Tag: Rotunda Scholar

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KAREN TRAN ’15

KAREN TRAN ’15

Educational Background: Southern Methodist University: BA in Anthropology, Journalism; Minor in Human Rights (2015)

SMU Accomplishments: Karen was heavily involved in both academic work and service during her undergraduate career. This Rotunda scholar was also selected for the McNair Scholars Program, a fellowship that allowed her to conduct independent research.  She was also active in her living-learning community, the SMU Service House, as well as Circle K International and Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority. 

Postbaccalaureate Career: After graduation, Karen worked in both nonprofit and business organizations as she leveraged data analytics for social impact. She has worked with design-thinking firm New Sector Alliance/MENTOR Illinois, engaged in data analysis and consulting for Brandtrust, and supported innovative companies like BuildCentral as they fuse tech with design and data. Today she works as Associate Product Manager at Strongarm Technologies. 

Updated January 2022

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CHEYENNE MURRAY ‘19

CHEYENNE MURRAY ’19

Educational Background: Southern Methodist University: BA in Human Rights, History, Sociology (2019)

Southern Methodist University: MLS in Liberal Studies, Human Rights and Social Justice concentration (2021)

SMU Accomplishments: As a student with a triple-major and a passion for leadership, Cheyenne pursued academic excellence and opportunities to give back to her campus community. At SMU, she was a Hunt Leadership Scholar, a member of the University Honors Program, a McNair Scholar, a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society, as well as Alpha Kappa Delta, a honors society for Sociology students, Cheyenne worked as a Rotunda Scholars Peer Counselor, Sociology Department Research Intern, and a History Department Ambassador. She was also Vice President of the Feminist Equality Movement; for her service to the university, Cheyenne received the prestigious “M” Award. 

Postbaccalaureate Career: Cheyenne worked for two years as a graduate assistant through SMU College Access for Educational Talent Search, a federally-funded TRIO program helping low-income, first-generation high school students to understand the college application and admissions process. She currently serves as the Program Lead for Inclusive Excellence Communities for Dallas College (Richland campus), where she provides extra support and resources to underrepresented students, particularly for students who identify as BIPOC/LGBTQ+.

Updated January 2022

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OMAR SALAZAR ’19

OMAR SALAZAR ’19

Educational Background: Southern Methodist University: BA in Human Rights; BS in Sociology (2019)

SMU Accomplishments: Omar held many leadership positions across campus, serving the university as a Resident Assistant (RA),a student officer in College Hispanic American Students (CHAS), the First-Year Student Director for Rotunda Scholars, and a member of Sigma Lambda Beta fraternity. He was recognized as a Hunt Leadership Scholar, a student speaker at the university’s MLK Unity Walk, and a recipient of the Dorothy Amman Award for his service to SMU. 

Postbaccalaureate Career: Following graduation, Omar leveraged his passion for social entrepreneurship to create Enlace Solutions LLC, where he consults for businesses and equity-focused nonprofit organizations that provide services or products to Spanish-speaking populations. In addition to serving as the founder and CEO of Enlace, Omar also engaged the Dallas community as an Emerging Leader in Philanthropy Fellow with the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) and as Campaign Activity and Management Program (CAMP) Fellow. Today, he works as the Communications Manager for Dallas Kids First, a political organization that works to bridge the gap between constituents and high-quality elected school boards. 

Learn more about Omar’s post-graduation journey through the following link:

Updated January 2022