Rising Leaders: Anthony Perez
Photo by Charles Shan Cerrone
January 25, 2019
BA Global Studies ’20
Minor in Spanish
Anthony Perez is an advocate for underserved populations. He’s written grants for nonprofit funding, worked as a human rights intern in Argentina, and helped raise money for disaster relief in Puerto Rico. At his most recent co-op, he assisted immigrants and asylum seekers in attaining permanent residency and public benefits in the U.S.
Leadership Highlights
- Educated high school football players about sexual and domestic violence
- Coordinated community service initiatives in his fraternity as Director of Programming
- Helped a Chilean NGO redefine and translate its mission for an English-speaking audience
On His Co-op at Becky's Fund, A Nonprofit That Fights Domestic Violence:
“Domestic violence and the topic of masculinity strike a chord with me. I have known a handful of women who were victims of domestic abuse; I wanted to do what I could to aid those who face similar problems.”
On a Leader's Duty to Listen:
“It’s important to make others feel that they are in a comfortable environment to speak their mind. If they’re feeling attacked for their opinion, they won’t be able to consider another perspective. Both of my parents were immigrants, and I have friends who are anti-immigration, which makes me uncomfortable. But I try to understand their fears and perspectives and work from there.”
On Taking Initiative:
“There are many ways to be a leader. You can speak up about something that other people won’t. You can demonstrate it in your actions by doing more for the community. For example, my neighborhood is littered in trash.
I don’t have to wait for anyone to tell me how to fix it; I can start with myself and my actions.”
How He Plans to Change the World:
Connecting individuals to resources as a social worker at a nonprofit
* This article originally appeared in the College of Arts and Sciences' Ask magazine feature story, “Rising Leaders.” For more Ask stories, visit askmagazine.org.