Feature Stories
Adriana Almanza, '10 & '14
Social change comes through people. They spread ideas, voice opinions, and make their plights heard over the roar of complacency. Adriana Almanza ’10 & ’14, has been among people fighting for social change for many years, but just recently seen what power one voice can have when boldly shared with the world.
It all began with a speech from Donald Trump. Trump did not hesitate to label undocumented immigrants as criminals, drug dealers, and rapists. Instead of quickly firing back an angry, rushed response to the Republican Presidential Candidate, Almanza took the high road, beautifully writing an open Facebook letter to Trump describing the work ethic and sacrifices of her own personal hero— her father. Her open letter was shared approximately 115,000 times within the first 48 hours of being posted and received over 217,000 likes. Word of her letter traveled far and wide as networks picked up her story, and just like that, the Grand Valley graduate had a voice to promote social change.
Almanza’s father, Raul Almanza, came to the United States more than 30 years ago as an undocumented immigrant. He worked 5-6 days a week to support his family, never complaining and always encouraging Almanza in her academic endeavors, even though he never received a formal education. Striving to make her father proud, Almanza arrived at Grand Valley State as a first generation student with a love for education and a growing passion to serve her community.
“I’ve always had a passion for education; my father instilled that in me from the time I was a little girl,” said Almanza.
While at Grand Valley, Almanza also found that she had a passion for International Relations and Latin American Studies. Her education allowed her to secure work and volunteer opportunities in her community. After graduation, she worked with a youth program through the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, taught ESL courses to migrant farm workers, and gave a year of service to her community through AmeriCorps.
Her passion for education brought her back to Grand Valley to pursue a Masters of Education. As timing would have it, the admissions office had an opening and although she had never considered working with higher education before, Almanza took a chance.
“I enjoy all aspects of admissions work that I do but I particularly enjoy working with underrepresented student populations,” said Almanza.
Taking great pride in the university, Almanza loves being the first point of contact for prospective students. She finds her job challenging and fun, filled with presentations, interactions, and different things to expect and prepare for around every corner.
Although she is busy with her professional life, Almanza still makes time to volunteer with groups such as Advocates for Immigration Reform, the Oliver Wilson Freshman Academy, and NIARA.
“I try to stay as connected as possible and support students any way that I can,” said Almanza.
Support is extremely important to Almanza. The support of her family and friends has been crucial in all her endeavors. She also believes that the constant, genuine support of the Grand Valley staff is what makes the university so unique—it’s a big reason why she feels such overwhelming pride for her school.
Almanza lives in Grand Rapids with her family only a short drive away. However, her heart lies in El Capulin, Guanajuato, Mexico, where her roots are.
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