Jakob Lopez ’21 (CLAS) has become a leader in his hometown of Manchester even before he earns his undergraduate degree from UConn.
An urban and community studies major, Lopez serves as the Diversity and Equity Inclusions Coordinator for the town’s Recreation and Parks Department. It is a part-time position that was created in early 2020, and focuses on building relationships with grassroots organizations in town to make sure they are fully able to take advantage of Manchester’s offerings in programs and initiatives. His role pertains to everything from race equity to equitable access to technology across different socioeconomic backgrounds. He works with groups that range from different racial backgrounds, to people with disabilities, to the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Whatever a group stands for, my job is to make sure they feel heard, and that they have a space to collaborate and work on their agenda,” says Lopez.
This article originally appeared in UConn Today. Click here to read the full article.
