LESLEY MIZHQUIRI

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
School: Dartmouth College
Major: Economics & Public Policy

Born and raised in the Belmont-Cragin neighborhood of Chicago, Lesley is the proud daughter of immigrants from Ecuador. Through her parents’ and community’s relentlessness, kindness, and humility, Lesley found the endless motivation in helping disadvantaged communities that have been affected by inequitable policies. As a first-generation student, she strives to make sure that other first-generation students on her college campus are provided with the resources and guidance that can help them easily transition to college. She is currently a Student Director and Mentor for Dartmouth’s First-Generation Office.

Lesley is currently a senior at Dartmouth College majoring in Economics and Public Policy, as well as minoring in Education. To help fund her education, Lesley has received several outside scholarships such as the Greenhouse Scholar Program, HEAR Foundation, Philanthropic Educational Organization Sisterhood, McKinsey & Company, Wentcher Foundation, and United States Hispanic Leadership Institute. Upon completing her undergraduate degree, Lesley hopes to work towards seeing a reduction in the achievement and wealth gaps in society, whether by working through non-profits, becoming an elected official in her community, or developing a local advocacy group. She ultimately wants to ensure that disadvantaged communities like those seen in Chicago are represented and empowered.

As a CHCI Intern, Lesley hopes to engage in meaningful work, learn from Latino Leaders, and challenge herself with new knowledge and tasks. Lesley believes that she will be given the resources and knowledge needed to learn more about how she can work with others efficiently to make a difference in her community.