Diversity Statement

As a Honduran-American immigrant with other marginalized identities, I have personally witnessed and experienced various forms of oppression. I am deeply aware of what it means to exist on the "periphery"—feeling as though I am an outsider, disconnected from the mainstream, and struggling with a sense of not belonging. From a young age into my adolescent years, I often felt "othered"—constantly navigating the complexities of being an immigrant in a society that made me feel invisible.

It wasn’t until I had the privilege of attending college that I was given the time, space, and support network to explore my multiple identities and truly come into my own. While my experience is not unique, it was during college that I encountered a transformative moment: I discovered a language and framework that allowed me to articulate the discrimination and shame I had felt for years. It was through the concept of intersectionality, coined by civil rights advocate Kimberlé Crenshaw, that I began to understand my own intersecting identities. For the first time, I recognized how race, gender, immigration status, and other aspects of my identity shaped my experiences. I was exposed to research that deepened my understanding of intersectionality, and it ignited a passion for exploring how race and power dynamics permeate every aspect of our lives.

This journey deeply influences the focus of my work. Today, my efforts center on advocating for marginalized groups, whether defined by race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, immigration status, or language. In fields like urban planning, community development, and engagement, the voices of underrepresented groups are often overlooked or entirely excluded. Throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies, I not only explored the inequities faced by diverse individuals but also sought to understand their root causes. I’ve come to believe that education grounded in diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential for creating lasting systemic and institutional change.

My ongoing commitment to volunteering and working with various organizations allows me to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained to advocate for marginalized groups and push for structural change. It is my mission to amplify the voices of historically minoritized communities, elevate their agency, and ensure their stories are heard. By doing so, I aim to challenge the status quo and bring truth to power.