Magoli Garcia kicks off this quarter’s Honors Highlights with her stellar achievements. Garcia has been recognized as the DePaul’s Class of 2024 Student Lincoln Laureate for her outstanding public service work as the student representative to DePaul’s Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Task Force. She is also the president and founder of DePaul’s Women of Color Pre-Law Association. Honors blog editor Gia Clarke had the pleasure of interviewing this aspiring lawyer and skillful civil service volunteer.
Tell us about yourself!
I am majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Political Theory and Law. I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, to parents Eduardo Garcia and Magoli Leon, both whom immigrated to the U.S. My father is from Monterrey, Mexico, and my mother is from Santa Cruz, Bolivia. I am the oldest of three with my younger sister, Bianca Garcia, and younger brother, Diego Garcia. I currently have dual citizenship from the United States and Bolivia.
Could you provide some examples of the work you have done with HSI?
My role in the taskforce is to advocate and serve as a representative on behalf of the Hispanic Student population here at DePaul. However, this year in particular I have seen the most development and community engagement from the HSI taskforce, which has been inspiring. The collaboration and inclusion of more student voices and representatives is something that I have advocated for since I was first appointed to the taskforce. On the student experience subcommittee we have leadership from the student organization MESA as student representatives to ensure that our community student leaders are involved in the conversation and decisions being made on behalf of our community as well. After my time is done here at DePaul, I hope the HSI taskforce continues this transparency and collaboration with our Hispanic Student Leaders here at DePaul.
How did you receive your Lincoln Laureate nomination?
In May of 2023 while I was serving as Vice President of DePaul’s Student Government Association, I was informed by Courtney James, Director of Student Involvement that I was nominated to be recognized as the DePaul’s Class of 2024 Student Lincoln Laureate. I wasn’t even aware that I was being considered for the award! It truly was an absolute honor to have been selected and have the opportunity to represent DePaul University. During my time here at DePaul, I realized that my ability to do public service extended past the community I thought I only belonged to back in San Antonio, Texas. I learned that community and the sense of belonging can be created anywhere, all it takes initiative, care and respect with each person you encounter to pinpoint those shared values in order to establish a new community or to mend back together community.
As an aspiring lawyer, would you ever consider going into politics due to your poli sci background and your passion to help marginalized people?
I would consider the opportunity to represent my community through the legislative process, however I am currently focused on advocacy work for marginalized communities through the civil legal process. That is where I see the largest disconnect between historically marginalized communities and access to legal representation to navigate the complexity of our legal system.
What are the major skills and insights you’ve gained from being in the DePaul Honors Program?
The faculty within the Honors Program have truly been a driving force that retains students in the program. They consistently encourage their students to achieve not just to do the best in the classroom, but the best they can be as individuals. Outside of the political science department, I have found the most influential professors during my time here at DePaul to be within the Honors Program. Each of the professors’ passions to teach their course is the reason why learning in their class is fun and something I would look forward to. It didn’t matter the type of information we were being taught, but rather the way the information was being delivered. The professors’ passions were evident and they helped me understand concepts that I had no prior knowledge or background in.
What are your plans after graduation?
To continue working as a Law Clerk at Kulwin, Masciopinto, & Kulwin, LLP., and apply to law school fall of 2024.
Anything else you’d like to mention about yourself?
I learned about the world through art and music. My culture, history and human concepts through the art at the museums my dad would take me to growing up was how I came to understand the world and the people it holds. Before committing to being political science major, I wanted to be a cinematographer and make documentaries and films about the Latino community in South Texas.
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