Student &
Alumni Voices

Grace Acosta is a senior double majoring in Psychology, and Integrated Professional Studies. She is wholeheartedly driven to bring change to the community at large, and shows that in a variety of ways! She is currently engaging in the Gold Experience in the Spartan Leadership Challenge serving as Coordinator of the UNCG Gold Leadership, and put forward the FaithAction International House Talent Show 2023. Additional from completing the Bronze and Silver Experiences of the SLC, Grace stays active on campus as a member of various student organization, such as the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA), the Spanish American Latino Student Association (S.A.L.S.A), and UNCG’s Psychology Club. 

As a ChangeMaker, Grace displays values in community, commitment, and collaboration. Those who know Grace, say she “puts in an innumerable amount of time and effort into furthering and bettering the community. This is best evidenced by her current gold level project. She is going above and beyond to make an impact and raise funds to help the local community. She works tirelessly to synthesize a multitude of different perspectives and views so that everybody in the community can benefit.” Grace is devoted to inspiring change and contributing towards positive social change. 

When asked, “why is it important to be a changemaker?” Grace proudly stated, “It is important to be a change-maker since it gives me the opportunity to always inspire and help others. Sometimes all it takes is courage and inspiration to impact someone who wants to make a difference in the community, and my goal is to always help lead and inspire others with making a positive change in the world.”

Odalis Peralta Paulino is a senior majoring in psychology, and minoring in entrepreneurship. She is incredibly dedicated to the UNCG community, and driven to bring change to the community at large! She is currently in the Bronze Experience in the Spartan Leadership Challenge, and has continued involvement with OLCE’s days of service – serving in Spartan Day of Service for two years, and our latest MLK Day of Service. As an active Spartan, Odalis is a proud member of Sisters With a Vision, and Girls Reaching Out, and holds a leadership role within S.O.C.A (Student of Caribbean Ancestry) as Community Service Chair and Fundraising Chair. 

The traits of a change maker that Odalias displays are commitment, community, and controversy with courage. Her nominators say that her traits show up when through her passion for service and volunteering, “while also striving to make a positive impact on those around her and the community as a whole. Odalis’ outgoing personality allows her to network and make connections that transcend the constructed barriers that we all face as global citizens.” 

When asked, “why is it important to be a changemaker?” Odalis said the following: “I believe it is important to be a change maker because it creates opportunities to make a difference in the community, and communities outside our own to increase positive change. Any small contribution is a closer step to seeing the change we want to see, whether through service, advocacy, leadership or innovation for social change.”