Angelique Roberson
Farmingdale State CollegeAngelique Roberson, a third-year student at Farmingdale State College (FSC), is both a researcher and social activist. Her ability to integrate her burgeoning research skills with her passion for social change is underpinned by personal competence, talent, and confidence not often found in junior-level undergraduate students. As a Research Aligned Mentorship (RAM) Program Scholar and Social Science Research Institute Social Justice Intern, Angelique focuses on the issues of immigration and the empowerment and education of young women of color. In collaboration with FSC and the national non-profit “Girls Inc.”, Angelique uses her skills in qualitative and quantitative data analysis to observe and make changes to pedagogical practices and curriculum used by the organization, which enhances the positive impact of their programs on their young clients. Angelique’s joy, enthusiasm, and dedication to service advances the culture of leadership and civic engagement that are central to the College’s mission. Indeed, we are fortunate to have Angelique Roberson, a strong student leader and role model of excellence, among our students. The reverberation of her dedicated efforts both on-campus and in the larger community is noticed by all whom she encounters.
Personal Statement
Over the past three years, participation in multiple service-learning projects has been an integral way that I have contributed to the communities across Long Island. I participated in beach cleanups, worked in soup kitchens, and volunteered at “Momma's House,” an organization that aids young mothers with housing, financial guidance, and other necessities. However, it wasn’t until I began to conduct research that I found my passion in the social justice areas of immigration and the empowerment of young women. My initial research sought to identify the practices used by immigrant and non-immigrant owned businesses to support the growth of their business, with the larger aim of clarifying misconceptions about immigrant-owned businesses. Relating to my interest in female empowerment, I worked with Girls Inc., a non-profit organization that mentors young girls from elementary school to high school. Using a standardized curriculum, they provide mentoring in topics such as financial literacy, leadership, nutrition, and more. I created and implemented focus groups and survey instruments to measure the impact of Girls, Inc. curricula on the program’s participants, which enhances the positive impact of their programs on their young clients. Looking forward, I am enthusiastic about continually integrating my research skills with social issues.
