From the president
Imelda Pozos is a senior majoring in History and Political Science with a minor in Spanish, Imelda is a first-generation college student and the daughter of immigrants. She is recognized for her academic achievement, civic engagement, and leadership in advancing social justice, particularly in immigration advocacy. As a Belonging Fellow, she played a key role in fostering inclusive spaces and co-organized the impactful "Hasta Las Raíces" art gallery with the Hispanic Latino Collectivo. Imelda stands out for her humility, thoughtful leadership, and ability to unite diverse perspectives, all while maintaining a 3.31 GPA and working part-time. She will be pursuing graduate study in Applied Sociology with the aim of becoming an immigration attorney, reflecting her commitment to serving underrepresented communities.
Personal Statement
Just because the adrenaline of protests and social media coverage has gone down does not mean that the fear has. My name is Imelda Pozos, and I am a proud daughter of immigrant parents from Michoacán, Mexico. I grew up in a Mexican immigrant household, surrounded by people who came to this country in search of a better life. My parents and siblings worked grueling hours as fieldworkers before moving to Indiana for factory work. From a young age, I learned resilience and the need to work twice as hard to achieve our goals. My father passed away when I was young, and my mother, one of the strongest women I know, raised us. Crossing borders was a part of life, and I witnessed the sacrifices of family members who left home and, at times, could not return, even to bury loved ones. These experiences shaped me and my drive to move mountains for my family and immigrant communities.
At the University of Indianapolis, I study History and Political Science with a Spanish minor, and I will begin a master’s in Applied Sociology this fall. My capstone project, Unidos No Más? The Trump Era and the Decline of Linked Fate Among Latinos, explores why more Latinos supported Donald Trump in 2024, connecting it to a rise in individualistic voting priorities. I plan to expand this research and partner with local nonprofits serving immigrant and Latino populations. Looking ahead, I hope to pursue a PhD in Sociology or Political Science, with the goal of becoming a professor at a Hispanic-Serving Institution while continuing research that uplifts and supports marginalized communities. The Newman Civic Fellowship offers me the opportunity to grow as a leader, connect with others who share my values, and prepare for a career of service, advocacy, and social change.