Brenda Matias-Cruz
Monmouth College
Brenda Matias-Cruz, a third year student at Monmouth College, is a student leader active in addressing issues of social justice and food security. Since her arrival at Monmouth College she has been part of our Presbyterian Lux Leadership program, a resident advisor on campus, and involved in the leadership of Raíces, the Latinx organization on campus. Her work with Raíces helped earn them acclaim as a model organization on campus and brought greater awareness of her culture and of the issues faced by students of color on campus. She is able to combine her passion for service with her academic work, as she works towards a Global Food Security minor. She currently is involved in a service-learning opportunity in Merida, Mexico, where she works with children and mothers from an economically disadvantaged community in after school activities.
Personal Statement
When I arrived at Monmouth College, I immediately became actively involved with Raíces, the Latinx organization on campus. Through my work in Raíces, I have helped bring more awareness of our culture and the issues that we face as students of color. As historically marginalized students, on campus, we are a minority, and we need to remain united and outspoken. I continue to be involved in this organization and continue to be a mentor for incoming students who find it difficult to transition. My involvement on campus has motivated me to continue to bring recognition to other communities that face injustice. My personal experience is the motivation that I have to make a change in the world and be the voice for those who feel limited. This semester I am involved in a service-learning opportunity in Merida, Mexico. I will be working with children and mothers from an economically disadvantaged community in afterschool activities.
