Ashley Delgado named 2019 Newman Civic Fellow

Ashley Delgado, a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in holistic clinical mental health counseling at Salve Regina, has been named a 2019 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a nonprofit organization supporting civic engagement on college campuses throughout the country.

Newman fellowships recognize students who engage in collaborative action with others in order to create long-term social change, take action in addressing issues of inequality and political polarization, and demonstrate the motivation and potential for effective long-term civic engagement.

As a fellowship recipient, Delgado will participate in a variety of learning and networking opportunities, including attending the national conference of Newman Civic Fellows in partnership with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. The fellowship also provides access to apply for exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.

Delgado’s own civic engagement has focused on supporting LGBTQIA+ youth and building community by promoting inclusion and education. She has lobbied with LGBTQ Action RI to ban conversion therapy in Rhode Island, met with middle school and high-school GSAs (gay-straight alliances), presented at conferences and provided further resources to support GSAs.

“Growing up in Central Falls, I learned that communities flourish with love and support,” Delgado said. “I take a lot of pride in the way I have continuously supported the LGBTQIA+ community with my heart, including as Ms. Lesbian Rhode Island 2017, the RI Pride grand marshal, an Options board member and N.E. Pride T.V.’s 2018 person of the year.”

Delgado hopes her experience will provide opportunities to become more involved with the campus community. “I am looking forward to working more on campus with student leadership and inclusion efforts, helping to inspire students to be actively involved in making positive change,” she said. “Additionally, I am excited about meeting the other fellows and learning from my peers’ passions, experiences and overall ability to make positive social change.”