Camila Alvarez is the Partners in Education Coordinator at Kansas City Public Schools, a UWGKC Loads of Love partner.
Growing up in an underinvested community, Camila saw the results of outdated systems and the damage they caused to families that they are not designed to support. “I became motivated to be a change agent focused on helping to level the playing field for those communities through education. I have been and remain passionate about supporting the success of young people of color, empowering them to be their own champions, advocating for them in the spaces in which I find myself, and using any opportunity to fight for equity.”
The advice Camila gives girls today is to be open to listening and learning from others. “Look for a mentor – and when possible, become a mentor. It is so valuable to hear from those who have had similar experiences and can guide you towards success. You don’t always have to go through hardships yourself to learn from them. But in the same space, know that you always have the capacity to teach and empower others.”