From the president
Kaya’s compassion and social change orientation has been demonstrated time and again during her time at St. Olaf College. She sees opportunities to make change and works with others to make it happen. Kaya has become a vocal advocate for dialogue across difference through her work in the Institute for Freedom and Community. She serves as DEI Senator in the Student Government Association, working tirelessly to make sure that the needs of international students and students of color are addressed in college decision making. She is actively working with others in the broader community to support neighbors affected by changes to immigration enforcement. She does all this while pursuing her licensure to become a secondary Social Studies teacher to help ensure that the next generation of youth is informed and prepared for engaged citizenry.
Personal Statement
Growing up in a family of community leaders shaped my belief that social change starts with relationships. My mother, a social worker in the Asian American community, and my father, a community organizer for black artists, taught me to center people first and take action when I see a solution. As a multiracial individual, investing in the community has helped me understand my identity and deepen my commitment to justice. As Secretary of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in our Student Government, I lead efforts to ensure marginalized students are supported with accessible resources. I oversee multicultural organizations and collaborate across campus to develop initiatives that respond directly to student needs. I am currently working to connect students with administrators to bridge institutional gaps and build lasting solutions through dialogue and shared goals. My long-term mission is to become a civics educator and influence education policy to advance equity through public systems. I believe the most meaningful change happens when diverse voices are empowered to shape solutions together. I’m excited to continue building coalitions, uplifting community wisdom, and using education as a tool for collective liberation.