Areyana Janae-Andrea Proctor

University of Colorado Boulder

Areyana Janae-Andrea Proctor, a second year Journalism student at the University of Colorado Boulder, is a storyteller and change-maker who is passionate about racial justice, equity and criminal justice reform. As a member of the INVST Community Studies and Multicultural Leadership Scholars programs, Areyana engages in rigorous research on the structural causes of racial inequality, carceral system, and educational inequality. An accomplished film-maker, she is interning with Motus Theater and the Boulder International Film Festival to further develop her abilities to use arts as a vehicle for communicating to a broad public about how to make skillful, strategic, and positive social change.

Phillip DiStefano
Chancellor
University of Colorado Boulder

Personal Statement

As I have grown up in this damaged society, I have witnessed first-hand the impacts of underfunded schools, homelessness, and gang-ridden neighborhoods. I have also seen that we can emancipate ourselves from dire situations. I have always loved storytelling which I want to incorporate into social justice work. As I learn more about the history of human beings, I want to find ways to help create change using stories which are an under-utilized facet of activism. While within INVST and Multicultural Leadership Scholars, I have applied what I am learning in these programs to real-world opportunities. For example, with Motus Theater, I had the opportunity to speak with formerly incarcerated activists, then create a film, “Not A Victim,” about modern-day slavery. My own school, CU, buys furniture made by inmates. I shared this fact with my classmates, and Motus shared my film with their networks, opening up dialogue. I will continue using storytelling to fix problems. I plan to conduct research and tell moving stories. I want to use my connections, whether with my classmates or activists within my community, to make dreams a reality. I am motivated to see an improved society where we can all thrive.

Areyana Janae-Andrea Proctor
Journalism: Class of 23-May
written 2021

2021 Fellows Alphabetical by Institution

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Salma Yajaira Gómez Pineda, Universidad de Monterrey Daniel Khoshkepazi, University of Baltimore Mansi Seth, University of California Berkeley Emma Davis, University of Central Arkansas Victoria Orindas Corcino, University of Central Florida Sai Reddy, University of Cincinnati Areyana Janae-Andrea Proctor, University of Colorado Boulder Irene Soteriou, University of Connecticut Ryan Greensfelder, University of Dayton Nicole Kennedy, University of Delaware Jenny Truong, University of Denver Miguel Garcia, University of Houston-Downtown Courtney Washington, University of Illinois at Chicago Celena Zacchai, University of Maine at Augusta Brandon Reed, University Of Maine at Farmington Callie Jordan, University of Mary Washington Ayotomiwa Fashola, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Faith Davis, University of Maryland, Baltimore County Gifty Kessie, University of Massachusetts Lowell Ian Malesiewski, University of Miami Isabella DeArmitt, University of Missouri-St. Louis Mia McKinney, University of Montana Allison Hrovat, University of Mount Union Vanessa Chavez Jurado, University of Nebraska at Omaha Lauren Martin, University of North Carolina Charlotte Justin Bray, University of North Georgia Jerrell Bates, University of Northern Iowa Caitlyn Cano, University of Notre Dame Anjali Mishra, University of Oregon Alisa Ghura, University of Pennsylvania Brianna Silva, University of Richmond Kapri Tulang-De Silva, University of San Diego Jada Curry, University of San Francisco Daniela Isaza, University of South Carolina Upstate Sophia Faacks, University of St. Thomas Hannah Beauchamp-Pope, University of Wisconsin Green Bay Beth Allen, University of Wisconsin-Madison Alisson Anguiano Salas, University of Wisconsin-Parkside Jessica Smith, University of Wisconsin-Superior
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