Personal Statement

As a Masters-level student in the Holistic Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Salve Regina University, I have been a community leader and advocate. My goal has been to foster positive social change, by supporting LGBTQIA+ youth and community, promote diversity and inclusion and living authentically - commitments and responsibilities for which I am very proud.

Growing up in Central Falls, RI, I learned that communities flourish with love and support and I was fortunate to have felt this healthy sense of community since childhood. I have continuously represented the LGBTQIA+ community with my heart, including as Ms. Lesbian Rhode Island 2017, the RI Pride Grand Marshal, and an Options Board Member. In recognition of my commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community, I was unanimously voted New England Pride T.V.'s 2018 Person of the Year. I lobbied with LGBTQ Action RI to ban the harmful practice of Conversion Therapy, met with high school Gender and Sexualities Alliance's (GSA's), and presented at conferences, providing further resources to support GSA's. I also enthusiastically engage in fundraising, rallies and other important initiatives.

I believe that education, awareness and effort are the keys to positive change and that everyone has the ability to make a difference.