Keyri Ambrocio
University of New HavenKeyri Ambrocio is a junior who is double majoring in international affairs and political science at the University of New Haven. The daughter of immigrants from Guatemala, she cares deeply about social justice and is passionate about immigration reform. She has interned with local organizations that help immigrants gain work authorization, become legal residents, improve their educational skills, work toward attaining citizenship, and reunite with family members. She is a leader of the University’s award-winning Model United Nations program and the chair of a student-led initiative that works closely with the mayor of the University’s home city. She is planning an intensive summer research project to study immigration from a public opinion framing perspective.
Personal Statement
My passion for community engagement stems from the experiences I had at an early age. As a daughter of immigrants from Guatemala, I have experienced firsthand the injustices that immigrants face in my own hometown where they have been subject to discrimination through not only social interactions but also by their own government. I am driven to make a change through advocating for and empowering immigrants to know the rights that they have and breaking the stereotypes that surround them. I have been able to work towards this vision through my volunteer work at Apostle Immigrant Services and, now, as an intern with the CT Institute for Refugees and Immigrants. Working with immigrants and learning more about the different experiences that they have had has only reinforced my aspiration to become an advocate and to make change. I hope to one day work with an international organization to build awareness and create comprehensive immigration reform. I know there is much work to be done to empower such a marginalized group, but I know with passion, resilience, and determination it can be done.