MESA is a group of students of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds who are interested in encouraging the F&ES administration, faculty and students to better address issues of cultural diversity. In addition, MESA exists as an avenue for discussion and support for students of color. MESA also represents F&ES through relationships with other multi-cultural student groups on the Yale campus (including the Yale School of Graduate Studies' Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity (ODEO) as well as the Environment and Public Health Multicultural Student Organization (EPHMSO)). Overall, MESA intends to create a welcoming space and a supportive environment for students of diverse ethnic backgrounds (American and international) to discuss concerns and experience. With time, MESA hopes to encourage increased ethnic diversity among our teaching faculty and visiting speakers, and the student body. In addition, MESA will facilitate the provision of more multi-cultural school events.