Kristhel Maholy Vernaza Sanchez

• Hometown: Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador
• Languages Spoken: Spanish and English
• Intended Major(s): Sociology and Psychology
• Intended Certificate(s): Political Science

Q and A with Kristhel

1. Are there specific issues in poverty alleviation or development that you would like to work on or are currently addressing?

I am convinced that the first step in ending poverty is access to high-quality education. Therefore, as a human rights advocate with a focus on children and teenagers, the primary goals of my work are to educate young people about their rights and to increase public awareness of how crucial it is to protect them.

2. Why is having the King-Morgridge Scholars Program at UW-Madison important to the institution, state, and world?

The King-Morgridge Scholars program is particularly unique in my opinion because it is difficult to find full-ride scholarships for international students, much less at public universities. It shows that UW-Madison is an institution that genuinely cares about offering an outstanding educational experience for all, irrespective of geographical or financial constraints. It also broadens the cultural and intellectual diversity of Wisconsin and the United States. More significantly, this program makes it possible for the world to have more professionalized change makers.

3. What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time you will always find me dancing, working out, or playing soccer.

4. What is a fun fact about your hometown?

A typical food that is almost never missing in an Ecuadorian home is plantains; we love them in all their varieties!