Eight UCF students set off to change the world March 6-8 at Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU) national conference at the University of Miami.
One student group included junior psychology major Desia Bacon, junior political science pre-law major Jessica Momorie, and freshman anthropology and international and global relations major Keenan McMahon. Their project, “I Don’t Stand For,” seeks to inform students about Human Rights issues including sexism, ableism and racism.
Bacon said CGIU “[provided] the opportunity to interact with and hear from individuals from around the world who are all working towards making this world a better place or already have done so.”
Junior finance major Casey Field focused on her project “Around The World” which seeks to raise awareness for women and children around the world by hosting scarf parties where the country of origin of each scarf’s story is told, leading to conversations about global issues.
Junior communications major Milka Derisma educated CGIU students about her project, “Byg Shift,” an initiative to help transfer students assimilate more easily. Students may access her website at: www.bygshift.com for more information.
Junior biomedicine major Vanessa Nascimento presented her project on improving health education through seminars in an under-priviledged maternity hospital.
Graduate education students Hannah Ehrli and LaSonya Moore presented their project, “Women of Haiti Rising” which seeks to create an infrastructure of leadership for women and girls through education, health and alleviation of poverty.
Stacey Malaret, facilitator for CGIU said, “I am very excited that UCF is providing a platform for student social change initiatives to come to fruition through the CGIU program. Our students have such great ideas and a passion for their community that will benefit from this funding and mentoring.”
Students may learn more about CGIU at: lsa.sdes.ucf.edu/Clinton.