Staff: Tatiana Cortes
Position in CSA: Community Outreach Coordinator through AmeriCorps VISTA Compact
Past Education: Boston College
Studied: Sociology, Theology, and Minor in Faith, Peace and Justice
My past work experience includes working in social service agencies in the non-profit sector from hospitals to local community-based organizations. In college, I was involved with local, domestic service and international service immersion. Post-graduation, I served 2 years with Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Belize City, Belize.
Where are you from?
Boston, Massachusetts
What do you like to do?
When the weather is bearable, I love outdoor activities including hiking, bike riding, and roller blading. I also love all expressions of art and try to plug myself into those spaces in Chicago.
How would you describe your role at Community Service & Action?
I work for the Office for Community Service and Action as a Community Outreach Coordinator. I see my role and CSA's office of being a bridge to students and Chicago, specifically our local community surrounding local's community. I oversee programs where students can engage in service in the local community and the greater Chicago community. My specific projects consist of co-facilitating with our partners Loyola4Chicago, St. Thomas Canterbury Soup Kitchen, and advising students/groups about service opportunities along with supporting other events that we as CSA run throughout the year.
Why do you engage in service and action?
I engage in service and action because service without intentional and thoughtful action means being complicit to the systematic social injustices that plague our society.
What is your favorite thing about the work you do?
My favorite thing about the work are the relationships with our students and relationships with our site partners. I appreciate talking with students about their life experiences as Loyola students, experiences with service, how their service experience is stretching them and challenging them in and outside the classroom. Secondly, relationships with our site partners because I am constantly amazed by the inspiring work they are doing as the experts of the needs of the community or the population that they serve.
How are you involved at Loyola outside of CSA?
Outside of CSA, I am involved at Loyola by being in connection with Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs (SDMA) in Q initiatives and supporting our department suitemates Campus Ministry.
What is your favorite place on campus?
In these recent months of the cold, my favorite place on campus is the sauna in Halas. I love the warmth and the bodily cleanse.
What advice would you give to an in-coming student at Loyola?
I remind students that receiving a college is such a privilege. Those who have a bachelor's degree are 1% of the world. With that privilege comes responsibility of the opportunities at hand. So take advantage of the opportunities here, the people here, the classes here, academic opportunities here, and take advantage of the richness of Chicago.
