Alegria Cloma
Wagner College
Alegria Cloma is an outstanding student, representative of and champion to all of those who, particularly in the past pandemic year, have risen to the challenges we face in our local community and across the globe. A pioneering leader, Alegria has co-founded APIA, the Asian Pacific Islander Association. Under her leadership APIA collaborated with both Black Student Union and Alma to put on a vigil for Breonna Taylor, which had a turnout of over 100 students and faculty which beautifully and powerfully shared the organization’s moving spirit and vision. She has also impacted our community through her leadership in addressing food insecurity on and off campus through our Food Recovery Network, where she serves as Chapter President. She coordinates logistics for our future food pantry on campus while also leading efforts to ensure that our excess food does not go to waste but is circulated to those in need in our neighboring underserved communities. Her sense of community is deeply informed through her work as a Bonner Leader, where she works together with her peers and the local community to empower others and develop capacities for broader positive change in society.
Personal Statement
Through the Bonner Program, I was able to co-lead the 30,000-degree initiative through college readiness and presentations for groups of up to 50 K-12 aged students. In my sophomore year, I became the youngest Chapter President and Student Administrator for the Food Recovery Network. I have found an ever-growing passion for advocating for food insecurity and food waste among college students. Since I have been in charge, we had the biggest turn out to our campus-wide Harvest Day event, increased our presence at the local food pantry and expanded our campus presence. Through The Bonner Foundation I had the opportunity to work alongside Professor Jessica Clark to co-led a semester-long research project about mental health in two local high schools. This past fall I co-founded APIA, the Asian Pacific Islander Association. As President, I have lead the club to develop its membership, and collaborate with both Black Student Union and Alma to put on a vigil for Breonna Taylor, which had a turnout of over 100 students and faculty. I am currently working to develop a food pantry on campus to combat the issue of food insecurity among college students with the help of administrators and other student organizations.
