Born and raised in Jamaica, Kimberly Cross is a graduate of the African American Studies Department on the Global, Race and Ethnicity Track. What drew her to the department was the vibrant, tight-knit academic community. This department was the only space where she could rigorously investigate her culture through an academic lens. Her independent research centers on the “digital diaspora” concept and its functions of sharing cultural codes, creating emotional discourse, and digital nationalism within the Jamaican diaspora. Overall, she is interested in how culture intersects, conflicts, or complicates how we think about politics in Jamaica.

Kimberly was committed to leaving Princeton better than she had found it. Her proudest accomplishment has been the reactivation of Princeton Caribbean Connection (PCC). Recognizing the importance of an active affinity space, she transformed an inactive club into one that now serves over 200 students. Under her leadership, PCC hosted its first student-led Caribbean conference since 2006, bringing together Caribbean scholars across the U.S. to emphasize the importance of the academic exploration of the Caribbean at Princeton and beyond.

Outside of PCC, Kimberly has been involved with the Black Student Union, Black Leaders Coalition, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Class Government, Dorobucci Dance Company, and the Ida B. Wells Just Data Lab. Looking ahead, Kimberly aspires to attend law school and work in law and public policy to better the communities that shaped the woman she is today.