Communication is Connection

HENRI MINGO (she/they), Student Senate Director of Communications

Introduction
Henri Mingo is currently double majoring in print, design and web design and is on the track to graduate in 2023. It is a degree they did not think they wanted to do or ever would do in their free time, and looked at it as a hobby.

Mingo had an opportunity to do an internship through the Minneapolis Public Schools Step Up program, and got to do graphic design and marketing for the company they were interning with. They realized it was their calling. They went to work every day enjoying the work and what they were producing, so they thought it was time to study it.

Why did you choose to study graphic design at Minneapolis College?
I started out at Minneapolis College as a PSEO (Post Secondary Enrollment Option) student. I found the campus to have a lot of community and after graduating from high school, I knew it was the best next step for me to achieve my goals and step into my future.

What are you passionate about when it comes to design?
Design is something that you can bring with you to any passion you have, and they can work in conjunction. It’s as versatile as you are. I think that’s what I love most about it, and what fuels me. Being able to do work that engages multiple passions of mine is the kind of thing that leaves me with the feeling of purpose at the end of the day.

How did Minneapolis College help with design opportunities?
At Minneapolis College, I found opportunities with work study graphic design positions that are available for students. These opportunities help to prepare me for the workforce and bolster my resume.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a student starting out in graphic design?
Design is everywhere. One of the first things you can do even without having done any design in the past is to start looking around and analyzing what you see. If you see a design that really pulls you in, ask yourself why. What about this design pulls my eye to it? If you critically analyze the content you consume daily you can learn a lot from it, while also exercising your eye for design.

What is being the Director of Communications for Student Senate like?
Being the Director of Communications for the Student Senate has been an amazing opportunity and has helped me keep in touch with other students, even during very isolated times. It has created avenues for me to meet future career goals, network with other emerging leaders, be part of projects that integrate communication between the College and the student body and develop my leadership skills.

What are some goals you have with this position?
My goal within the position is to get the student community connected again. It was hard to communicate with each other, help problem solve and reach out to students during COVID –19. With my experience in leadership, marketing and design, I am determined to bring my strengths into the team and create change. I believe ‘Communication is connection.’

What is a project you are currently working?
The current project I am working on is creating communication channels; through D2L (Desire 2 Learn) and other social media profiles for the Student Senate. The goal is to have efficient communication between the Student Senate and the student body. I want to make information accessible and equitable during a time when everything is online, but not everyone can be. I want to ensure every student knows what is going on at Minneapolis College and what resources are available to them. I believe using many different pathways to reach students could help. Even if it is the same message, at least students are aware of events, protocols, news and essential information. I believe this is a long-term goal and each communication pathway created needs to be strong and constructive, which means it will take time to perfect.

Describe yourself in a few words and what community has looked like for you here at Minneapolis College?
I consider myself to be caring, cheerful and impassioned. I have always found great connections at Minneapolis College, and it seems every new person I meet is an inspiration to me. Be it work study, student senate or my class peers, Minneapolis College is such a warm and welcoming community.

What would you say to someone contemplating joining Student Senate?
I would say absolutely, you should join Student Senate! Student leadership and advocacy holds a lot of power that can be used as a force for good within the community. Through the Student Senate, Minneapolis College students can advocate for the services, recognition and resources they need. For example, the Student Health Center came to be through the hard work and advocacy of previous Student Senate members. It is what students deserved, and they got it. So, I say absolutely, come join Student Senate and be a force for change.