We’re pleased to announce that LLS alumna Celina Villanueva (BA, ’08, Latina/Latino studies) has been awarded the LAS Outstanding Young Alumni Award. The award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated the values derived from a liberal arts and sciences education by outstanding achievement or who have significantly improved the lives of others through outstanding leadership or service.
State Senator Celina Villanueva was elected to represent Illinois’ 12th District in 2020. Serving as chair of the revenue committee, she focuses on topics addressing reproductive rights, immigrant rights, and workers’ rights. Villanueva's measure to create the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment was signed into law recently, furthering her work to uplift underrepresented minority, woman, veteran, and disabled business owners. Before becoming a state senator, Villanueva was appointed to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2018.
Senator Villanueva was one of the first students to graduate with a degree in Latina/Latino studies. She also minored in Spanish and African-American studies. After she graduated, she worked for several organizations including the Illinois Migrant Council and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. She began her political career in 2018 when she was appointed as the state representative for the 21st District.
In a 2023 interview with LLS student Zion Trinidad she described how her education in Latina/Latino studies gave her foundational knowledge about the issues that impact black and brown communities. She said the research methods that inform her legislative work today are based on skills she honed in LLS.
Her time on campus was also her first experience with activism. In the interview with Trinidad, she described how she took action after the infamous “Tacos and Tequilas” party hosted by a fraternity that encouraged students to dress up as racial stereotypes. After photos of the party spread on Facebook, she reached out to the Chancellor to share her concerns. Taking classes like LLS 238: Latina/Latino social movements empowered her to stand up for her community.
Alicia Rodriguez, former LLS academic advisor and administrative coordinator said she was impressed by Senator Villanueva’s drive and passion as a student.
“She was so determined and so focused about her goals and politics that she wanted to achieve later in life,” she said. “I’ve been so impressed to see how she, step by step, has been making a career in politics and has been so impactful at the state level and in Chicago. I can just see her moving upwards.”
Senator Villanueva will be honored at the College of LAS award ceremony in April.