Bio Statement
Mariana Contreras is deeply engaged in campus life and community-building through academic support, media work, and cultural organizing. Over the past year she served as a tutor, supporting fellow students academically and helping create inclusive learning spaces. She has also managed social media for the leftist study club, amplifying critical discussions on social justice, policy, and collective action. As a member of the design club, she was invited to join the executive board for the spring semester, where she will help lead creative initiatives and community projects. Mariana also contributed to Alza Tu Bandera, a flagship event celebrating Latinx identity and solidarity that brought together students across campus for cultural affirmation and dialogue.
During the summer, Mariana interned with Truthout, where she researched immigrant food insecurity and structural inequality, and helped edit book excerpts across a variety of subjects. In the fall, she interned with Newsreels, a digital platform focused on curated video journalism, gaining hands-on experience in media production and storytelling. She also developed and led a workshop on oppression and racism through a dialectical lens, encouraging critical reflection and dialogue about structural inequality. Additionally, she authored a narrative journalism piece on a beloved local bar, The Downstairs, which closed last semester, exploring its cultural significance and the impacts of urban change.
Mariana’s involvement reflects a commitment to education, community engagement, and storytelling that centers diverse voices and shared experiences.
What is an IAP Scholar?
Being an IAP Scholar means I can deepen my commitment to community‑centered work and critical inquiry with the support of a network that values thoughtful engagement and social impact.
