When Salma Anguiano ’22 started college, she knew she wanted to create change and make an impact—she found that at Whitman. In addition to excelling academically and earning a double major in Politics and Chinese, Anguiano was an influential community leader. At Whitman, she help various leadership positions in student organizations ranging from affinity groups to the Associate Students of Whitman College (ASWC), all while landing internships and fellowships with the support and resources of the Career and Community Engagement Center (CCEC).
There were many times where my mentors at Whitman lifted me up and believed in me regardless of the various obstacles and circumstances I faced.
Salma’s Pathway
2019 | Project Pericles Winner: Through the CCEC, Anguiano and a fellow Whittie presented at the Debating for Democracy Conference on their federal policy proposal draft ensuring workers' compensation for all U.S. laborers, regardless of citizenship status.
2019 | Hernandez Immigration Law Intern: An internship funded by the Whitman Internship Grant (WIG) to translate legal documents and interpret consultations for clients.
2019 | First Generation/Working Class Mentor Intern
2019 | Faculty-led Crossroads course in Yunnan, China: Participated in summer studies with professors and fellow students, in a condensed and enriching study-abroad experience.
2020 | Politics Research Assistant: Through a research grant, Anguiano performed an in-depth study on Washington Senate Bill 5395. She was able to collaborate with faculty to build a report with the intention of publication.
2021 | Elected ASWC President
2021 | Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship: A competitive and highly selective program hosted at Carnegie Mellon University preparing students for advanced degrees and career paths that support the communities around them—found through the CCEC.
2021 | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Research Fellow for Whitman College and Northwest Archives
2021 | Senior Admissions Intern
2022 | “Protegiendo Nuestras Raíces”: In her multiyear project and senior thesis, Anguiano produced a documentary and art exhibit—advocating for a fair compensation system to protect undocumented workers through engagement, workshops and conversations with legislators.
MAY 2022 | Graduated cum laude as a Politics and Chinese double major
2022 | Named a Schwarzman Scholar: Accepted into the 2022 cohort where she earned a master’s in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.
As Anguiano pursues her second master’s degree—in China Studies—at Yenching Academy of Peking University, she reflects on her journey as a student, “During my time at Whitman, I had support from various channels. My ability to explore also allowed me to find new interests. Even after graduating, I still continue to receive support from my professors.”
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