Kayla J. McLaughlin

University of Dayton

Kayla, a second year student at the University of Dayton (UD), embodies our Catholic Marianist mission. She is a student civic leader committed to understanding her own education by empowering neighborhood leaders and enhancing the quality of life for residents in the Wright-Dunbar neighborhood. Kayla understands that a strong community must have engaged leaders and a strong educational system. Kayla realizes that education is a critical component of a vital neighborhood. She works with Edison Elementary School, located in the Wright Dunbar neighborhood as a coach for Girls on the Run and Soccer for Success, two programs focusing on the mental and physical well-being of young girls. Kayla is a part of the Dayton Civic Scholars (DCS) program in the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community. Students meet local leaders and engage in internships with local community organizations and government offices. Kayla has shown incredible passion, innovation, and energy for the Dayton community. I am confident Kayla will be a tremendous asset to the Newman Civic Fellows program.

Dr. Daniel J. Curran
President
University of Dayton

Personal Statement

Your first year at college is always an exciting experience, but once that settles down, it begins the time to find your passion, and I found mine in a community about a mile away from college. Community change is about recognizing the assets of the community, and maximizing their value to create positive, social change. I spend time in the Wright-Dunbar district; home to artists, athletes, small businesses, and leaders alike; aiming to better their community yet unaware of how to do so. One of the most rewarding positions for me is coaching young students in the neighborhood. All of the students have so much untapped potential that requires just a little motivation to reach into, and bring out of them. Furthermore, by planning neighborhood beautification events through my internship, we are able to show first-hand the reward that comes from taking initiative and working as a community. This historic neighborhood is home to incredible residents with strong potential, and through my remaining years in college, I hope to further collaborate with and encourage the residents to be positive agents of change in our community.

Kayla J. McLaughlin
Operations and Accounting/Communications : Class of 2018
written 2016

2016 Fellows Alphabetical by Institution

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Karmen Kurtz, UNC Asheville Erin Coggins, UNC Charlotte Juan Emilio García Estrada, Universidad de Monterrey Sonce Reese, University of Baltimore Lillian McEntire, University of Central Arkansas Katie Richard, University of Central Oklahoma Joshua Higginbotham, University of Charleston Elizabeth Charash, University of Connecticut Kayla J. McLaughlin, University of Dayton Ciera Kathryn Blehm, University of Denver Andy Garcia, University of Florida Brittany Shipman, University of Great Falls Rima Nimri, University of Illinois at Chicago Maribel Hernandez, University of La Verne Benjamin Webster, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Rachael Parran, University of Maryland, Baltimore Max Poole, University of Maryland, Baltimore County Joel Colon, University of Massachusetts Boston Chris LaPorte, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Alexis Musick, University of Miami Hawa Ali, University of Minnesota Rochester Daniel Mueller, University of Missouri - St. Louis Mackenzie Lombardi, University of Montana Katelyn Gonczy, University of Mount Union Antonio Campbell, University of Nebraska Omaha Zachary Bolster, University of New Hampshire Michael Elliott, University of New Hampshire - Manchester John Blessing, University of North Georgia Shelby Yates, University of Northern Iowa Caitlin Hodges, University of Notre Dame Jeffrey Wiseman, University of Pennsylvania Ian Kanterman, University of Rhode Island Jennifer Paradis, University of Saint Joseph Jessica Villa, University of San Francisco Theresa M. Lacey, University of South Carolina Beaufort Cindy Kuo, University of Utah Mirella Espino, University of Wisconsin Colleges-University of Wisconsin-Extension Nasitta Keita, University of Wisconsin-Madison Marley Uran, University of Wisconsin-Parkside
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