Ana Velarde has been recognized as the 2023 Outstanding Undergraduate Student for her work that challenges the cultural norms regarding sexual violence and harassment. Ana was a summer 2023 PKG Fellow and conducted a series of workshops about sexuality, identity, and power at Universidad del Valle in Nicaragua. To read more about Ana’s Fellowship, click here!
On April 24, MIT celebrated outstanding community members at the annual Change-Maker Awards for their work to eradicate sexual misconduct and support survivors. These architects of positive change exemplify one of MIT’s core values: striving to make our community a more humane and welcoming place where all can thrive.
Hosted by VPR and IDHR, the awards are held each April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Nominated by peers and colleagues from across MIT, this year’s Change-Makers were selected for their multifaceted contributions, creative approaches, and breadth and depth of impact.
Outstanding Undergraduate Student: Ana Velarde
A third-year undergraduate student in Biology and Women and Gender Studies, Velarde is an MIT Change-Maker who goes out of her way to volunteer her time, lifts up fellow community members doing this important work, and regularly facilitates workshops that challenge harmful cultural norms around sexual violence and harassment. Velarde serves on PLEASURE’s Executive Committee and has led over 30 hours of peer-to-peer trainings.
To read more about the MIT Change-Maker Awards and this year’s honorees, click here!