2008 New Leaders Summer Interns
|
Jessica Nizar
Hometown: Bakersfield, CA
Age: 20
School: Occidental College
Interests: Cooking empanadas, making new dance moves, getting the
Internship: Planned Parenthood Federation of America
|
Jessica is currently a senior at Occidental College studying Critical Theory and Social Justice and Spanish. As a Youth Leader at the LA Bridges Gang Prevention Program at Luther Burbank Middle School, she is constantly seeking new ways to give power and a voice to the low-income communities of color in the neighborhoods surrounding her campus. She is a strong believer in grassroots political organizing and is excited to promote and see future youth and student movements for education reform movements. |
"I desire to see the bigger picture of social change and the various different political processes that work towards achieving it (such as policy and advocacy work)."
- Jessica Nizar,
2008 New Leaders Summer Intern |
|
|
| More about Jessica |
You're stranded on a deserted island. What is one book or album that you can't live without?
Joni Mitchell's Blue album and James Baldwin's Giovanni's Room
What do you hope to take away from your experience as a CPL New Leader?
For three years I have been a dedicated mentor leader and tutor at LA Bridges, a gang-prevention after-school program. Forming relationships with underprivileged youth, I have developed a strong rapport and personal connection to the families as well as a deep understanding of the interconnected problems they face daily. In maintaining close communication with various grassroots organizations throughout East Los Angeles, I pursued a shadowing opportunity at a non-profit organization that organizes/mobilizes students and families around educational rights from three of the most overcrowded and predominantly Latino high schools in the nation. I desire to see the bigger picture of social change and the various different political processes that work towards achieving it (such as policy and advocacy work). My personal understanding of these interconnected problems will help me communicate the desires and goals of my respective organization as a CPL New Leader. Though my passion and “take-action” attitude has empowered me to seek change on my own university campus, I have a strong desire to be changed by my experiences, and widen my perspectives on social justice.
|
|
|
|
