Jenny Truong
University of DenverJennifer Truong is campus leader regarding issues of equity and inclusion. She is a Second Year student and currently serves on the Asian Student Alliance’s Executive Board as Inter-alliance Liaison through which she demonstrates her strong community organizing and relationship building capacities. Her position involves continuous day-to-day coordination combined with maintenance of mutually supportive connections across campus affinity groups. She plays a fundamental role on several committees focused on fostering a nurturing campus climate for students from historically underrepresented communities. She is also a member of the University of Denver’s Puksta Scholars, a four-year co-curricular scholarship program through which Scholars develop projects that address the root causes of injustice. Jennifer’s project focuses on supporting the advancement of women and girls of color within higher education, as well as the general workforce. She is specifically interested in promoting the leadership of Southeast Asian American women and girls, in partnership with local community organizations. Ultimately, Jennifer seeks to apply her civic skills and passion to further ideals of equity and social justice within any position she assumes.
Personal Statement
My interest in race relations, improving campus climate, and social justice was ignited in college. I became aware of student organizing to foster a more inclusive campus community, and immediately wanted to get involved. I joined the Asian Student Alliance and eventually became an officer. As the Inter-alliance Liaison, I began working with other affinity groups to improve campus climate and promote social justice. I have been involved in efforts to create more prayer spaces on campus, increase availability of culturally relevant food options, and numerous other campaigns that center the needs of minoritized students. I have learned how to work with other affinity groups and how our oppressions are interwoven. Additionally, I have applied this knowledge to my social justice project as a University of Denver Puksta Scholar. For my Puksta Scholar project, I am developing a curriculum to support women and girls of color learn skills and information to help them best navigate their careers and lives.