Kaitlynne Jensen
Whitman College
Kaitlynne Jensen, a sophomore at Whitman College, is a student leader active in addressing issues of access and inequality in Walla Walla, Washington. Through supporting women in poverty with basic feminie hygiene needs, increasing youth understanding of civic power and responsibility, and filling in the gaps of American history not included in K-12 classroom curricula, Kaitlynne has demonstrated her commitment to leadership and social change. She is currently engaged in fundraising, program outreach, curriculum design, volunteer recruitment, training and support to further impact each of the following areas: non-profit partnerships, young eligible voter registration, and civil rights education enhancement through collaboration with local school districts.
Personal Statement
Throughout my lifetime, my favorite activity has been working with my community. Helping those who need an extra hand, such as assistance repainting a historic barn, has filled me with an indescribable joy. I credit my parents for this because they were the ones who included me in collecting donations of canned food and volunteering with local nonprofits when I was five. Through participation in the Summer Community OutReach Engagement before starting my first year at Whitman, I fell more in love with service and desired to use my position in the community to create change and connect with others. Since then, I have worked to register local high school students to vote, spoken at a city council meeting about injustice, and led a fundraiser to donate menstrual products to local nonprofits. Also, I have developed a passion for engaging with children through teaching lessons about equity and diversity at local elementary schools, and in my weekly mentoring sessions with a fourth grade student. I am honored and excited to connect with others who share this same passion for service and engagement.
