When Monifa Morgan-Bell moved from Jamaica to upstate New York as a teenager, she was shocked by the change in culture, food and weather. It took her several years to acclimate to her new home.
Now, as a program assistant for the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Crop Improvement (ILCI) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Department of Global Development, Morgan-Bell draws upon her experience and her compassion to ease the way for students and to foster communication within international agricultural development programs that she supports.
“I understand what it is to be an immigrant to an area; I know what it is to struggle to survive,” Morgan-Bell said. “I wish I had had someone to share these insights and resources with me when I was new to New York, so I want to share with others.”
In recognition of her work, Morgan-Bell earned the Award for Staff Integrity and Inclusion, given twice a year by the Employee Assembly and presented at an award ceremony April 28.
“Monifa is a resilient, intelligent and resourceful person who has been an inspiration for our team, guiding us all to foster belonging, understand differing opinions and build community here at Cornell and with partners around the globe,” said Hale Ann Tufan, associate professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) .
Photo Credit: Cornell CALS
Categories: New York, General, Weather