Kevin Lopez Cruz, a first-generation college student, aspires to occupy a space between the academy, public service, and civics (at-large) as a professor of English one day, and is proudly pursuing his B.A. in English at Bowie State University, Maryland’s oldest HBCU. Kevin is passionate about bridge-building and has led cross-institution partnerships to expand experiential learning opportunities for students, including efforts to charter a chapter of the Maryland Student Legislature at Bowie State and hosting a meet-and-greet with Joseline Peña-Melnyk, the Maryland House of Delegates’ newly elected Speaker. Kevin is especially interested in how structured dialogue and civic education can reduce polarization and strengthen communities. He is an alum of America in One Room: The Youth Vote, hosted by Close Up and partners, and the YSLI Fellowship, hosted by Democracy House.
