Meet Our 2024 Kansas Participants!
Grace McCord
Junior at Fort Hays State University from Hays studying Political Science with a minor in Sociology and History and a certificate in Women's Studies.
Growing up in rural Kansas and learning about our state's history instilled a profound appreciation for civic engagement. Kansas has historically led the country in political and social insurgency, and I see that same hunger for justice in the people living in my community today. Those around me have inspired me to pursue long-lasting, meaningful change in my community.
Studying Political Science at Fort Hays State University has allowed me to connect to my community and help others find their voices. At FHSU, I have worked as the American Democracy Project Coordinator, organizing voter registration drives, helping host open forums for political candidates, and advocating for a polling place on campus to help students more easily engage in the democratic process. I have also served as an executive board member of my sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, which dedicates its time to fighting food insecurity in our community. As a senator in the FHSU Student Government Association, I've had the privilege of amplifying student voices and advocating for tangible solutions to their concerns. This role, in particular, has been immensely rewarding, as it highlights the immediate impact of community advocacy. I have also served in leadership roles for the Panhellenic Council and Political Honors Society at FHSU, been a peer mentor for a freshman learning community, and been a member of groups like "Save the Kids" and the National Student Exchange Program.
Outside of school, I volunteer as a youth softball coach, my church's quilting ministry, and devote time to my college ministry. Each position further connects me to my community and allows me to build an environment that fosters change.
Rural America faces unique challenges that demand multifaceted engagement, spanning political, economic, and relational spheres. I am confident in our community's resilience and capacity to navigate these obstacles. Inspired by Kansas's enduring spirit of advocacy, I aspire to continue advocating for rural Americans in the nonprofit sector after graduating from FHSU and attending law school. I believe that the KWLI will provide me with invaluable skills and connections that will equip me to continue fighting for issues I am passionate about.
Lucille Buller
Junior at Bethel College from Newton studying English with a teaching certification.
Hello! My name is Lucy and I was born and mostly raised in small-town Kansas, with a little detour living overseas during my teenage years. I am a junior English major at Bethel College pursuing a teaching certification so that I can teach high school English. In my tenure at Bethel College, I've dipped my toe into just about every pool. I have served on Student Government, been an orientation leader, given campus tours, tutored, worked at the library, volunteered with the Mennonite Central Committee, and volunteered with an after-school program for at-risk middle school students. I am currently a member of our campus' URGE chapter, as well as a member of the Bethel College Community for Justice and Peace and President of the Gay Straight Alliance, all while being a varsity member of and social media manager for the Forensics team.
I have always been very passionate about people, which my involvement with campus life reflects. Through all of my paths at and around Bethel College, I work with a goal to improve the spaces that I and others exist in. Through advocacy, I work with others to try and create spaces where specifically diverse students (K-12 and College), like students of color and LGBTQ+ students, can feel safe and accepted. Growing up as a closeted lesbian in a small town and attending a religious college has underscored the importance of this for me and my love for these places has driven my goal to improve them instead of just leaving them.
I am looking forward to spending my summer with the KWLI and learning many skills that will help me continue to improve my home. As I move into my education career, these skills will help me learn how to mentor other young women to do the same. I am also excited to just experience the fellowship of the diverse group of women that I will be learning alongside!
Miriam Benavides-Ortega
Junior at Fort Hays State University from Salina studying English with a concentration in writing and a minor in Political Science and Spanish.
Hello! My name is Miriam Guadalupe Benavides-Ortega. I am from Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico, but I currently live in Hays, KS, and commute to my hometown, Salina, KS, on the weekends. I attend Fort Hays State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in writing, a minor in political science, and another in Spanish. I'm excited to graduate in May next year and hopefully attend the University of Kansas School of Law.
On campus, I am the President of the Political Science Club, Vice President of the Young Democrats Organization, FHSU's VIP Ambassador, Student Coordinator for the American Democracy Project, and a Social Media Specialist for FHSU's Faculty & Staff Diversity Support Community.
I am passionate about increasing voting accessibility in my community and advocating for women's rights. As a person of color, I understand the urgency for amplifying women's voices in various spaces. For this reason, I am excited to join the KWLI this Summer. My involvement with the KWLI will give me meaningful exposure to global/rural women's issues.
Taylor Cazabat
Senior at Wichita State from Wichita studying Biomedical Engineering.
Hi, my name is Taylor Cazabat and I am a senior attending Wichita State University pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering. I was born and raised in Wichita and am very passionate about the involvement and encouragement of women in STEM. From prioritizing outreach as an ambassador for engineering, to facilitating the first Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day event in Kansas I strive to close the gap between men and women in engineering. Outside of women in STEM, my other passions include music and the development of accessible and affordable healthcare solutions.
I am looking forward to the growth opportunities provided by the KWLI program that I may take into my personal and professional life. The best way to grow an idea is through the common betterment of individuals that is brought on by intrapersonal connections and leadership. I am most excited to learn and grow in an environment of like-minded individuals from several diverse backgrounds and experiences!
