ATHINA ELIZABETH CASTAÑON

Hometown: El Paso, Texas
School: St. Edward’s University
Major: Biology
Placement: The Office of Rep. Veronica Escobar

Athina was born and raised in the vibrant border city of El Paso, Texas where she was instilled with the familial values of her Mexican culture. She credits her focus in servant leadership to her parents and the Hispanic community in which she was raised.

Athina is a recent graduate of St. Edward’s University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Psychology. While at St. Edward’s, she had the opportunity to serve on and off campus through her involvement in Campus Ministry. Athina has worked with organizations supporting immigrant families through S.E.R.V.E Austin and as a Spring Break Experience participant where she worked with rehabilitating gang members in Los Angeles, California. Additionally, Athina was elected to serve in the Student Government Association over the course of 3 years as a Senator, Student Body Vice President, and Student Body President. Through these positions, she worked to tackle the issue of sexual assault by examining current Title IX policies, re-evaluated diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at her university, and amplified the voices of marginalized students.

As a CHCI Intern, Athina is interested in building on her understanding of the legislative process so that she may work on policies that aim to support survivors of sexual assault. She believes that CHCI will serve as the perfect conduit to cultivate her as part of the rising generation of Latinx leaders.