ALFREDO ZAYAS

Hello LMU community! My name is Alfredo Zayas, and I am running for the position of ASLMU’s Vice-President of Cultural Affairs and Justice. I am a Sophomore Economics major who comes from the Montecito Heights area of Los Angeles. I proudly identify as first-generation Latino from a low-income household. All my life, I have sought opportunities to become the voice for people whose voices are often ignored or not loud enough. In my short time here at LMU, I have interacted with and heard the wonderful and inspiring stories of so many fellow students who come from a multitude of diverse backgrounds. I am running for this position to become the voice for all students of color, all first-generation students, and any student struggling to find their cultural community here on campus. Additionally, as the son of two immigrant parents who were forced to immigrate to the U.S. and were thus unable to pursue higher education, I also have a personal responsibility address to pay particular attention to the concerns of all DACA and International students who feel that LMU can do more to support them and their respective cultures and communities. There are resources available to make each, and every student feel welcome. All it takes is one person willing to truthfully listen to the community’s concerns and then take action to create a real and tangible impact, no matter how small it may seem. I may be new to taking over a position that oversees thousands of unique and esteemed members of such an exceptional community here at LMU, but I make the promise that at the very least, my door will always be open for anyone to bring attention to lacking representation of a culture, concern over local social justice issues, or if you just need someone to talk to. I’d like to leave you all with this quote from Rohit Bhargava, “Every Culture’s history is essential. Everyone deserves to have their lives elevated through the beauty of truthful representation.” I aim to lead honestly and in your best interests. Thank you.