From the president
Emerson Azcoitia (they/them/theirs), a third-year student at Elmhurst University, is a student leader and activist for current efforts of mutual aid and community support. They have been volunteering as a student leader with the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF), an ecumenical justice-centered religious space, to imagine what a truly inclusive and globally engaged community looks like. Through the WSCF, they have been on trips domestically and abroad to further their understanding and commitment to advocating for policy change that impacts communities from thriving. Emerson’s core values and advocacy are centered around the education system with a focus on supporting and cultivating new leaders. Emerson is an advocate and leader who centers the experiences and voices of those most impacted and cultivates a space of growth, belonging, and change. Through their work of establishing and serving as the Secretary of the Elmhurst University chapter of the NAACP, Emerson has been involved in conversations and efforts with Elmhurst students centered around true inclusivity, supporting BIPOC voices, and empowering young people to enact change.
Personal Statement
The start of my social justice and advocacy journey began in a place where you would least expect it, a church pew. I saw the radical community and advocacy for underprivileged communities in our holy text and in the people around me. As I grew up, I started learning about language diversity and inclusion, queer and trans identities in our modern-day legal/political system, and how our individualistic and scarcity mindsets impact our communities, laws, politics, funding, resources, and more. Through my work with the World Student Christian Federation, we have reimagined what it would look like to build community by connecting cross-culturally to people just like us on the “other side.” I take these lessons and these intentions onto my campus through Spiritual Life Council (SLC), an interfaith organization that hosts events to connect those of different beliefs, hosts conversations on topics like sacrifice and religious context of secular holidays and serves as a table for all people to come around. Through this, I have taken part in the learning process of religion and advocacy, as well as been connected to a beautiful community of respect and appreciation, which has been central to my collegiate advocacy.