Giana Aguilar-Valencia: Aspiring Journalist

I’m a 21-year-old junior at DePaul University, pursuing a degree in Journalism with a minor in Computer Science. This unique combination lets me explore the intersections of technology and storytelling, using data to drive impactful narratives and tackle complex issues from multiple angles. My work reflects a commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and clear communication—whether I’m coding, reporting, or creating content.

With experience in media, advocacy, and digital tools, I’m driven by a passion for amplifying voices and bringing clarity to important topics. Below, you’ll find a collection of my projects, each one reflecting my dedication to using technology and journalism to inspire and inform.

DePaul’s Quarter System – A double-edged sword

The quarter system has long been a defining feature of academic life at DePaul. While some students praise its benefits, others struggle with its difficulties, leading to a long-running debate about its effectiveness. Personally, I am in the middle.

Explaining the quarter system to those who only know semesters leads to a vortex of questions: “But how does it work?” “You’re so lucky for such a long winter break.” “Why do you start so late?” This opens an intriguing discussion on whether the qua

Trailblazing Paths: WOCA and the Evolving Landscape of Legal Representation

In the vibrant, bustling corridors of Depaul University, a group of determined and ambitious young women convene under the emblem of WOCA, the Women of Color Pre-Law Association. Amidst the towering aspirations and resounding echoes of change, these students craft a tapestry rich with resilience, community spirit, and aspiration, firmly intent on reshaping the legal profession's landscape.

Here is a video documentary relaying the importance of women and non-binary people in the legal sector. Women’s representation has risen from 33% a decade ago to 38% today, marking a significant stride towards equitable representation in a traditionally male-dominated domain. For WOCA members, this growth is more than just a statistic; it symbolizes their relentless resilience and determination to secure their rightful place in the legal field.

All music credits go to recording artist and company, I do not own any rights.

#WOCA #Womeninlaw #prelaw #law #nonbinary #chicago #depaul #lawyer

Empowering women in tech: Insights from Harvard WECode attendees

Students from universities across the country, including DePaul, attended the WECode conference, a celebration of women in technology at Harvard University in Boston.

The diverse group of attendees included Brianna Yanqui, a sophomore computer science major from the University of Florida, who was among those who found the experience transformative.

“I had never attended a conference before and wanted WECode to be my first experience,” Yanqui said.

Yanqui expressed excitement for the “Just Mac

‘Strength, Brilliance, Power’: Educators and Students Gather at NEA National Leadership Summit | NEA

This year, NEA partnered with three dynamic keynote speakers: Dr. Christopher Emdin, the Robert A. Naslund Endowed Chair in Curriculum Theory and Professor of Education at the University of Southern California; Helena Lourdes Donato-Sapp, 13-year-old author, speaker, artist, and activist; and Charles Best, founder of DonorsChoose.

Emdin challenged educators to fight for public education to ensure “an education that rejects memorization and standardization, but rather activates the imagination w

NEA Celebrates 25 Years of Read Across America with New Programs | NEA

Kids around the country are celebrating a love of reading as we mark the 25th anniversary of Read Across America, like an elementary student in Connecticut.

“We love reading this much!” said a second grader at Hamden Elementary School in Connecticut, as he threw his arms wide then wrapped them around himself in a bear hug.

For 25 years, ­NEA’s Read Across America has raised awareness about the importance, value, and fun of reading. While NEA’s Read Across America celebrates reading year-round,

Supporting Muslim Americans and Awareness of their Issues

The 2020 U.S. Census shows that the nation’s diversity has grown significantly. Over the past decade, we have seen more immigration to account for the growing population.

With this, hate, discrimination, bias, and racism have grown. Each minority group that resides in the U.S. experiences different hate crimes. Muslim Americans have seen exponential growth since the four terrorist attacks that occurred on 9/11, especially after Donald Trump’s presidency in 2016-2020.

According to an article re

The perspectival evolution of Islamophobia through recent generations

According to Oxford Bibliographies, the term Islamophobia was created in the late 1990s with widespread public and political discourse. Islamophobia is the fear and hostility toward Muslims and Islam by racism that contributes to the violent actions targeted at the community.

The United States has contributed to the barrier placements in society since the Naturalization Act of 1790. This required one to be of white origin to qualify for citizenship, but it was also for religion. The United Stat

CAIR-Chicago’s Mission of “Real Change” in the United States

Giving Tuesday and Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) to support their mission of Islamic relation in the United States.

November 29th, 2022 is the national holiday Giving Tuesday. The purpose of this holiday is to encourage people to give back in whatever ways they can and promote the concept of “Radical Generosity.” This helps non-profits like CAIR-Chicago raise more money for their mission then they would on a normal day.

According to Whole Whale, an estimated $3.2 million

Behind one woman, stands hundreds more

Protesters gather together in the Chicago Loop on Saturday, Oct. 1, to raise awareness for injustices against women in Iran.

Mahsa Amini, 22, was a Kurdish woman. On Sept. 13, she took a train to Tehran, Iran visiting her uncle. During her train ride, her hijab slipped from her head and she was arrested by the morality police once she stepped foot off the train.

After her arrest, Amini was taken to the Vozara morality police detention center for two hours. At the detention center, while her br

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