Advancement Ally - Joshua Carter
Chief of Staff, VCUA Office
1. What is your full name and is there a meaning or story behind it?
My full name is Joshua Emory Carter. I am named after Joshua from the Christian/Hebrew Bible. My middle name is a family name; my paternal grandfather was named Emory.
2. Pronouns:
he/him/his
3. How do you identify yourself or what is something you would like others to know about you?
I identify as a cisgender man, and also as Queer/gay. I also identify as white, which has been important as I've continued to learn about my privilege and the ways in which I interact with a world that still has systemic racism encoded in law and tradition. Each of us has many identities; I'd also include friend, uncle, humanist, fundraiser, among others.
4. What is your favorite comfort food?
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
5. What are your favorite cultural or family traditions?
My mother is Romanian and I enjoy several cultural traditions from that heritage (in particular holiday dishes and desserts, most notably Kifla bread). I also have grown to appreciate new traditions that I have created for myself with found family. For example, my best friend and I live in different states and enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving each year by meeting up in a new city/location we've never travelled to before. This has grown to include spouses, children, and other friends. This year we are going to a cabin in the Gatlinburg mountains.
6. What is something people wrongly assume about you? (biases, stereotypes, ethnic identity, etc.)
People often assume various stereotypes concerning my sexuality. Though, in fairness, I do conform to a number of them. I'm sure there are other biases and assumptions that people make. It's only through personal relationship and open conversation that we can break some of these down.
7. If you could change/create any policy (campus, state or national) what would it be and why?
There are many policies that are worthwhile and important. Right now I am most concerned about the health of basic democratic choice in our country. This is the foundation upon which any other change is possible. So if I could create any policy it would be a comprehensive reform of the electoral process: computer models tp create unbiased political districts instead of politicians, automatic voter registration and vote by mail, ranked choice voting in elections, the elimination of the electoral college, etc.
8. If you could have any social justice superpower, what would it be?
I would bestow the gift of empathy on the world. I truly believe that if the entire world were capable of empathy and that each us possessed the ability to have even a small understanding of the experiences of those around us, we would live in a more loving and peaceful society. I also admit that this is could also be my optimism about human nature coming out, but I like to believe this is true.
9. What is something you enjoy doing for others?
I enjoy listening to others. I often think that if I hadn't gone into advancement, I may have pursued a career in counseling.
10. What is something that makes you feel most alive?
Trying new things! I love to try new foods, activities, travel - our world is so big and I feel most alive when I learn new things and realize just how small I am.
11. If two (or more) worlds (i.e. music, artists, clothing, movies, eras, genres) could collide/collaborate, what would you choose?
I enjoy when music/fashion/style transcends time period in art. I've been enjoying the 80s/90s aesthetic that has become popular in television the last few years.
12. What is something that should be free but is not?
Basic needs: none of us should go without access to clean water, nutritious food, and safe housing. I'd also include quality healthcare and education in my definition of basic needs.
13. Which affiliations/clubs/organizations/hobbies have you been involved in?
I've professionally been involved in CASE, AFP, AASP, and APRA. Personally, I enjoy reading (love a good book club!), cooking, yoga, theatre, and independent film.
14. What makes you feel uncomfortable?
I'm most uncomfortable when I am witnessing someone else experiencing discomfort. Maybe a silly example, but watching a live performance that isn't going well (e.g. someone forgot their lines, or a stand up comedian that isn't very funny, etc.) is very uncomfortable to watch.
15. What is your favorite thing about working at UCR or your favorite UCR memory?
Still only a few weeks into my tenure at UCR, but already I've been so touched by the welcoming community, particularly in University Advancement. So many individuals have gone out of their way to reach out and welcome me.