RIT/NTID Diversity Spotlight

Full name of the subject of the spotlight.

[ID: RIT National Technical Institute for the Deaf. Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Black Heritage Month Spotlight. Pictured in a green circle is Danayt Gafo, a Black Ethiopian woman smiling with a white/cream blazer. She has chest-length Black straightened hair with curly ends. Quoted below her is: "[Our ancestors] embodied integrity, leadership and accomplished milestones that offer us rich history lessons." - Danayt Gafo '18, Hospitality and Tourism Management BS. Academic Executive Assistant. Marie Philip School, The Learning Center for the Deaf." Black History Month colors, red, yellow, black and green are found on the photo's bottom border.]

Danayt Gafo ‘18

(She/Her/Hers)

Academic Executive Assistant

Marie Philip School, The Learning Center for the Deaf

What is your nationality/how do you identify?
I am a proud Habesha. Ethiopians and Eritreans both identify as "Habesha".

What or who has been your biggest cultural influence?
My family is my biggest cultural influence! I grew up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I went to a Deaf school for elementary and middle school. My parents realized that there were not many opportunities for me if we stayed in Ethiopia, so they decided to move me and my sister to the United States.

My supportive parents always made sure we were on the right path to accomplish our dreams. Both my sister and I graduated from college and received our bachelor degrees. We are truly blessed to have them. We wouldn't have made it this far without our parents. 

What is your favorite cultural dish?
There are too many favorites, but I would say kitfo and doro wat are some of my favorite cultural dishes. 
Kitfo is minced raw beef marinated in a chilli powder spice blend; mitmita and mixed with clarified butter with herbs and spices. It is served with a side of gomen (collard green with spice), served with injera (a sour fermented flatbread with a slightly spongy texture).

Doro wat (chicken stew) is the national dish of Ethiopia. It is cooked only on special occasions such as New Year’s Day, Christmas and Ethiopian Festival. 

What does Black History/Heritage Month mean to you?
Black History is not all about the bad times we have been through. It is about celebrating and thanking our ancestors for giving us hope and a life lesson. They embodied integrity, leadership and accomplished many milestones that offer us rich history lessons. This month is about showing our true character.

What advice would you give to those who are just joining your major as they look to advance their skillsets?
Go for whatever makes you happy. Take advantage of every opportunity you have. It is okay If something is not meant to be for you—keep striving for more. 

From your lens, how can the larger community better support POC, like yourself?
Be more open-minded and try to learn new things about Black cultures. It is always best to learn something new from others such as their food, traditions, and cultures. Because of my culture, I like to eat food with my hands—so should you!

Share a quote that you live by.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love.” – Maya Angelou

Do you have any resources to share for someone like yourself or for someone who would like to learn more about your culture?
Hmm… there are many resources I want to share but this time, I would like to share some Ethiopian resources.

To learn more about Ethiopian/Eritrean culture:

Share a cool, random fact about yourself.
I have a few secret hobbies but I would pick one. Fashion design is one of my hobbies, and I don’t really share that with people—now you know… just one!

Diversity Spotlight Archive