Claudia Ojeda Rexach
Haverford College
Claudia Ojeda Rexach has a dedication to social justice and public service that is driven by a deep-seated desire to make a positive difference in the world. She is a community-centered leader who has earned the respect of peers, faculty, and staff through her work on a range of meaningful projects at Haverford and beyond.
A history major concentrating in Latin American, Iberian and Latino/a Studies, Claudia pursues co-curricular activities enacting commitments to research, education, and action. She serves in the Historical Society, tutors fellow students, and co-heads the Alliance of Latin American Students.
As a member of the Council for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion she has built community with faculty and staff while advocating fiercely for fellow students with a passion for making Haverford more welcoming, equitable, self-aware, and accountable. Her significant off-campus work includes an internship with the Senate of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and participation on a research team undertaking Haverford's Migration Encounters Project.
Claudia’s achievements offer a glimpse of her potential as a public problem-solver committed to learning from those most affected by injustice. Her enthusiasm for this opportunity is grounded in her lived experience advancing the College’s commitment to civic engagement and social responsibility.
Personal Statement
Growing up in Puerto Rico, I’ve seen the ways in which my people stand up for what they believe in, even when ignored by those in power. Local and grassroots organizations like the Colectiva Feminista and Amnesty International Puerto Rico have inspired me to strive towards becoming a civic actor and joining in on supporting the causes that I am most passionate about, making me approach leadership through a lens of passion, collaboration, and facilitation. I believe that a true leader is someone who listens and actively works with the people around them; someone who is aware of their privilege so they can tactfully engage in activities but can recognize when they should allow someone else take the lead. My work both at Haverford and in Puerto Rico is fueled by a passion to dismantle systems in place that create barriers, with the purpose of giving a voice to the voiceless and giving back to my people. There is always more work to be done, and I hope to continue learning and growing as a leader, utilizing the opportunities I’ve been privileged to have as a way to give back to the communities that have given me so much.
