Roger Life: Social Justice Work of RWU Junior Melissa Calvo Vides honored with Newman Civic Fellowship

Junior Melissa Calvo Vides was honored as one of 212 students to receive the prestigious Newman Civic Fellowship for the 2021-22 school year in recognition of her commitment to social justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion work.

Calvo Vides was instrumental in organizing Black Lives Matter demonstrations on campus, assisted in developing panels that educated students on indigenous history, immigration, ability/disability, intersectionality, and more, and created support networks and safer spaces for students of color on campus.

"I have always been involved in addressing social justice issues, as I have seen how people who look like me are mistreated in America. I am an immigrant woman of color, I have no other option but to stand in my experience and stand up for those in oppressed communities," wrote Calvo Vides in her personal statement for the Newman Civic Fellowship. "Every year I find myself with more strength to stand up against injustice."

As a Newman Civic Fellow, Calvo Vides will receive training, mentorship and resources to help develop her path as an activist and change maker, joining student leaders from across the United States in a network of civically-engaged college students.

Developing Leadership: "The fellowship will help me develop as a person, an activist, and a leader. I’ll have mentorship, but I’ll also offer leadership skills and share what I learn from being in this position. I can teach other people what I have to offer and be a mentor, just like other people will mentor me."

Addressing Adversities: "We are students, but we also have adversities that get in the way of focusing on academics or extracurricular activities like a fog. We have racism and microaggressions to deal with. My support mostly comes from other students who are trying to bring awareness to these issues, and having a Chief Diversity Officer really helped the work that we do feel focused."

Recognizing Students of Color: "It was really the whole BIPOC community caring about bringing awareness to Black Lives Matter and other issues that put me in this position. The Black Living Learning Community, the Intercultural Center, the Multicultural Student Union, and all the people of color on campus helped me. The Newman Civic Fellowship is not only my recognition, but the recognition of all the students of color here at Roger Williams."

Calvo Vides grew up in Pinillos, Bolivar, Colombia, and immigrated to the United States at age 11. She is majoring in Public Relations.

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