Chantell Armijo-Cruz
College of St. Scholastica
Chantell (Chanty) Armijo-Cruz is a junior at the College of St. Scholastica double majoring in Social Work and Psychology. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Student Government Association and previously served as the Senate Diversity Chair. She is actively involved in Latinx Student Union as the Treasurer, Sister Timothy Kirby Social Justice Scholarship recipient, Multicultural Leadership Orientation Mentor (MLO), and Youth Theology Institute (YETI) leader/mentor.
Chanty was integral in initiating the Professional Clothing Closet that coordinates donated clothing for students and serves as the manager. She has actively worked on the Gender Inclusive Restroom Project (GIRP) which has identified gender inclusive restrooms on campus and made changes to signage to increase accessibility to trans and non binary persons.
Chanty's involvement and leadership has not been limited to one topic or issue. As is evident by her variety of leadership roles she is passionate about working with others and striving for social justice change.
Personal Statement
For many years I didn't have a voice, not because I was too shy but because I lived in fear. Fear that one day I'd come home again and my parents won't be there. Unfortunately, this a reality for many. I was so petrified when my teachers would ask about my parents or living situation. None of my teachers could understand the pressure I faced. Even though I never crossed the border physically there are still barriers children of immigrant parents face. No one uplifted my voice because I was too afraid to share my story. I realized this is a reality many face daily and we should keep pushing for policy change. As our political climate continues to be polarized it's now where we unite to empower those underrepresented. Activism comes in various ways and for me, it has been through volunteer work, and being a member of The Student Government Association at CSS. Addressing food insecurity on campus, and free menstrual products have been some of my passions to end the stigma that many students face.
