Zane Landin
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Zane Landin, a third-year Cal Poly Pomona student, actively engages in effective dialogue to create social change in marginalized communities. Zane is driven, exhibiting the qualities of a leader, as evidenced by his roles as the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) Council President and executive director for United with Differences. An avid campus volunteer, Zane spends his time with numerous affinity groups and has completed multiple internships in media, communications, and customer relations.
Zane is on track to achieve his goal of becoming a public servant for non-profit organizations providing support to underrepresented communities. In his role as executive director at United with Differences, Zane is responsible for organizing an annual disability-centered event bringing awareness and resources to a student community that is often disregarded. In addition, Zane is currently completing research on how to leverage technology to improve mental health.
A first-generation college student and President’s Scholar, Zane advocates for his fellow students by fostering productive communication on topics of race, the LGBTQ+ and disabled communities.
With over 30 years of experience in higher education, I am confident in recommending Zane as an extremely capable, self-motivated, dedicated young man focused on public reform.
Personal Statement
Since arriving at Cal Poly Pomona, I have been involved in multiple social activist groups and programs that uplift and empower the LGBTQ+ community, students of color, and people with disabilities. Specifically, being involved and identifying with all three communities, I bring forward discussions of intersectionality and how these different identities coexist.
Currently, I am a member of the Access and DisABILITY Alliance, an affinity organization on campus pushing for the inclusivity of faculty, staff, and students with disabilities. I have served in numerous leadership roles contributing to social media accessibility and the uniting of people of all abilities to create awareness. As last year’s Unity Luncheon Co-Chair, we invited a speaker who identifies as autistic and genderqueer and gave them a platform to share their experiences. It was a great opportunity for people to learn about the intersections of having a disability and belonging to the LGBTQ+ community, while promoting compassion and inclusion in a nonthreatening environment.
