Department of African and African American Studies

As an Undergraduate Departmental Representative for the African and African American Studies Department, Eleanor A. Jones has worked to strengthen connections between students, faculty, and the wider Brandeis community. In this role, she has focused on creating meaningful opportunities for students to access mentorship, professional development, and a stronger sense of belonging within the department. Her proudest accomplishment this year was co-organizing BBSO Professional, a two-part event held in partnership with the Brandeis Black Student Organization. The first session was a faculty-student luncheon that created an open and welcoming space for conversation, networking, and relationship-building. The second session was a professional development workshop where professors supported students with study abroad applications, LinkedIn profiles, resume revisions, and career preparation.

Beyond her work as a UDR, Eleanor serves as Co-President of the Brandeis Black Student Organization and as an Advisory Board Member for Gen One Network, where she advocates for first-generation and low-income students. Her experiences in leadership, event planning, professional communication, and community engagement directly align with the UDR mission of opening avenues of communication, sharing academic and career resources, and serving as an ambassador for the department. Eleanor is passionate about building spaces where students feel informed, empowered, and connected.

Eleanor will continue to serve as UDR for AAAS in the 2026-2027 academic year and is excited to connect with students about any aspect of their experience at Brandeis!

Alannah Atkinson ’26 is an undergraduate at Brandeis University majoring in African and African American Studies, with an additional major in Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies. Grounded in interests in decolonial praxis and Black feminist theory, Alannah approaches their studies as a way to better understand both their own experiences and those of marginalized communities more broadly. Beyond academics, Alannah is actively engaged in campus life through their position as a Pride Representative at the Gender and Sexuality Center, working to foster inclusive and affirming spaces for students. As UDR, Alannah is dedicated to supporting current and prospective students, whether that means answering questions about the African and African American Studies program, sharing resources, or just connecting over shared interests. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to chat or learn more about the department!