Each year, the Department of Sociology gives out four year-end awards to students who have demonstrated exceptional work and dedication to Sociology that academic year. This year, senior Alexis Hernandez was chosen to receive the award for Student Engagement. 

Alexis was born and raised on the Southwest side of Chicago. At a very young age, she learned through her mother, who came to the United States from Mexico at 15 years old, the importance of advocacy and community engagement. She developed her passion for being a changemaker early on in her life by taking part in protests for union workers and immigration rights. She is a first-generation college student and has continuously pushed herself to reach for big goals and empower her community. She has continued to develop a passion for learning about the United States immigration system by gaining experience working at both an immigration firm and non-profits throughout Illinois.

Alexis recently graduated with a double major in Political Science with an emphasis on Civic Leadership, and Sociology. She hopes to go on to earn her J.D., and ultimately work as a judge while developing non-profit organization across our state to empower the Latinx community. The Department of Sociology recognizes and celebrates Alexis' commitment to her community by naming her for this award. We in the department look forward to her future accomplishments!