“If I did not push myself to take advantage of every opportunity that I could on campus, then I would not be the young man that I am today,” he said.
Marquez’s involvement began from his first year on campus, when he joined the Penns, eventually leading him to assume leadership roles within various organizations. He was director of the Program Board, an executive cabinet member of the Whittier College Student Advocacy Coalition, captain of the dance club, and he sat on the ASWC Senate for three years.
Moreover, Marquez worked in the Office of Admission as a student ambassador and event intern, and as a mentor for high school students with the Center for Engagement with Communities.
Marquez received the 2018 Miss Margo Latif Memorial Award, named in memory of one of his first dear friends at Whittier, and granted to a student leader who embodies Whittier College's values and has shown great strides to better their community.
Marquez is graduating with a major in political science and a minor in organizational leadership. Following graduation, he intends to pursue a master’s degree in management and organizational leadership, and enter the fields of higher education or politics. “I would like to pursue a career that allows me to act as a civically engaged citizen, constantly giving back to those around me,” said Marquez.
His ultimate career goals include being an executive leader in a domestic political organization, chief of staff for the President of the United States, and creating and managing organizations that strive to support, engage, and elect candidates within the black, Latino, and LGBT+ communities.
On Commencement day, Marquez will have one final moment to leave his mark on the campus—delivering the senior speech to his peers.
