2024 Recipient: Beatriz Lopez Galeana

Beatriz (she/they/ella) is a Chicana first-generation student and emerging public health professional who is dedicated to health equity and community building. Through her research, she works closely with local residents and community health workers to document and amplify their experiences during the pandemic as a mechanism for structural change. Beatriz finds fulfillment in her roles as a peer tutor at UCI’s Writing Center and instructor within the UTeach program, where she empowers students’ voices and encourages others to pursue their interests within scholarly settings. Her favorite UCI experience is her work on a collaborative mural project for the Latinx Resource Center that celebrates the Latine student community, which allowed her to foster solidarity and explore her identity. Beatriz is excited to attend UCLA in the Fall to receive a Master of Public Health and Master of Social Welfare with generous support from both programs. She hopes to continue cultivating community-academic partnerships and promoting resilience through education and data-driven advocacy.