Erin and Toral welcome Sharifa Wip (she/her), Associate Dean of Students and Director of Black Student Empowerment, and Cameron White (he/him), graduate fellow and MHA student in the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, to explore how creating spaces of affirmation can transform a student’s experience at Cornell. Sharifa shares her vision for cultivating belonging and describes how mentorship has shaped her approach. Cameron reflects on entering Cornell during the pandemic, the challenges of finding connection, and how the fellows program has provided him and others empowerment and purpose. Together, they all discuss why intentional care, community, and holistic support are essential to helping students and staff thrive.