Jennifer Paradis
University of Saint JosephJennifer Paradis is a sophomore Psychology/Social Work double major at the University of Saint Joseph who demonstrates civic leadership through her efforts on campus and within the community. As an advocate for social change, Jennifer actively engages with students, faculty, and staff to address social issues and create a conversation across lines of difference. Her commitment to educating others is paired with a determination to find tangible solutions to community problems. From actively participating in Hartford's Moral Monday Movement to her efforts to create a better-informed, more empathetic campus through Campus for Compassion and Diversity in Action, Jennifer inspires others to work for change.
Personal Statement
Communities shape us into who we are. When I started working at True Colors in Hartford, I found my community. I created workshops, summer programs, and activities for LGBTQ youth to develop their leadership, celebrate their identity development, and find community of their very own. Through working in Hartford my social consciousness was expanded, I was educated on different forms of privilege and oppression, and I began to engage in rallies for Black Lives Matter, the welcoming of Syrian refugees, and police accountability. I am indebted to the people who I built my community with who educated me, and so I brought that knowledge and passion with me to the University of Saint Joseph to continue building. I became engaged with Diversity in Action and have helped plan and run programs to talk about the many wonderful and difficult moments around difference. I also helped to create Campus for Compassion to encourage an empathetic and welcoming campus climate. Currently, I continue to do work with DiA, and am working with faculty and peers to further expand on having a conscious and affirming campus. I plan to have a lifetime of serving and bettering every community I am a part of.