Contina Kemp

Student Engagement Coordinator

My first experience in Seattle was as a first generation college student from Kailua, Hawaii.  I attended college for a year in Seattle before transferring to Eckerd College where I received my B.A. in Visual Arts and Creative Writing.  Since moving back to Seattle in 2006, I've been committed to serving youth in the community through programs like Langston Hughes Art in the Park, Youth in Focus and The Good Foot Arts Collective.  I received my M.Ed. from Seattle University and I am so excited to be a part of something as intentional as the Center for Service and Community Engagement and the Seattle University Youth Initiative.

As the Student Engagement Coordinator, I connect students to the community through programming within the K-12 schools.  Through recruitment, training and placement within our partner schools, I prepare Seattle University students to play a supportive role with youth and teachers in our community.   It's amazing to see SU students experience community in a real way through education and developing relationships with both children and teachers.  The K-12 schools that are a part our Seattle University Youth Initiative include, Bailey Gatzert Elementary, Washington Middle School and Garfield High School.  We also work with longstanding partner schools like Thurgood Marshall, Mardona K-8, St. George Parish, and Seattle World School (formerly SBOC).