Mia Macias

Hometown: Oak Lawn, Illinois
School: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Major: Political Science
Placement: The Office of Rep. Jesús G. “Chuy” García

Mia Macias was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois to second-generation parents. Her grandparents immigrated to the United States from Guadalajara, Mexico, and Calabria, Italy. As a proud granddaughter of immigrants and the first in her family to attend college, Mia understands the importance of advocating and giving back to her community. 

Mia is currently a rising senior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign majoring in Political Science with a concentration on International Relations and minors in Legal Studies and Gender Women Studies. Upon graduation, Mia plans on going to law school to obtain a J.D. degree and pursue a legal career as an immigration attorney. 

Heavily influenced by her background and experiences, Mia has always strived towards empowering and tackling disparities within women and communities of color. This passion has led her to be proactive on campus in organizations that focus on gender liberation. She is a founding member of her campus, It’s On Us chapter that advocates for the prevention of sexual assault awareness at colleges nationwide. With her leadership, Mia has been able to advocate on behalf of communities of color in making survivor resources on campus more accessible and inclusive. 

As a CHCI Intern, Mia hopes to expand her knowledge of the legislative process and its effect on her community. She hopes to be able to use this experience to make a difference for women of color who are survivors of sexual violence and inspire others to do the same.