Luiza Kinzerska-Martinez
University of MiamiLuiza Kinzerska-Martinez is a junior at the University of Miami studying International Studies and English Literature. Prior to transferring to the University of Miami, Luiza discovered a passion for service and service-learning as it pertains to environmentalism at Miami Dade College. Since the fall of 2014,
Luiza has been involved with the Environmental Coalition of Miami and the Beaches where she has coordinated various community events supporting sustainable practices and was instrumental in the coordination of the Environmental Film Fest. In addition to this, Luiza has volunteered with the Miami Rescue Mission and has organized local collection drives to support those experiencing homelessness. She has been recognized with the President's Volunteer Service Award. Through her extensive volunteer experiences, it is evident that Luiza has committed to positively impacting her global communities.
Personal Statement
Through my volunteer and service-learning experiences, I found my niche in sustainability and global citizenship. In high school, I was a student
ambassador to Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihoods (SOIL) - a nonprofit that targets the lack of sanitation systems in Haiti. Volunteering with SOIL led me into a path in environmental conservation, sustainability, and education that transcends into the global community. Throughout my advocacy work, I met with local government officials, devised fundraising projects and promoted sustainable living practices in my locality. Every day, I aspire to educate and encourage others - whether its my family, peers or the residents of my city - to address and learn about social issues. As an environmental advocate with the local nonprofit Environmental Coalition of Miami and the Beaches (ECOMB), I extend this influence onto the residents of South Florida by coordinating ecological restoration projects and planning environmental movie screenings. My service experiences have shaped me into a passionate global citizen and community educator. Through my community engagement experiences, I have not only developed my own paradigm but also inspired others to - as John Quincy Adams once said - "dream more, learn more, do more and become more.