CHCI-Toyota Intern
Hometown: Wyoming, Michigan
School: University of Alabama
Major: International Studies
Placement: The Office of Sen. Gary Peters
Marissa Alayna Navarro is a first-generation Honors College student seeking a degree in international relations with a minor in Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino studies and Spanish at The University of Alabama. Marissa attended a primarily Latinx high school in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and hopes to utilize her education to encourage others to pursue scholastic excellence. Witnessing the hardships faced by her family, Marissa was inspired to continue her education, speak out against injustice, and to give back to her community. Her biggest motivator in life is her family for always believing in her and supporting all her goals.
Aside from her academic work, Marissa has devoted her time to various leadership roles on campus including the founder and president of The Hispanic-Latino Association, an organization on campus devoted to the recruitment, retention, and personal and professional development of Hispanic/Latinx students. She also serves as a Senator for the Student Government Association, an Ambassador for the College of Arts & Sciences, and was recently selected as a member of the Blackburn Institute. Marissa also works as a student intern at the university’s Crossroads Community Center, which provides resources on diversity and inclusion through intercultural engagement opportunities at The University of Alabama.
As a CHCI Intern, Marissa hopes to develop her leadership skills and continue to be a voice for underrepresented communities. This experience will allow her to share resources and opportunities to her community. Upon graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Marissa hopes to further her education by attending law school or pursuing a master’s degree in international affairs.