Toyosi Akanji
Salve Regina University
Toyosi is a current junior chemistry major on a pre-med path at Salve Regina University. Toyosi is an AIM Scholar and a Nuala Pell Leadership Fellow focused on racial equity, educational access and health equity. She is a motivated and respected campus leader who works with student organizations such as the Multicultural Student Organization, the Black Student Union, and in our Student Government to help advocate for social justice and democratic participation. Toyosi helped spearhead the creation of the Black Student Union at Salve Regina University in April 2016. She now serves as the president of the organization where she has focused on issues such as poverty on campus, college access and general awareness of the causes and consequences of racial inequities in the local community.
Personal Statement
I care about social justice issues because I care about people, about the world, and make a conscious effort to make a positive impact. I realized that I can make an impact in my community by serving it, and using my God-given talents to help those in need. I became an advocate for marginalized people, specifically impoverished women and children of color through doing community service in section 8 housing and going on a mission trip to Haiti. Those experiences made me realize that I don't have to be exceptional or really special to make an impact. I realized that there was a problem with the distribution of wealth, and how many people are denied basic human rights like quality health care and quality education simply because they cannot afford to break the cycle of poverty in their family. I believe the best strategies for advocating for marginalized groups is to use my privilege to speak up for them and against the problems that plague our communities. I can use my voice to talk to people and inspire them to work for the people rather than themselves.
