RIT/NTID Diversity Spotlight
[ID: RIT National Technical Institute for the Deaf. Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Black Heritage Month Spotlight. Pictured in a green circle is Rachel Romaine, an Ethiopian American man smiling with short black hair, with a white t-shirt that has tiny anchors printed on it. Quoted below is: "The best way to better support the ALANA community is to invest time and resources in them. Natnail Tolossa. Computing and Information Technologies ‘24." Black History Month colors, red, yellow, black and green are found on the photo's bottom border.]
Natnail Tolossa ‘24
(He/Him/His)
Computing and Information Technologies
RIT/NTID
Natnail is a current student majoring in Computing and Information Technologies. He is the President of NTID Student Congress.
What is your nationality/how do you identify?
I identify myself as Ethiopian American or African American.
What or who has been your biggest cultural influence?
I am part of multiple cultures. My biggest influences are the Black community, Ethiopian community, Deaf Community, Hearing community, hard of hearing community, and so many more. I am lucky enough to experience things from many different perspectives.
What is your favorite cultural dish?
My favorite cultural food is Ethiopian food—it’s number one.
If you could bring one thing from your culture to Rochester, what would it be?
I would definitely bring more Ethiopian food options to Rochester. The food is so rich in taste.
From your lens, how can the larger community better support POC, like yourself?
The best way for the larger community to better support the ALANA community is to invest time, resources, provide financial awareness and educate them. Not many POC people are fortunate enough to have the best support system or have the ability to take advantage of a proper education system.
Share a quote that you live by.
I must keep moving forward in order for me to reach my goal. Take every opportunity and don’t take anything for granted.
Do you have any resources to share for someone like yourself or for someone who would like to learn more about your culture?
People within my culture are very shy but they can be very welcoming. The best place to dive into Ethiopian culture is visiting authentic Ethiopian restaurants. You can experience our hospitality and delicious food.
Share a cool, random fact about yourself.
I use three languages daily.