Jovan Lovato is a fourth-year student studying Women and Gender Studies, and Ethnic Studies. With a passion for social, political, and economic justice, Jovan hopes to bring an intersectional Feminist praxis to a long-term career in education. It is his belief that we can begin to decolonize educational practices and our greater society through critical and reflexive thought and action. As an Ambassador for the Center for Women’s Studies and Gender Research, and a Mentor for the Social Justice “Thru” the Arts Summer Alliance Program, Jovan hopes to contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and competent education for everyone in our community.

Motivation/Interest: This particular program was of interest to me because social justice transcends all fields that students might be interested in studying. Although this program focuses on arts and creative expression; race, gender, and class power dynamics have a profound impact on the ways we experience the personal, professional, and educational spheres of our society. I see any work that centers social justice as having the potential to change the way students understand their entire lives.

In regards to the arts, creative expression provides a unique platform where justice efforts can be both produced and analyzed. Students should have the opportunity to learn how the arts can be used as a powerful tool for visibility, healing, and advocacy. Through this program, students can be introduced to the many ways that a higher education can foster this type of practice and how their personal development through art can be focussed on justice and liberation.

With a passion for social, political, and economic justice, Jovan hopes to bring an intersectional Feminist praxis to a long-term career in education. It is his belief that we can begin to decolonize educational practices and our greater society through critical and reflexive thought and action. As an Ambassador for the Center for Women’s Studies and Gender Research, and a Mentor for the Social Justice “Thru” the Arts Summer Alliance Program, Jovan hopes to contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and competent education for everyone in our community.

Puleng Marutle, also known as Ratu, is a multidimensional person who has a love passion for the arts. Her passion for self-expression is very much influenced by observing the world from a cross-cultural background. Her father being from New Jersey and her mother being from South Africa, has greatly influenced her connection to the African diaspora and the work that she does. She is greatly influenced by envigarting artist and activist such as Audre Lorde, Janelle Monae, and Octavia E. Butler. Driven by her younger cousins, she seeks to influence other girls and women of color to express themselves through unconventional ways and find their voices.