EMDS | Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good

Supporting Student Leaders

For USF’s Day of the Don Celebration, we are reprinting a pre-pandemic post highlighting alum and supporter of our Center, Evelyn Fernandez Pedraza ’21, who became a dedicated social justice advocate through her experience as a her experience as a McCarthy Center Community Empowered Activist (CEA), Esther Madriz Diversity Scholar (EMDS), and Public Service and…

An Embodiment of our Values

(Interview reprinted from USF News 10/07/20.) As a McCarthy Center Community Empowered Activist (CEA), Evelyn Fernandez Pedraza ’21 embodies the university’s core values as a dedicated social justice advocate. In addition to majoring in Sociology and minoring in Public Service and Community Engagement, she’s also been an Esther Madriz Diversity Scholar (EMDS), a Resident Advisor,…

Five Lessons from Community-Engaged Living and Learning

Lupita Garcia B.A. Sociology Major ’18 and triple minor in Criminal Justice, Public Service and Community Engagement, and Chican@-Latin@ Studies When I started my USF career, I would not have imagined myself accomplishing everything that I have. Participating in the Esther Madriz Diversity Scholars Living Learning Community and then the USF in DC program gave…

McCarthy Center Rockstars

The results are in! Several of our students were nominated for Student Leadership Awards celebrating students whose leadership has contributed to the growth, development, and vitality of USF and the broader community. Award recipients represent student role models who exhibit commitment, enthusiasm, and the pursuit of excellence through their endeavors. Join us in congratulating our…

EMDS Goes to Cuba: Discovering “Chino”

Named after USF’s late and great Esther Madriz, Esther Madriz Diversity Scholars living-learning community focuses on Hip-Hop and its use for social change. To me, being in EMDS means learning how to become a better activist through our own strengths and passions. A part of our experience includes going on a transborder travel experience during winter intersession. – Jazlynn Pastor

Dispelling Stereotypes and the Importance of Memory: A Walk Through the Fillmore District

As an alumnus of the Esther Madriz Diversity Scholars (EMDS), a living learning community on campus that strives to embody the Jesuit ideals of education and social justice, I was naturally ecstatic to have the opportunity to blend my role as an Advocate for Community Engagement (ACE) with my experience in the EMDS program. – Mary Cruz