Championing Change Through Education and Advocacy
July 14th, 2025
Written by Gwendolynn Kenny, M.Ed.
Since arriving at the College of San Mateo in Fall 2021, Kirsten “Kenji” Lanuza has demonstrated extraordinary resilience, purpose, and leadership. Currently majoring in Ethnic Studies, she plans to transfer in 2026 with aspirations of building a career in either education or law—both driven by a deep commitment to equity, representation, and community empowerment.
Her academic journey has been shaped by both hardship and hope. As a student navigating financial instability and systemic barriers, She has pushed through hardships that often force others off their path. But it was the guidance and compassion of counselors, staff, and peers that helped her persevere—support she now hopes to extend to others. “If I were to pursue a career in education,” she shares, “I want to foster the safe spaces my counselors provided for me and support students in the ways I was supported.”
Through her studies, she has also developed a critical understanding of how laws and institutions affect marginalized communities, especially undocumented individuals. This awareness has motivated her to consider a future in law, advocating for policies that protect and uplift those often silenced or exploited.
Beyond the classroom, she has taken on a leadership role as a Student Fellow with the Undocumented Center’s Unlocking Futures Program. In this role, she has curated and led impactful events, including UndocuAlly trainings, a “Power of Solidarity” forum analyzing the legacy of the United Farm Workers movement, and the “Collective Consciousness” event—an urgent and nuanced discussion on the misrepresentation of Palestinian communities post-October 7, 2023.
Empathy is now guiding her latest initiative: hosting UndocuCircle sessions—peer-led mental health support groups for undocumented students across SMCCD campuses.
As the current Vice President of the Katipunan Student Organization – part of the Katipunan Learning Community at College of San Mateo, she plays a key role in uplifting and empowering Filipinx students through culturally sustaining support and advocacy. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to social justice, community-building, and educational equity. She actively helps create inclusive spaces for students to explore their identities, connect with their heritage, and engage critically with the world around them—both on campus and in the broader community.
Kirsten’s resilience keeps her pushing forward, finding strength in her purpose and gratitude for the support she receives. “Any scholarship I receive provides the stability I need to finish strong on my journey in higher education,” she says.
“Any scholarship I receive provides the stability I need to finish strong on my journey in higher education.”
- Kirsten Lanuza
Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of access, advocacy, and community. She reminds us that behind every scholarship is a life being changed—and a future being built.