GONZAGA | stephaniem

A fortunate set of circumstances led me to become aware of Gonzaga University and the Communications and Leadership program. During my first visit to Spokane last Fall to attend a conference for GEAR UP, a federal educational program I work for, I heard remarks from local anchorwoman Stephanie Vigil. As an alumnus of the program, Ms. Vigil shared her inspiring success story and how Gonzaga has been part of it. As a successful Latina career woman, she provided me with a vision of what I, as a young Hispanic woman who is passionate about her work, could one day aspire to.

As Ms. Vigil spoke about service-oriented leadership, I reflected upon my own background and those of the communities I work with. I was born and raised in New Mexico and am a descendant of Spanish colonists, Puebloan peoples and Anglo settlers alike. Education has been a priority in my family, but this is often not the case within many communities in my state. Having the privilege of attaining a higher degree while observing the dearth of educational attainment among my community, I recognized a responsibility to use this privilege to increase educational expectations and opportunities for New Mexicans.

Upon completing my education at New Mexico State University in Government and Journalism, I began working toward increasing educational access and undergraduate attainment by utilizing my communications skills to advocate to and for traditionally underrepresented communities.

My discovery of Gonzaga University and the Communications and Leadership Program has felt kismet. I have searched for a graduate program that matches my career aspirations while allowing me to continue my work but had been previously unsuccessful. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to meet with Dr. John Caputo during my visit to Spokane who shared information about the program with me. Dr. Caputo emphasized Gonzaga’s philosophy of service leadership, a philosophy that matches my own.

Me with Spike the bulldog during my first visit to Gonzaga University

Gonzaga’s commitment to fostering ethical communicators who utilize critical thought is refreshing and urgently needed

Gonzaga’s commitment to fostering ethical communicators who utilize critical thought is refreshing and urgently needed in a world leaning toward sensationalism and disinformation. As a member of the Public Relations Society of America and the Society of Professional Journalists, I hold ethics in high regard and in practice. As a Catholic and humanist, the University’s values reaffirm my beliefs and I hope to join a community of fellow leaders and learners as we aim to “go forth and set the world on fire.”

I feel the need to continue to build my capacity as a service-oriented professional and to lead by example through continuing my education as I advocate others to do. As an undergraduate, I learned the fundamentals of communication and principles of leadership and governance. Having gained valuable work experience and exposure to the needs of my community, I am now certain of the direction my passion has taken: increasing access to education in underrepresented communities through effective communication, leadership and advocacy.

My goal is to continue to work in education, whether through government, academia, or community organizations and one day attain a directorial communications role. Beyond that, I aspire to further my education with a terminal degree and attain a leadership role that will allow me to implement lasting societal improvements. I am, however, open to opportunities as they present themselves and have learned that some of the best turns in life come as a surprise.

Me with Gonzaga Alumna Stephanie Vigil at the 2006 GEAR UP West Conference