One evening last fall, Sofia Villalón ’18 invited chef Habiba Boru to transform part of the Letchworth Dining Hall into her home by adding a little flavor of Ethiopia. Boru cooked four dishes for guests of the Credo Kitchen event, who enjoyed them as they talked and connected with her, and each other.
Villalón created Credo Kitchen as the recipient of the Frank Vafier ’74 Ambassador in Leadership. The four-part series for students, faculty, staff and community members was meant to spark discussion and an appreciation for different cultures.
“Through food, we can open doors for people to discover and appreciate culture, while bringing people together,” said Villalón, “and build their mutual appreciation and respect for each other.”
Villalón organized three tastings of guest chefs — from Ethiopia, Nigeria and Pakistan — and a final event in March with Chef Ilana Stevenson from Campus Auxiliary Services, which focused on making nutritious meals on a budget while using creative ingredients and reducing food waste. Villalón also attended Food Tank Summit in Washington D.C., to learn about farming and sustainability.
Credo Kitchen is one of several leadership, research, and study abroad opportunities Villalón took on during her time at Geneseo.
“If you want something, go get it. Find something you have always wanted to do. If you are scared, then do it,” said Villalón. She believes no resource or opportunity should be taken for granted.
A first-generation college student, Villalón applied to Geneseo through the Isom E. Fearn Access Opportunity Programs (AOP).
“Geneseo and AOP believed in me and if it weren’t for it, I would not have been able to conquer the plethora of challenges and opportunities at Geneseo,” said Villalón, whose first language is Spanish. “I think this is the most important part of my Geneseo story. AOP allowed me to form my own identity and that freedom was something I had never felt before. I always felt I had to fit some sort of mold, but with the support of the program behind me, I was in charge of how I wrote my story.”
As a first-year student, Villalón participated in the Women’s Leadership Institute, which is designed to support the development of women in leadership roles, particularly in their academics, careers, relationships and communities. Villalón said the program allowed her to hone professional and academic skills, including presenting at conferences and the New York Business Plan competition, “and was the reason I felt confident in myself.”
Villalon also studied abroad in Senegal with Associate Professor of French and Francophone Studies Kodjo Adabra. Villalón said the experience taught her important cultural and communication skills, while allowing her to practice her french.
“Going to western Africa was also a part of my ’taking opportunities’ concept,” said Villalón. “Professor Adabra always advised to understand and tell both sides of a story. This inspired to want to know the other side of Senegal — the one whose culture and hospitality is one I will forever have a piece of.”
After graduation, Villalón will volunteer at an organic vineyard in France and Portugal with World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. She knows that ahead of her are many opportunities to learn, to discover, share and lead. She got her start, here.
“I never think of Geneseo as a place where I will get my degree from,” she said. “It is where I tried, failed, succeeded, and discovered new passions and opportunities.”
—By Kitrick McCoy '19