get to curate programming that is reflective of our students’ intersections while also empowering their belonging on this campus.
What are your hobbies or favorite pastimes?
You can always catch me listening to a podcast or an NPR Tiny Desk Concert, and if I am not yapping, I am napping!
What else would you like others to know about you or your time at ISU?
I am a two-time ISU graduate/CSPA (College Student Personnel Administration) alum and forever Redbird, 14 years and counting. Special shoutout to the departments that I have called home: EMDH (Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality) (11 years) and the Office of Admissions (three years)!
More about Walls from Dr. Monica Overton, associate director at the Multicultural Center:
Yelyse’s approach to community engagement creates a sense of belonging where students, visitors, and families alike feel supported and seen. With her natural creativity and commitment, she has already introduced innovative programming, particularly around pre- and post-election initiatives. Yelyse’s dedication to her work is evident in the thoughtfulness with which she approaches every project, ensuring that participants are not only supported and validated, but also appropriately challenged. She’s a true visionary, consistently balancing creative ideas with the core mission and values of the Multicultural Center. Full of energy, passion, and insight, Yelyse is an invaluable asset to our team, and we’re honored to have her as part of our community.
