Aimeé Navarro Villegas
Marquette University
Aimeé Navarro Villegas is committed to undoing social inequality and helping build strong communities through her several commitments and actions on and off campus. A Milwaukee native, Aimeé is a junior at Marquette University and is working on obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology, and a minor in Gender and Sexualities Studies. As an incoming freshman, she was awarded the Burke Scholarship, an intensive four-year program that supports students who are committed to social justice and community service in Milwaukee. She is currently a College Coach for the Graduation Plus Department at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee where she works with high school students helping them gain access to higher education. She has also worked with new multi-cultural college students, helping them transition to college through the RISE program at Marquette. Finally, she has chaired the Dreamers Gala for two years; this event helps fund a scholarship for undocumented students at Marquette University. Aimeé plans on obtaining a Master of Education in Student Affairs in Higher Education after graduation, and with that continue try to dismantle social problems throughout her professional career.
Personal Statement
I volunteered through many local organizations in Milwaukee before college. Through my experience as a Stein Scholar at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, I was able to see the educational inequalities Milwaukee residents were subjected to and this ignited a passion for deeper change. Taking different approaches like fundraising and mentorship, I have been committed to making higher education more accessible for Milwaukee students. I have taken a leadership role as the chair for the Dreamers Gala, an event that helps fund a scholarship for undocumented students. I have also joined the same team that aided me in my college journey and serve as a College Coach for Graduation Plus at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. Besides this tangible work, I am also devoted to advocacy. Sometimes by supporting Hispanic Serving Institution initiatives at Marquette or advocating for DACA on campus. Other times I am out in my community working with lobbyists and government representatives. Advocacy also means taking part in a community or student panel and facilitating events centered around social issues and new initiatives. My passion takes many shapes, but it is always intentional in trying to make a positive change in Milwaukee.
