Claudia is a junior MLK Scholar at Ithaca College. She is majoring in Advertising, Public Relations Marketing Communications and has a minor in Sociology. During her time as an Ithaca College student and MLK scholar she has been a part of the Women’s Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Team as a short hurdler and sprinter. She is also a part of Ithaca College’s chapter of the American Marketing Association, where she has done consulting work with businesses and individuals in the Ithaca area that need marketing assistance. Another organization she is a member of is Leadership Academy. Leadership Academy is a four-year program that teaches and guides student athletes about what it means to be a leader in all aspects of their lives. Since, the beginning of the of the Fall 2025 semester Claudia has worked for the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance in the marketing department on the Marketing and Publicity team as a Marketing and Event Promotions Assistant. She is tasked with creating and advertising posters and social media posts for the schools’ up and coming concepts, performance, and other events. Last year Claudia volunteered at Loaves and Fishes, a soup kitchen that serves the unhoused population in the town of Ithaca. She also volunteered at Prunty’s Pantry, an on-campus food pantry that helps support the Ithaca College community. This semester Claudia’s service included volunteering with the Greater Ithaca Activities Center where she helped facilitate games and pass out Halloween candy for the children. A highlight for Claudia this semester was participating in the “No Kings” protest. After she wrote an essay on her observations and impact it had on her and others that attended the protest.
To me being an MLK Scholar means having the responsibility of not only being aware of systemic issues, but also having the courage and the passion to want to change those systemic issues. Being an MLK Scholars allows me to have support in fighting for change.