Karmen Kurtz

UNC Asheville

Karmen Kurtz works diligently on issues of diversity and inclusion that affect our campus, the greater Asheville community, and our world. As a second year student at UNC Asheville, her advocacy and passion for this work is advanced beyond her years. Since high school, Karmen has worked with an organization called Youth Empowered Solutions where she serves as a trainer to teach high school students how to engage in discourse effectively to solve problems that communities face. She is steadfastly committed to the Black Lives Movement and works relentlessly to challenge her peers to eradicate institutional racism on this campus and in the community. Karmen is a tireless leader who inspires others to engage in the world around them and serve as active change agents for a better tomorrow.

Mary K. Grant Ph.D.
Chancellor
UNC Asheville

Personal Statement

My work in high school with Youth Empowered Solutions ignited my fire and passion for social justice. Working as an advocate and facilitator for tobacco cessation, access to health care, and access to nutritious food were an entry into the work of health equity. The work I began was of such complexity that I knew it would take a lifelong commitment to make meaningful change. In college, I used my skills in every facet of my service. I serve as the Community Engagement officer of the Black Student Association, bridging our organization's relationships to the greater Asheville community through service and collaboration. I volunteer at the Delta House which serves Asheville youth of color as a resource for educational, cultural, and social enrichment. I serve as a Research Assistant on a community driven preventative health research project that targets African American churches. My service has also been aimed at creating a more diverse and inclusive campus community in organizing Black Lives Matter protests. Additionally, I am also a mentor for the Connections Peer Mentoring program in the division of multicultural student programs. Finally, I am broadening my understanding of community engagement as I study abroad in Ghana! I am so thankful for the mutually beneficial relationships I've created and am looking forward to more to come!

Karmen Kurtz
International Studies: Class of 2018
written 2016

2016 Fellows Alphabetical by Institution

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Karmen Kurtz, UNC Asheville Erin Coggins, UNC Charlotte Juan Emilio García Estrada, Universidad de Monterrey Sonce Reese, University of Baltimore Lillian McEntire, University of Central Arkansas Katie Richard, University of Central Oklahoma Joshua Higginbotham, University of Charleston Elizabeth Charash, University of Connecticut Kayla J. McLaughlin, University of Dayton Ciera Kathryn Blehm, University of Denver Andy Garcia, University of Florida Brittany Shipman, University of Great Falls Rima Nimri, University of Illinois at Chicago Maribel Hernandez, University of La Verne Benjamin Webster, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Rachael Parran, University of Maryland, Baltimore Max Poole, University of Maryland, Baltimore County Joel Colon, University of Massachusetts Boston Chris LaPorte, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Alexis Musick, University of Miami Hawa Ali, University of Minnesota Rochester Daniel Mueller, University of Missouri - St. Louis Mackenzie Lombardi, University of Montana Katelyn Gonczy, University of Mount Union Antonio Campbell, University of Nebraska Omaha Zachary Bolster, University of New Hampshire Michael Elliott, University of New Hampshire - Manchester John Blessing, University of North Georgia Shelby Yates, University of Northern Iowa Caitlin Hodges, University of Notre Dame Jeffrey Wiseman, University of Pennsylvania Ian Kanterman, University of Rhode Island Jennifer Paradis, University of Saint Joseph Jessica Villa, University of San Francisco Theresa M. Lacey, University of South Carolina Beaufort Cindy Kuo, University of Utah Mirella Espino, University of Wisconsin Colleges-University of Wisconsin-Extension Nasitta Keita, University of Wisconsin-Madison Marley Uran, University of Wisconsin-Parkside
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