who are the glaad campus ambassadors?
GLAAD Campus Ambassadors are a volunteer network of LGBTQ and ally college and university students who work with GLAAD and within their local communities to build an LGBTQ movement to accelerate acceptance and end hate and discrimination.
why it matters
GLAAD Campus Ambassadors play a pivotal role in shaping culture by amplifying the voices and vision of young LGBTQ people. GLAAD’s 2017 Accelerating Acceptance report revealed that 20% of young people identify as LGBTQ. Yet, the fact remains that more than 30% of Americans polled say they are uncomfortable with LGBTQ people in their families, schools, and communities.
become a glaad campus ambassador
GLAAD is seeking to train and work with current undergraduate students as our Campus Ambassadors for the 2020-2021 academic year. GLAAD Campus Ambassadors help build sustainable and inclusive programming for LGBTQ and ally university students and youth, all while learning GLAAD’s best practices on leveraging media to create change.
Meet the Ambassadors
- Megan Banning, Arizona State University
- Estefania Soto, Arkansas Tech University
- Zakiyyah Forrest, Armstrong State University
- Nick Fiorellini, Bard College
- Sage Dolan-Sandrino, Bard College
- Jasper Francis, Bard College
- Gabriel Gonzalez, Beloit College
- Kameelah Diaz, Boise State University
- Franchesca Araujo, Boston College
- Michelle Yan, Boston College
- Jules Bulafka, Boston University
- Riley McGrath, Bridgewater State University
- Dominic Conover, Butler University
- Abigail Jiang, California Institute of Technology
- Federico Yniguez, California State University, Long Beach
- Riley Vodjani, California State University, Northridge
- Mei’lani Eyre, Cascadia College
- Katarina Spisz, City College of California
- Dylan Barker, Cleveland State University
- Annie Lee, Colby College
- Halley Fine, Colby College
- Tyler Williams, Colby College
- Sophia Huxley, Colby College
- Alex Zhang, Columbia University
- Tevis Robinson, Columbia University
- Gabriel Alvarez, Community College of Rhode Island
- Sage Skyler, Connecticut College
- Audrey Black, Connecticut College
- Magdalena Smith, Cornell University
- James Washburn, Cornish College of the Arts
- Aaron Giglio, CUNY Guttman Community College
- Ian Brundige, DePauw University
- PJ Treacy, Elgin Community College
- Ruth Willis, Florida International University
- Austin Geer, Furman University
- Sidney Snow, Gallaudet University
- Ashley Brown, Georgia Southern University
- Savannah Green, Georgia State University
- Maddi Cuesta, Goucher College
- Athena Williams, Grambling State University
- Racheal McCollum, Grand Valley State University
- Sonya Kalara, Harvard College
- Matthew Keating, Harvard College
- Ternia Wilson, Howard University
- Cameron Stice, Indiana State University
- Emma Awdey, Indiana University
- Sara Warner, Indiana University
- Jonathan Ye, Indiana University
- Olivia Zweig, Indiana University Bloomington
- Seth Peery, Kansas State University
- Amari McGee, Kennesaw State University
- Rodney Bethea, Lake Forest College
- Piper Harsch, Lock Haven University
- Carson Richman, Louisiana State University
- Leigh Fresina, Louisiana State University
- Catherine Ang, Loyola University Maryland
- Delaney Perkins, Lycoming College
- Jay Cropper, Mary Baldwin University
- Liam Gillin, Marist College
- Gabriel Brown, Marshall University
- Eric Jenceleski, Michigan State University
- Cami Hancock, Michigan State University
- Madeline Fitzgerald, Mount Holyoke College
- Kristen Adolf, Mount Holyoke College
- Ash McIntyre, Murray State University
- Morgan Hand, Nazareth College
- Jason Ezell, Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Adel Onodi, New York Stage and Film University
- Gabrielle Roehr, New York University
- Somaya Gupta, New York University
- Grace Ancrum, North Carolina A&T
- Maya Douglas, North Carolina A&T State University
- Peter Buggert, North Dakota State University
- Ada-Marie Gutierrez, Northwestern University
- Ramena Cyrus, Northwestern University
- Rey Tang, Northwestern University
- Harrison Kallner, Occidental College
- Elizabeth Harden, Old Dominion University
- Jayla Roberts, Old Dominion University
- Jackson Riemerschmid, Ohio State University
- Ose Arheghan, Ohio State University
- Tanner Luther, Oklahoma State University
- Serena Garnett, Penn State University
- Donnie Denome, Pitzer College
- Kathleen Warner, Point Loma Nazarene University
- Dantae Johnson, Prairie View A&M
- Elizabeth Guzman, Ramapo College of New Jersey
- Liam Fifer, Rhode Island College
- Rowan Berry, Rhode Island College
- Theodore Fierro, Rhode Island College
- Tyler Yun, San Francisco State University
- Clarence Czachor, SIUE
- Isabel Fields, Smith College
- Matthew Jacquez, Stanford University
- Sarah Ondak, Stanford University
- Trey Shimizu, SUNY Stony Brook University
- Cory-Wren Murphy, South Dakota State University
- Nasir Anthony Montalvo, Stevens Institute of Technology
- Dorothy McIntush, Texas A&M University
- Katrina Sacurom, Texas A&M University, Kingsville
- Blessen Brocke, Texas Tech University
- Kai Usher, The City College of New York
- Brooklyn Riepma, The College of Idaho
- Julia Vanzini, The College of New Jersey
- Jonathan Legette, The Evergreen State College
- Aedy Miller, The George Washington University
- Joshua Elmore, The Juilliard School
- Daniel Camacho, The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- Leo Rocha,The University of Missouri
- Julian Blatt, Tufts University
- Sam Fogarty, Union College
- Tawreak Eddington, Union College
- Ruben Tarajano, University of Alabama
- Cecil Hines, University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Rutuja/Rue Sawant, University of Buffalo
- Ryan Kamkar, University of California, Berkeley
- Shelby Salyer, University of California, Davis
- Nikolas Gonzalez, University of California, Irvine
- Arlene Reynolds, University of California, Los Angeles
- Christian Patrick Balderas, University of California, Los Angeles
- Indya Donovan, University of California, Los Angeles
- Ravindu Ranawaka, University of California, Riverside
- Andrew Auh, University of California, San Diego
- Eve Moreno-Luz, University of California, San Diego
- Francisco Javier Noriega, University of California, Santa Barbara
- Antonio Calbo-Jackson, University of California, Santa Cruz
- Ce-Lai Fong, University of California, Santa Cruz
- Daniel Segobiano, University of California, Santa Cruz
- Edward Estrada, University of California, Santa Cruz
- Drew Adams, University of Central Florida
- Kaylie Duffy, University of Central Missouri
- Alex Nguyen, University of Colorado, Boulder
- Deborah Dereje-Tsige, University of Colorado, Boulder
- Gwendalynn Roebke, University of Colorado, Boulder
- Naya O’Reilly, University of Colorado, Boulder
- Max Llamas, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
- Gaston Neville, University of Connecticut
- Emmett Burns, University of Connecticut, Stamford
- Marley Aiu, University of Hawaii, Manoa
- Keeley Hard, University of Houston
- Priyank Pillai, University of Houston
- Sanjeev Thangarajah, University of Iowa
- Kyleen Nixon, University of Maine
- Skylar Rungren, University of Maine
- Chantelle Sutton, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore
- Elijah Haswell, University of Michigan
- Marlon Rajan, University of Michigan
- Shannon Li, University of Michigan
- Elliot Hobaugh, University of Montana
- Grace Chambers, University of Nebraska
- Gabrielle Hartman, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Martha Amaya, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Sarah Huckman, University of New Hampshire
- Arlin Pedregon, University of New Mexico
- Timothy Harris, University of New Mexico
- Kay Moran, University of Oklahoma
- Syd Stephenson, University of Oklahoma
- Aria Back, University of Oregon
- Sorrel Rosin, University of Oregon
- Sunanda Tamrakar, University of Pittsburgh
- Sydney Yocum, University of San Francisco
- Oscar Portillo-Meza, University of South Florida, Tampa
- Jaq Jefcoat, University of Southern Mississippi
- Jesús Noé Monárrez, University of Tennessee
- Patrick Mardis, University of Tennessee
- Jacob Meade, University of Texas
- Christian Kenoly, University of Texas, Austin
- Map Pesqueira, University of Texas, Austin
- Isaac James, University of Texas, Austin
- Athena Schwartz, University of Utah
- Alex Escaja, University of Vermont
- Ellie Ousey, University of Vermont
- Austin Houck, University of Virginia
- Andre Menchavez, University of Washington
- Ryan Wagstaff, University of Washington
- Sara Mustre-del Río, University of Washington
- Jorge Azpeitia, University of Washington, Bothell
- Richard Parra, University of Washington, Seattle
- Ren Gresbach, University of Wisconsin
- Landre Johnson, Vanderbilt University
- Maurice Scott, Vaughn College of Aeronautics
- Corinne Beverly, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Halisha Knipe, Weber State
- Lynn Liu, Wesleyan University
- Ryan Richardson, Western Kentucky University
- Ari Winter, Western Washington University
- Mason Bernardo, Western Washington University
- Daniel Gallegos, West Virginia University
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to become a GLAAD Campus Ambassador?
Any undergraduate student enrolled full-time at an accredited (2-year or 4-year) U.S. college or university is eligible to apply to the program.
When are the applications due?
The application is open all year round. A selection committee will review applications received on a rolling basis between October and December in 2020.
When will applicants be notified if they have been selected?
Applicants who applied before September 20, 2020 will be notified of their application status by October 2, 2020. Applicants who apply after September 20, 2020 will be notified of their application status on a rolling basis between October and December of 2020.
If I applied during this past academic year do I have to apply again?
If you applied between September 2019-September 2020 your application will be considered for this year’s 2020-2021 program and you are not required to apply again. However, those who previously applied after this date and would like to update us on new work can do so. We ask you to please make a note of this in the comment section of the application.
How are the Campus Ambassadors selected?
Campus Ambassadors are selected based on their involvement in and passion for LGBTQ advocacy, as well as on their interest and experience in media. LGBTQ advocates who are passionate about media representation and/or those who are or aspire to be inclusive content creators are encouraged to apply (applicable interests include: journalism, blog writing, creative writing, video blogging, photography, videography, graphic design, other multimedia skills, etc.).
What are the responsibilities of a Campus Ambassador?
Campus Ambassadors are encouraged to contribute localized multimedia content to GLAAD platforms and engage in GLAAD campaigns. Campus Ambassadors are presented with opportunities to appear in media, serve as a spokesperson, and are encouraged to participate actively in GLAAD campaigns. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in the 2020-2021 academic year, all work will be done remotely and virtually.
What are the benefits of becoming a Campus Ambassador?
Campus Ambassadors receive training opportunities from the GLAAD Media Institute to prepare for their role as a media advocate for LGBTQ acceptance. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all training and engagement opportunities will occur remotely and virtually. GLAAD Campus Ambassadors (GCAs) have the opportunity to apply to our Campus Ambassador Leadership Team which will allow them additional training and exclusive media opportunities. Previous GCA members have been trained by and networked with media industry leaders and educators like Tre’vell Anderson, Alok Vaid-Menon, Meredith Talusan, Monica Trasandes, Fran Tirado, Scott Turner Schofield, and more.
What is the time commitment?
Campus Ambassadors are expected to dedicate up to one hour per week to the program depending on their availability. The program provides additional opportunities to Campus Ambassadors which may require 4-5 hours of commitment. GCA Leaders are asked to dedicate at least 1-2 hours per week to the program.
Is this a paid opportunity?
The GLAAD Campus Ambassador Program is a volunteer opportunity, and participants will not be compensated.
What is the relationship a Campus Ambassador has with GLAAD?
Campus Ambassadors are a volunteer network with strong relationship with the GLAAD national team. Campus Ambassadors receive training from the GLAAD Media Institute, invitations to GLAAD events, consultation and guidance from members of the GLAAD national team, and are invited to contribute their ideas and content to GLAAD and our platforms.
How many Campus Ambassadors can there be on one college’s campus? / Will I be able to become a Campus Ambassador if there is already one at my university?
There is no maximum number of Campus Ambassadors per university. Anyone can apply regardless of if there is already a Campus Ambassador attending your university.
How many Campus Ambassadors are in the program?
GLAAD plans to have up to 200 Campus Ambassadors participating in the program.
Is this just a one year commitment as a Campus Ambassador?
Campus Ambassadors are asked to serve at least one academic year, and are encouraged to return for additional terms as long as they remain eligible and active members of the program.
Can being a Campus Ambassador count for college credit?
The GLAAD Campus Ambassador Program does not qualify as college credit. Your work as a Campus Ambassador may qualify as volunteer hours should you need to fulfill a college or community volunteer requirement.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply or become a Campus Ambassador?
You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to apply or become a Campus Ambassador. You are eligible as long as you are an undergraduate student enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university. It is important to note that there may be opportunities to travel as a benefit of being a Campus Ambassador. If you are not permitted or are unable to travel in the U.S. please let us know in your application in the additional comments section. This will not in any way prejudice our decision-making/judging process.
Why would you like to know my Demographic Information (gender identity, sexual identity, and racial identity, etc.)?
Even though giving us this information is purely on a voluntary basis, we would like this info in order to make sure we are reaching a wide and diverse population of potential entrants, especially within the LGBTQ community. NOTE: Providing or not providing us with this information will not in any way prejudice our decision-making/judging process.
