From the president
From her very first days on campus, Allie Evangelista ’26 has been a driving force in Rollins College’s initiative for civic learning and democratic action, The Democracy Project. Rollins regularly earns “Voter Friendly Campus” designation, and our student voter turnout far exceeds the national average, thanks in large part to Allie’s efforts. By her own account, Allie has a deep passion for raising awareness about the relationship between participation in local government and community problem-solving. She understands that enabling others to recognize and exercise their own agency multiplies the human resources focused on addressing the root causes of social issues. Allie has spearheaded initiatives that connect students with local government officials and community leaders, fostering a collaborative environment for addressing public problems. A natural organizer and facilitator whose efforts are characterized by building partnerships, Allie has compiled a record of service that demonstrates the depth of her commitment to expanding access to participation in the democratic process and the power of citizen problem-solving. At a college where the statement “Life Is For Service” is engraved in stone and instilled in the campus culture, Allie is an exceptional servant leader.
Personal Statement
I serve as Co-Student Coordinator for the Democracy Project (DP), a nonpartisan initiative that promotes civic engagement and voter registration on my college campus and community. My involvement with DP began in my freshman year, driven by my passion for community empowerment and raising awareness about the vital role of civic engagement. Civic engagement—voting especially—is a powerful tool for advancing social justice and addressing pressing issues. I believe many of the challenges our communities face can be tackled through local government, which is why I’m committed to creating awareness and inclusive pathways for students to get involved in our community in any capacity. In addition to my work with DP, I serve on the executive
boards of the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Student Support Foundation (SSF). Through SGA, I’ve had the opportunity to advocate for student needs and contribute to decisions shaping student life. My role with SSF has allowed me to help alleviate financial stress for students by facilitating access to emergency funds and maintaining our campus food pantry. These
experiences highlight the importance of advocacy and leadership. Creating meaningful change starts with listening and standing up for others, and these small steps can make a significant impact.