This month’s member spotlight is a feature on Wubet Jean-Baptiste (she/her), President of the African Student Association (ASA) at the University of Vermont! From Scarsdale, New York, Wubet is pursuing a major in English with a minor in Art and Public Communication and is set to graduate in 2026!
VT PoC was also fortunate to have Wubet join us as our Summer 2025 Intern.
Tell us a bit about your background before coming to college in Vermont. What brought you here to study?
Before coming to Vermont I was still doing a lot of the things I do now. I was involved in my high school’s ceramics club, the black and latinx club, speech and debate, and the gardening club. What brought me to Vermont was a suggestion from my advisor to look into UVM. I realized that a lot of my interests and beliefs aligned with the school and decided to apply.
How did you get involved in student leadership, clubs, or other campus organizations?
I am involved in the African Student Association as a President. I am a member of Black Student Union, and also People of Color in the Outdoors. I got involved in student leadership by going to the Mosaic center and just meeting different people. My freshman year I met the African Student Association President and she asked me if I was interested in joining the e-board, I said yes and was trained as a leadership assistant. Then my Sophomore year in college I became President. I think the best way to get involved is by showing up and by being curious. This year I am one of the Mosaic Centers community liaisons, I go to events and meetings and act as point person if anyone needs help or an extra hand.
Why did you choose to engage with VT PoC as an undergraduate student?
I choose to engage with VT PoC becuase I believe community and belonging is so important especially as someone who is away from home. As an undergraduate student it can feel scary and disorienting to go from your home state to a new state where you know no one. One of the ways I mitigated my feelings of loneliness was by finding and strengthening community, and finding that home away from home. I think VT PoC is an organization that really fosters community and makes every member feel welcomed and valued.
What aspects of life in Vermont, on or off campus, do you find most rewarding? What about your student leadership experiences stands out to you?
One aspect of on campus life that I find rewarding is my job. I work at the exam proctoring center. Oftentimes taking an exam can be an overwhelming and stressful moment and people’s lives, but I try my best to alleviate any stress. In terms of off campus life I would say meal prepping is one of the most rewarding things I do. Making all my food for the week I feel set and have a clear mind to go to work and also classes. I think for me the student leadership experience that stands out is being African Student Associations president for three years going. As a president of a club you face triumphant challenges. However, since I’ve been president for three years I’ve had a very clear evolution, I’ve learned so much and gotten to apply my knowledge to subsequent events and meetings.
Looking back, what advice would you have appreciated receiving about being a BIPOC student in Vermont before arriving?
One piece of advice I would have appreciated is someone explaining to me the difference between Vermont cold and everywhere else cold. As a New Yorker I thought I understood winters, however Vermont Winters are a different kind. I also would have wanted someone to tell me about how everything closes fairly early, as someone who is used to things being open into the a.m.’s or even 24/7 stores being closed by 8:00 p.m. was a shock to me.
What challenges have you faced as a BIPOC student leader, whether in your campus organizations or personal experiences?
I think one of the challenges I faced as a bipoc leader was not getting discouraged by the lack of people coming to events at first. I knew there were other bipoc students on campus however at first the size of our gatherings were fairly small. I realized that I had to reach people through different means and maybe not just social media. Once I started approaching people in person our club numbers grew, the face-to-face connection made a big difference.
Can you share any strategies, resources, or support networks that have helped you navigate these challenges?
I think one of my biggest support networks is my friends. the friends I have made at UVM can understand what I am dealing with because we’re all on the same boat. No exposition is needed when we talk and because of that it’s easier to communicate. When I have challenges I know I have a community of people who can support me and guide me through it.
Tell us about the work you’re currently doing in your clubs, organizations, or other leadership roles, and what motivates you to lead!
Last month my club had their annual akwaaba cookout. There was music, food and an ice cream truck and a bouncy house. The cookout was a time of community, gathering and joyous celebration. A new rule I plan to take on is to join and revamp the English major union. Me and several other English Majors hope to bring back this club and do a variety of events such as poetry slams or peered review nights. What motivates me to lead is connection. I think clubs are a great way to meet people who have similar interests as you.
