Bolstering Converse’s Legacy: Taynesha David Adams ’11

What is one of your favorite Converse memories? 

My favorite Converse memory is attending the Legacy Conference. I am so thankful that Association of African American Students (AAAS) members, staff, and students worked so hard for us to be able to attend. This gathering of diverse student leaders was a place to network, build friendships and partnerships for student activities, to exist in the nuances of culture. We learned, collaborated, strategized and celebrated with each other. I used to look forward to those weekends.  

What inspired you to provide a planned gift to Converse?

Converse has become much more diverse than it was when I was a student and I am so thankful for that growth. Students of minoritized backgrounds, whether it’s ethnic, financial, or gender, face so many unseen hurdles. It takes courage and a lot of support – emotional support, financial support, physical support, etc. – just to get to graduation. The encouragement that I received was incredibly inspiring and, in turn, inspires me to advocate for and continue to support Converse students. 

Why do you believe it is important to invest in Converse’s future?  

It is important to invest in Converse’s future because her future is the students and, for the sake of student equity, it must be done. I made it to graduation by the grace of God and by the support of others. For me, it is important to be able to choose where my gift goes and support the courageous students of color and/or financial insecurity. That way my legacy to Converse goes directly to the pieces of her that are me and that made me.