Figaro '23 Highlights the Importance of Being a Voice for Others
February 07, 2025By Fatima Magana '22
PUEBLO, CO— To celebrate Black History Month, Mount Union is highlighting the impactful work of Cla Figaro '23, international affairs and diplomacy and French alumna. Figaro moved to Colorado shortly after graduating to work as an AmeriCorps VISTA member, where she works as a youth outreach manager, helping teenagers aged 14 through young adults aged 25. Figaro explained that her Haitian background has helped carry out her role because she has learned to handle things in life with patience.
Figaro '23
"I manage cases, offer educational resources, and mentor these kids, all of which are predominantly Caucasian and Latino," said Figaro.
Figaro added that her Haitian background and membership in the Black Student Union (BSU) at Mount Union helped her build a voice for underrepresented people. As a college student, Figaro tried speaking up when seeing an injustice.
I am proud to be Haitian American. It has helped me become adaptable to change, resilient, and a problem-solver.
Therefore, in her current position, Figaro also works to raise awareness of injustices against youth minorities and decrease microaggressions against them. Another experience that helped Figaro realize her passion for helping others was the social responsibility trip she participated in the spring of 2022.
"The trip was not smooth sailing, but seeing firsthand the impact of helping others made me realize that I wanted to help others, which led me to apply at AmeriCorps," said Figaro. "Upon concluding my term with AmeriCorps in Colorado, I want to move to Philadelphia or Chicago to continue working as an AmeriCorps VISTA."
Figaro '23 (middle) with other Americorps' volunteers
Figaro wants to continue working with underrepresented youth, looking to work with high school-aged teenagers or become a study abroad advisor to promote global education. However, Figaro explained that preteens should know that they should not stress about the future; they should live in the moment.
"As a preteen, I already knew what I wanted to become, but that changed," said Figaro. "I was so stressed, worrying about the future, that I grew up faster, and while it is okay to dream, everything takes time, so preteens and young adults must be patient."
Although Figaro's long-term goal is to promote independence amongst Black women. They must know they can achieve anything—pursue an education and travel, with determination to succeed.
Figaro's post-graduate journey highlights the determination that Black American students at Mount Union have to attain a professional skillset to be successful.