Left, Deidre Hill-Butler, an associate professor of psychology at Union College, right, Dakara Da’Costa, a recent graduate of The SEED School of Washington, D.C.
At SEED, we believe it’s important to build a core group of people around our scholars to support their college dreams. That’s why our College Transition & Success team forms relationships with educators, college counselors, and financial aid advisors at colleges and universities across the country to help guide our students’ journeys. It was one of these efforts that brought together Dakara Da’Costa, a recent graduate of The SEED School of Washington, D.C., and Deidre Hill-Butler, an associate professor of psychology at Union College.
Dr. Hill-Butler was introduced to The SEED Foundation in 1994 by our chief growth officer, Vincena Allen. For over two decades, they have sustained a friendship and a professional relationship. When Dakara enrolled at Union College as a psychology major, Ms. Allen was sure to put them in touch. Since then, Dr. Hill-Butler has remained a consistent supporter of Dakara. “I have attended many of Dakara’s performances with the Heavenly Voices Gospel Choir. She recently performed at the Founders Day celebration for Union College. Dakara gave an elaborate solo. It brought the house down!”
With guidance from Dr. Hill-Butler, Dakara has found her niche and is thriving. She learned about COCOA House, an organization founded by a Union alumna committed to building an environment that helps young people in the area become critical thinkers and lifelong learners. “My experience with COCOA House has been great. I enjoy mentoring and tutoring young students,” said Dakara. Now in her sophomore year at Union College, Dakara is thankful for the relationships she’s built at SEED and the bond she’s developed with Dr. Hill-Butler. “Though I haven’t taken one of Dr. Hill-Butler’s classes just yet, she continues to support me at all of my events and helps me navigate Union.”
Dr. Hill-Butler has worked at Union College for 19 years. Throughout her tenure, she has provided support to young Black female students in need of safe spaces to engage in fellowship and decompress. We’re thankful for the support that Dr. Hill-Butler has provided to Dakara and for the relationships Ms. Allen and other members of the College Transition & Success team have built to ensure greater success for our graduates.