“I view community involvement as integral to my growth as an advocate and a future lawyer. By educating immigrants about their rights and providing support and guidance, I aim to empower individuals to navigate the complexities of the legal system with confidence and resilience.”

Keyla Garcia-Rodriguez is a dedicated student, mother, and advocate for marginalized communities. Keyla tenaciously forged her own path to higher learning: prior to enrolling at UM-Ann Arbor, Keyla’s family was torn apart by immigration authorities, and two years later, she became a parent for the first time. These experiences fostered Keyla’s deep-seated desire to advocate for those marginalized by society and amplify their voices in the fight to correct systemic injustice.

Though Keyla faced the difficult prospect of juggling the responsibilities of motherhood and maintaining academic excellence, she was determined to defy expectations and prove that adversity does not define destiny. She is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sociology at U-M with the ultimate goal of creating meaningful change through law and social justice. Keyla’s professors describe her as “committed, community-minded, and brilliant,” with an unparalleled “passion for academics and drive to make community change,” and her mentors and peers alike recognize her unique ability to inspire, uplift, and teach others.

Keyla’s commitment extends far beyond the classroom. Though she holds two part-time jobs, cares for a three-year-old son, and commutes daily to campus, she dedicates her time weekly volunteering in Ypsilanti schools as a translator for ESL elementary students. She also serves as the social media chair for La Casa, a U-M organization dedicated to promoting the advancement and well-being of the Latinx/e community.

Following her graduation from U-M, Keyla intends to gain practical experience working as a paralegal and remain actively engaged with her community. She reflects, “I view community involvement as integral to my growth as an advocate and a future lawyer. By educating immigrants about their rights and providing support and guidance, I aim to empower individuals to navigate the complexities of the legal system with confidence and resilience.”

CEW+ celebrates Keyla’s drive to make community change and names her a Jane and Bill Bloom Scholar.