Samantha Galvez

Samantha is a first-year graduate student who returned to Loyola as an alumna after earning her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies in 2022. During her two-year gap, she worked at a private practice in Chicago, collaborating with clinicians to design inclusive spaces for marginalized communities. She focused on dismantling barriers and prioritizing mental well-being for all. She also worked as a Teaching Artist, teaching ceramics to youth on Chicago’s West and South Sides. The Puentes Fellowship aligns with Samantha’s passion for giving back to the Berwyn-Cicero suburbs where she was born and raised. She is committed to providing representation and fostering cultural affirmation within the education system, particularly for underrepresented youth. Having experienced the challenges of language barriers and cultural assimilation firsthand, Samantha is dedicated to creating inclusive environments for students facing similar hardships. She believes in the importance of connecting with a provider who not only listens but also shares their stories, especially in their native language. After graduation, Samantha looks forward to uplifting voices, collaborating with future leaders, and contributing meaningfully to the betterment of marginalized communities. She plans to apply the knowledge and experiences gained through the Puentes Fellowship to heal the roots that shaped her and be a source of healing para nuestra gente.