Aldine ISD Alumni News: Grad, Current UHD Student Named 2022 Newman Civic Fellow

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Kayla Mazariego desires to address issues of injustice and inequality.

As a child, Kayla Mazariego was always told to mind her tongue and behave like a lady in certain instances. However, she realized her voice has always been her most powerful tool, and she is using it to make a difference in the world. The University of Houston-Downtown featured Kayla in a UHD News story.

Below are excerpts from that article written by Sheryl E. Taylor.

Kayla was named a 2022-2023 Newman Civic Fellow by the Boston-based non-profit Campus Compact, which works to advance the public purposes of higher education. The organization selected 173 student civic leaders from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico, for this year’s cohort.

Her family settled in Houston by way of California’s San Fernando Valley and Atlanta, Georgia. The third-year, first-generation created a social media platform to address gangs, domestic violence, drug use, political polarization, and inequality. Before attending UHD, she graduated from Davis High School (Class of 2020) in Aldine ISD.

She continues to use her voice in her community and alongside her peers at UHD to address issues such as social inequalities and voting rights. As a University’s Honors Program member, Kayla worked on an honors research project with UHD’s Dr. Judith Harris. They looked at lowering the recidivism rate at halfway houses, which she presented at this year’s UHD Student Research Conference.

Kayla is majoring in criminal justice with a minor in political science.

Her mentor Harris had only a few words to describe her mentee, “She’s absolutely brilliant,” said the Associate Professor of Criminal Justice.

The 20-year-old’s community activism began with volunteering at homeless shelters.

“I know what it’s like to be homeless, and I want to give back to the community that has so graciously helped me in my time of need,” said Kayla. “As a college student, I enjoy educating my peers on civic matters, why it’s so important to exercise our constitutional right to vote.”

A few areas Kayla is passionate about are human rights and equality, such as Black Lives Matter and women’s rights.

After graduation, she plans to set her childhood dreams into motion: joining the FBI.

“I was never able to help myself as a child, and now I want the opportunity to help others who can’t help themselves, especially those affected by sex trafficking. I want to make a difference,” shared Kayla.

According to the story, Kayla is the first criminal justice major to be nominated and named a Newman Civic Fellowship.

“My life has afforded me a lot of firsts … first daughter, first granddaughter, and first female to be born in my family. I know where I belong and that I was meant for something much more than merely existing.”

“Kayla is a passionate and exceptional leader with a strong voice,” UHD President Loren J. Blanchard said in his recommendation letter for Kayla. “She inspires those around her with her energy and constant drive for success. Despite her upbringing, Kayla is unafraid to take on challenges and make a difference in the world.”

The Newman Civic Fellowship recognizes and supports community-committed students who are changemakers and public problem-solvers at Campus Compact member institutions. The yearlong program provides the cohort of Fellows training and resources that nurture their assets and passions and develops strategies for social change. Fellows are nominated by college presidents or chancellors based on their potential for public leadership. The fellowship is named after Campus Compact co-founder Frank Newman.

Click here to read the full story in UHD News.