Cristina Villani
Ivy Tech Community College, Columbus
Cristina Villani is one of our most impressive first-year students at Ivy Tech Community College, Columbus (IN). For living in our city for less than a year, she has already made an impact by serving her new local community through her establishment of the LOVE Campaign. At her place of employment, she encountered a family in need and realized that there were countless families facing similar financial hardships. By establishing cooperative partnerships with area businesses, educational institutions, and a local community center, she planned and executed a successful clothing drive for many families, regardless of financial stability. The LOVE Campaign continues with future events focusing on women empowerment. Her own passion for personal development is also exemplified by Cristina being selected for and completing the competitive Student Leadership Academy, an eight week intensive leadership development program. After her completion of her associate's degree, she hopes to earn her bachelor's degree in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis (IUPUI). Subsequently, she will pursue a joint degree program of a Master of Jurisprudence Degree from the Robert H. McKinney School of Law and a Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies degree from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy from IUPUI.
Personal Statement
I have a passion to encourage and empower the oppressed in our society. I hope to address the economic injustice in my community by the integration of The Love Campaign as a program to fill the immediate need in our community. My goal is for people to engage in our movement for transformative action, and to help us redefine the meaning of love. By resensitizing society's perception of lower income communities and the homeless, we can address the local economic inequality issues. I piloted this program alone but since my last event I have partnered with the State Street Association. At our last event, we organized a successful clothing drive thanks to diverse individuals donating warm clothes and hygine products to famalies in need. This program allows businesses and people to actively bring awareness to the needs in our community and surrounding areas. In the future, I envision The Love Campaign to be a self-sustaining program that provides assistance to individuals in need within Indiana.
