Shauna Trinidad, '11 BA

When I think back to my time at Arizona State University, it's impossible not to smile. Living at Manzanita Hall was so much fun. I was lucky enough to share the experience with my best friends from high school, who are still my best friends at age 36. We laughed, studied, and grew up together in that dorm, and those memories are some of the most special in my life. 

One of my favorite parts of ASU life was attending football games. There's something electric about being in Sun Devil Stadium, surrounded by a sea of maroon and gold, cheering with thousands of others for our team. I also loved the simple moments, like grabbing lunch and people-watching at the Memorial Union (MU) and feeling the buzz of campus life all around me. 

ASU was where I found my voice. I participated in my first social justice protest on campus, an experience that deeply shaped my worldview and sparked my passion for helping marginalized communities. That moment ignited a lifelong commitment to making a difference, something that I've carried forward into my career. 

I graduated from ASU with a degree in Psychology, and I've been fortunate to work in the nonprofit and philanthropic world ever since. Today, I work for A New Leaf, a local nonprofit supporting families and individuals experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, and other challenges. My time at ASU gave me lifelong friends, unforgettable memories, and a purpose-driven path that I'm proud to follow every day.