Kendall Ficili

Kendall Ficili’s friends call her the network because connecting people comes naturally to her.

“I love people around me,” the junior Criminal Justice major said. She’s the person in the room who makes you feel welcome. She won’t judge you. If you need to talk, she’ll listen.

During a photoshoot for International Women’s Day in the Women’s Gender and Sexuality Center (WGSC), Kendall wore a green jumpsuit that she got at ������Ƶ’s Transcendence Clothing Swap, which is ran by Laura Shaw, associate director of Counseling Services. She accented the outfit with green eye shadow, leather boots and a glow of confidence that she spread to those around her. 

As her friends posed for photos, she made them laugh, smile and feel comfortable and empowered to be themselves.

When Chrissy Feil, of the Dean of Students Office, arrived, she too was wearing a green jumpsuit. The two quickly discovered that the jumpsuit Kendall was wearing was donated to the clothing swap by Chrissy.

“I dreamt that one day I would see that jumpsuit out in the wild on a student who rocked it with confidence,” said Feil, who wore her new jumpsuit for the “boost of confidence and energy” she needed that day.

The serendipitous moment became a photo op as they posed together for a #BreakTheBias portrait. The crossed arms symbolize one’s commitment to end stereotypes.

“I was so excited to meet Kendall and see not only that the green jumpsuit made her feel powerful and self-assured, but to also learn that Kendall spread that energy every day. Kendall makes the people around her feel not only seen but celebrated. She spreads energy, joy, and positivity everywhere she goes. It is like each person she comes into contact with walks away wearing their own invisible bright green jumpsuit,” said Feil. 

The color green is what first caught Ficili’s eye and lead her into the WGSC.

“I was walking down the F-Wing hallway and stumbled upon the center by accident. I saw the color and said let’s go for it,” she recalled. 

That visit, prompted by the courage to be curious, introduced her to “everyone I want to talk to,” she said. As she navigates her new trans identity, she found “people who understand me and respect me.” In high school she hid her identity, but in the WGSC, “I get to be who I am without feeling the judgement,” she explained.

The inclusivity she encountered at the WGSC is what keeps her coming back.

“I want to build a community around who I am because I do not have that community as much at home.”

Kendall sometimes gets strange looks, stares, or eye rolls, but others will ask questions with genuine and respectful intentions.

“I love when people do that. It’s okay to not understand. They are willing to learn more,” she said.

Kendall chose to study Criminal Justice. As a domestic violence victim of seven years, she’s made it her mission to help children. Her personal experience gave her strength and taught her that she can do anything she sets her mind to. 

“I have been looking at the FBI and learned that there are trans people in the FBI, which makes me very happy being a Criminal Justice major and knowing there will be people like me going into my profession. I want to do child advocacy for the FBI and get certified as a child advocate. Eventually, I want to move on to the Crimes Against Children Unit where you have to go in with a lot of heart. You know you are going to see things that you don't want to see, but you know you can make a difference."

We asked Ficili to share some words of advice. To anyone transitioning,

“Always create a community of support around you. You can’t do it alone. You need someone to pick you up when you fall. It gets tough.”

To criminal justice majors in the LGBTQ+ community, she said,

“Hold your head up [when people question your choice of major]. Stick to what you want and what makes you happy.”

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This Voice was originally published in 2022 during International Women's Day. At the time of publication, and currently, Ficili was pursuing her degree in Criminal Justice. 

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