Jessica Brito
Montana State University
Jessica is a passionate student leader and has been involved in many campus and community groups. Jess is incredibly committed to MSU and the Bozeman community, as well as dedicated to developing their skills and helping others in their future endeavors. On the MSU campus, Jessica is the Vice President and Program Developer of the Black Student Union. They spent their summer working with the Montana Racial Equity Project and Bozeman United Racial Justice to organize the Bozeman's Black Lives Matter marches. They also organize and participate in all of BSU’s events throughout the year and track all financial activities. Jessica has worked with several faculty to create a new introductory course for the development of an Africana Studies Program at MSU. Jessica also co-founded Crescent Montana, a nonprofit focused on providing free menstrual products and reproductive health education to rural and tribal Montana schools in an effort to reduce health disparities and stigma. Crescent is currently partnering with at least 4 local middle and high schools to provide students with free menstrual hygiene products. Jessica works within the organization to raise awareness and collect donations.
Personal Statement
As a queer, black, Jewish woman I have experienced and witnessed my fair share of discrimination and oppression and have learned how important it is to address such issues of inequality. During my time at MSU I have worked hard to address social justice through public service in multiple avenues. I am a leader in the Black Student Union at MSU where I work to improve the lives and resources of black students and have done so through helping to develop the Africana Studies Program and the BIPOC Action Plan. I am also a leader in Crescent Montana, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that focuses on providing free menstrual hygiene products to schools across Montana. I also participate in other student organizations such as the Queer Straight Alliance and strive to enhance diversity efforts on campus. I hope to continue advocating for equality and equity and bringing awareness to systemic issues like classism, racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, and homophobia in my daily life, professional life, and beyond.
