Alesia Allen

Alesia Allen, Ph.D., is Assistant Vice President (AVP) for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) at Rochester Institute of Technology (NTID/RIT). Dr. Allen holds a bachelor's from RIT, a master's, and a Ph.D from Gallaudet University. Dr. Allen has more than 15 years of professional, clinical, and teaching experience, and she has worked on several initiatives to promote system changes that impact deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her career consisted of several roles, including providing therapy and assessments to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, clinical consultations, teaching, and advocating for better mental health services for this population. She most recently served as a visiting assistant professor in NTID’s Department of Liberal Studies, where she taught various psychology courses, engaged in scholarship, mentored students, and served on several committees. Dr. Allen holds a doctoral and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Gallaudet University and a bachelor’s in psychology from RIT.

Fun Fact: Elephants are her favorite animal.

Keynote

Creating Meaningful Working Relationship

This presentation explores strategies to foster inclusive, respectful, and effective interpersonal connections, particularly within diverse academic and clinical environments. Beginning with an introduction to Dr. Allen's background, the presentation emphasizes building a community rooted in access, success, and equity.

Key concepts include understanding the characteristics of healthy versus unhealthy relationships, with a creative group exercise ("Plan the Best Party Ever") designed to reflect on inclusion, communication, and mutual respect. The presentation transitions into the Multicultural Orientation (MCO) Framework, highlighting the importance of cultural humility, recognizing cultural opportunities, and developing cultural comfort.

Participants are encouraged to engage in personal reflection, value diverse experiences, and embrace continuous growth. The presentation will emphasize that empathy and cultural responsiveness are vital in meaningful relationships, urging attendees to be mindful of students’ identities, current societal issues, and to avoid assumptions. The presentation concludes with a call to action to foster more inclusive spaces by committing to ongoing learning and genuine engagement.

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