ACC Staff Spotlight: LaMario Fortson
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hi my name is LaMario and I am from Louisiana. I have been a current resident here in Colorado for 2 years. I enjoy hikes, I have a strong passion for Mario Party and other party games, and enjoy planning events and activities for students to come and join in on the fun. Along with that, I have been at ACC for 2 years working on the 3rd year. It definitely has been a culture shock and a wild ride but a ride of growth for me as I progress not only as a professional but as a person.
What is your job at ACC?
Senior Coordinator for Student Life
What do you do at ACC (explain your role)?
What I do at ACC is plan the campus wide events such as the Welcome BBQ, Halloween, The Warm Winter Welcome, Finals Week, and other activities to help build community here at ACC. Along with that, I manage the student organizations and I help maintain the Office of Student Life along with the Director of Student Life.
How long have you been at ACC?
2.5 years
Are you a part of any clubs / organizations / committees at ACC or outside of ACC? What are they and why did you choose them?
I am a part of several. I am on the Denver Foundations Grants committee (Outside of ACC). I wanted to help others help others, if that makes sense. The grants we chose were grants that helped marginalized groups and people with disabilities. That is one of the populations I found myself wanting to help in a meaningful way.
I served for 2 years as the Chair of the Black and African American Affinity Group. This was by happenstance honestly. The outgoing Chair was leaving, who I deeply respect, and she asked me, "I know you have a lot on your plate but would you be able to do this." I accepted and I got another fellow ACC friend to help me as my Co-Chair and the rest is history. This group helped me get through some difficult times here at ACC and I greatly value and appreciate them for it.
I served as Co-Chair of the Student Learning and Development Council. I was designated Co-Chair due to my job duties, however, I invested in this group because it allowed for the space to teach others about how to accept people who are different from you. It also helped that I had a wonderful Co-Chair that was patient and willing to try new things with me.
I serve as a member of the Leadership Team for the Social Equity and Belonging Council formerly known as the Inclusive Excellence Council. I chose to be on this team because I felt like I could provide useful guidance and feedback on how what is being said is actually being heard. I also wanted to join for representation and to help ACC build the community of belonging that it wants to deliver to her students, staff, and faculty. I also serve as a Chair for the Professional Development Committee for the Leadership team.
I am a member of the secret committee that can't be named, but what we do is provide space for the faculty and staff to feel appreciated in the work that we do here at ACC. I am still a member of this and we welcome new members. If anyone is interested just ask about the secret committee and I got you.
Why did you choose ACC?
I chose ACC because I was looking for growth. I was looking for a change of pace and a challenge.
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
My biggest accomplishment so far has been a few things. When I planned my first big event here at ACC, which was my first Welcome BBQ.
My other biggest accomplishment is having to adjust to the weather here and snowstorms. And, through the help of many people here at ACC, I was able to host 5 events in the same day.
What is your mountain (ultimate goal)?
My ultimate goal is to go for my doctorate. I do want to continue in Higher Education so I would also like to be in leadership roles that make a direct impact on students as the progress through college. I also want to continue to be an advocate for First Generation, Low-Income, and students with disabilities.
What's your favorite ACC memory so far?
My favorite ACC memory has to be the Affinity Group Cook-Out that Anesha Correa and I hosted for the affinity. It brought a smile to my face to see others that look like me come together and enjoy each other's company. I will always value that and meeting Anesha Correa (phenomenal Co-Chair) and Jaime Treadwell (friend and mentor) that gave me the chance to have that experience with her display of leadership while she served as the chair.
Tell us a fun fact about you / Something people may be surprised to find out about you.
It might not be a surprise because I love dodgeball. But the team I was on is currently the reigning champions for the 2023-2024 season.
Top 5 Hobbies
Playing Mario Party
Playing Dodgeball
Hiking
Card Games/ Monopoly and Uno
Walking/Running
What is your advice to future and current students at ACC?
My advice would be to continue to advocate for yourself. If you are nervous, do not be because the mission of the school is to help you as you progress on your journey here at ACC.
Also come to the events that the Student Life Office puts on (shameless plug I know) but these are here for you. Come find your people and see you at the next event.
Do you know a student, staff member, faculty member, instructor, or alum that you would like to nominate for an ACC Spotlight? jessica [dot] horning [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (Let us know!) Or if you would like to be spotlighted on the ACC blog, complete our Spotlight form.