Diversity Month Highlight: Jasmine Leigh Giddings
Throughout the month of April for Diversity Month, we will be highlighting some amazing individuals in our community that are spearheading diversity, equity, and inclusion causes and initiatives, as well as business leaders and owners with diverse backgrounds. Next, we spoke to Jasmine Leigh Giddings, Director of Multicultural and International Student Programs at King's College.
About Jasmine:
Jasmine Leigh (Tabron) Giddings was born on April 13th 1990 in Kingston PA to Harlan and Belinda Tabron. Jasmine attended Kistler Elementary school, Meyers High School, and graduated from Drexel University with a BS in Psychology and minoring in Music and Education. Jasmine has been employed at King’s College since 2013 and is currently the Director of Multicultural and International Student Programs. Jasmine is also very active in her church community, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, and serves on the Praise Team and as a director of the Praise Dance ministry. Jasmine is also a member of NEPDEC and the NAACP Wilkes-Barre Branch. Jasmine is blessed to be married to her husband James Giddings and has 4 children: Ijahnae, Abel, Tae’Bron and Jae’Leigh. Jasmine’s favorite quote is: To God Be The Glory.
Learn more about Jasmine in the Q & A below!
Q: I am inspired to be a leader in our community because…
A: I see the potential for this city to be greater and better. I was born and raised here. I have seen as a younger child what I had and what was needed and hope to establish or build up those things for the younger generation today. I am passionate to build and foster a greater community experience.
Q: I am most excited to accomplish what through my diversity, equity, and inclusion community programming…
A: I am excited to see a change in people’s perception. I am excited for people to be more aware of their own biases and prejudices that they have towards other. I am excited o have witnessed that it is possible for people who have a difference of opinion to be able to still talk with one another respectfully. I know this because I work with students who are challenged to do so. The first step is learning more about yourself, learning to hear from another perspective, and being respectful throughout. It’s a challenge and can be hard…but it’s possible.
Q: Three words to describe yourself…
A: Determined, Passionate, Humble
Q: Best advice you’ve received…
A: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me- Philippians 4:13 Someone tells me I can’t overcome love with hate…I recite this verse. If someone tells me I can’t get over the grief and stress I feel at times, or overcome obstacles that I go through, I use this verse. If someone says I cannot become something or do something, I remember this verse.
Q: Favorite activity/place in NEPA…
A: I am the director and choreographer for the praise dance ministry at Abundant Praise Dance. My favorite activities are praise dance, step dance, singing and just being a part of the arts in general. My favorite place varies. I love being at home with my family! I love going to Zumba at Dash Studios. I love Abe’s Hotdogs at Barney St, Gerry’s Pizza and La Tolteca!
Q: Why NEPA?
A: I grew up in Wilkes Barre PA, left for college to go to Drexel University and then came back. Why did I come back is what people ask me. I love it in Wilkes Barre. Every place has it’s great points and then things to improve. I want to be able to be part of the great and help to give back to my community to make the improvements.
About Jasmine:
Jasmine Leigh (Tabron) Giddings was born on April 13th 1990 in Kingston PA to Harlan and Belinda Tabron. Jasmine attended Kistler Elementary school, Meyers High School, and graduated from Drexel University with a BS in Psychology and minoring in Music and Education. Jasmine has been employed at King’s College since 2013 and is currently the Director of Multicultural and International Student Programs. Jasmine is also very active in her church community, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, and serves on the Praise Team and as a director of the Praise Dance ministry. Jasmine is also a member of NEPDEC and the NAACP Wilkes-Barre Branch. Jasmine is blessed to be married to her husband James Giddings and has 4 children: Ijahnae, Abel, Tae’Bron and Jae’Leigh. Jasmine’s favorite quote is: To God Be The Glory.
Learn more about Jasmine in the Q & A below!
Q: I am inspired to be a leader in our community because…
A: I see the potential for this city to be greater and better. I was born and raised here. I have seen as a younger child what I had and what was needed and hope to establish or build up those things for the younger generation today. I am passionate to build and foster a greater community experience.
Q: I am most excited to accomplish what through my diversity, equity, and inclusion community programming…
A: I am excited to see a change in people’s perception. I am excited for people to be more aware of their own biases and prejudices that they have towards other. I am excited o have witnessed that it is possible for people who have a difference of opinion to be able to still talk with one another respectfully. I know this because I work with students who are challenged to do so. The first step is learning more about yourself, learning to hear from another perspective, and being respectful throughout. It’s a challenge and can be hard…but it’s possible.
Q: Three words to describe yourself…
A: Determined, Passionate, Humble
Q: Best advice you’ve received…
A: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me- Philippians 4:13 Someone tells me I can’t overcome love with hate…I recite this verse. If someone tells me I can’t get over the grief and stress I feel at times, or overcome obstacles that I go through, I use this verse. If someone says I cannot become something or do something, I remember this verse.
Q: Favorite activity/place in NEPA…
A: I am the director and choreographer for the praise dance ministry at Abundant Praise Dance. My favorite activities are praise dance, step dance, singing and just being a part of the arts in general. My favorite place varies. I love being at home with my family! I love going to Zumba at Dash Studios. I love Abe’s Hotdogs at Barney St, Gerry’s Pizza and La Tolteca!
Q: Why NEPA?
A: I grew up in Wilkes Barre PA, left for college to go to Drexel University and then came back. Why did I come back is what people ask me. I love it in Wilkes Barre. Every place has it’s great points and then things to improve. I want to be able to be part of the great and help to give back to my community to make the improvements.
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