Creating a Community of Empowerment: Cyrani Houston’s Journey as President of P.U.S.H. Advocates

When Cyrani Houston transferred into the Poole College of Management from NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, she found a welcoming space that made all the difference in her transition. Now, as president of P.U.S.H. (Poole Undergraduate Student Hub) Advocates, she ensures that every student — especially those from underrepresented backgrounds — feels the same sense of belonging and support.

Houston has been involved in multiple high-impact experiences throughout her undergraduate journey, from holding leadership roles in student organizations to interning at major corporations like Microsoft. However, her role in developing and leading P.U.S.H. Advocates stands out as the most transformative experience. 

“I wanted to create a space within Poole where minorities of all identities – whether that be race, gender, or even interests – could feel welcomed and empowered,” Houston explains. “The student hub was where I first found my own sense of belonging, and I wanted to ensure others could experience that too.”

P.U.S.H. Advocates is a student-led initiative aimed at fostering a community where students feel valued, supported and encouraged to thrive. Whether it’s offering networking opportunities, professional development resources, or simply a welcoming environment, the organization is built on the idea that representation and encouragement matter.

A typical day for Houston involves attending classes before heading to the student hub, where she makes a point to greet new and returning students.

“I always introduce myself to students I haven’t met before and try to give them a reason to come back,” she says. “Sometimes that means playing music, setting up slideshows, or even screening movies to make the space feel like home.”

Houston also collaborates closely with Poole staff, particularly Laryssa Banks, assistant director of student affairs and advocacy, who provides guidance on initiatives and events. On event days, Houston ensures the space is optimized for attendees, whether that means rearranging furniture or setting up the ever-popular popcorn machine. Behind the scenes, she communicates with other hub advocates to coordinate plans and ensure the hub remains an engaging space for all students.

“Cyrani is a pivotal part of the work that happens in the undergraduate student hub. She is determined to greet every new person she meets in the space and continuously works to ensure everyone who walks in knows they have a community here,” shared Banks.

Through her role, Houston has developed critical leadership skills that will carry her into her future career. She’s learned how to adapt her leadership style depending on her audience, balancing approachability with professionalism. “I’ve found that my personality and charm help me connect with students, while maintaining a professional demeanor allows me to collaborate effectively with faculty and staff,” she says.

Her leadership style has not gone unnoticed. Key mentors, including Tedd Szeto, assistant dean for undergraduate programs, and Banks, played a pivotal role in shaping her journey. Their encouragement and willingness to listen empowered Houston to take ownership of the P.U.S.H. Advocates initiative.

“They showed me the importance of creating spaces for collaboration and lifting others up,” she reflects. “I hope to emulate that same leadership style in my future career.”

Houston’s experience with P.U.S.H. Advocates has influenced both her academic and professional aspirations. She hopes to pursue graduate education in a program that supports diverse talent and offers financial and professional resources for students from all backgrounds. Professionally, she’s focused on finding a workplace that values inclusivity, collaboration and empowerment.

Her biggest takeaway? The power of community.

“This experience has shown me how to identify gaps in environments and create spaces where people feel valued and seen,” she says. Whether in her future workplace or within the broader community, Houston plans to continue advocating for initiatives that foster belonging and professional growth.

For students considering a similar high-impact experience, Houston has one key piece of advice: “Pursue opportunities that genuinely align with your passions and values. Don’t be afraid to advocate for change and build something new because though it may be challenging, the impact is worth it, and surround yourself with mentors who believe in your vision.”

Houston’s journey with P.U.S.H. Advocates has proven that one student’s dedication can create lasting impact. By taking ownership of her leadership and fostering an inclusive community, Houston is not only shaping the present but also paving the way for future generations of Poole students.