AnnaMaria Fernandez, a student at Muhlenberg College, recently shared her academic journey and passion for the arts in an interview with AL DÍA. Fernandez, an Afro-Latina double majoring in Theatre and Sociology with a minor in Dance, expressed her desire to work in fields related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
As the daughter of a Puerto Rican mother and a Haitian father, Fernandez highlighted the importance of her identity as an Afro-Latina in navigating white-dominated spaces. She acknowledged that as a person of color, she constantly feels the need to prove herself in these spaces. Having attended a predominantly white school from 1st to 12th grade, Fernandez recognized the privilege she had in an environment where she didn’t have to constantly prove her intelligence or worth.
However, her experience at Muhlenberg College was different. She felt the need to redo all her previous efforts and work towards becoming a representative of herself, rather than simply being herself. Fernandez emphasized that this struggle often goes unnoticed because of how she looks. She noted that her Afro-Latina identity is often erased, as others refer to her solely as Black or Latina, mirroring how she feels the institution views her.
Despite facing these challenges, Fernandez remains passionate about enacting positive change on campus through the arts. She expressed that the Latinx community and marginalized communities tend to discourage careers in the arts due to concerns about financial security and mobility. This led her to pursue a major in sociology, which she considered a more stable choice. However, Fernandez believes that the arts can serve as a powerful form of activism and positively impact youth in underprivileged communities with the right support and resources.
While the arts are her passion, Fernandez discovered a new perspective on the world after taking a sociology course at Muhlenberg. She plans to combine her love for theater and sociology to use art as activism and engage with underprivileged communities through theater programs. She believes it is crucial to make a difference in spaces where people like her are not commonly seen, emphasizing the importance of representation and amplifying marginalized voices.
Fernandez is no stranger to DEI initiatives. She was involved in the creation of CARE (Connecticut Alliance for Racial Equity), an organization dedicated to addressing racial inequity in voting and education in the community. As a Health Equity intern at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Fernandez facilitated dialogue and created lesson plans on DEI. She also wrote for their newsletter to share resources with employees.
On campus, Fernandez’s DEI efforts continue as she serves as the contributing editor for Muhlenberg Academic Review, a facilitator for Alliances for Justice Active Leadership (AJAL), and the public relations chair for the Students of Caribbean Ancestry Affinity Group. She is determined to make white spaces more open to marginalized voices and hopes to continue her work in fostering a sense of belonging.
In her journey of self-discovery over the past three years, Fernandez realizes the value of being surrounded by a Latinx community that understands and embraces her culture. She believes that being among individuals who don’t need to defend their culture would greatly benefit her emotionally and in her career.
Fernandez’s story sheds light on the experiences of Afro-Latinas and the challenges they face in predominantly white spaces. Her passion for the arts as a form of activism and her dedication to DEI initiatives demonstrate her commitment to creating a more inclusive society. As she continues her academic and professional journey, Fernandez serves as an inspiring example of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of the arts.
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