Leading MCC’s student government as president of the Associated Students of Mesa Community College (ASMCC), Yudidt Nonthe Sanchez, 23, earned her Associate in Arts in Arizona General Education Curriculum. She began her MCC journey while a high school student taking Early College courses through the Achieving College Success (ACE) program.
She said, “My ASMCC experience has been empowering and beautiful, especially as a woman in the leadership position of the all-female executive board composed of women of color.”
She added that being in a virtual classroom this past year enhanced, rather than detracted, from her term in office, because she was able to work with people from all over the country whom she may have not met otherwise.
Speaking of her most memorable and influential experiences, having Brian Dille, Ph.D., as her professor and sponsor for the Model United Nations, she said, “He encouraged me to become a delegate for the San Francisco Model U.N. session with international student representatives from all over the world. He inspired me to become a political science advocate and be more comfortable speaking in public.”
Nonthe Sanchez said of Beth Ann Wright from the Student Life and Leadership team, and Samuel Stevens, II, a student services specialist in the MCC American Indian Institute, “These two are an integral part of the support system that encouraged me to develop strong organizational and communications skills, leadership abilities, and community connections. It was a blessing as a first-generation American and college student to have access to them as mentors, teachers and friends.”
In addition to leading student government, Nonthe Sanchez was an intern for the community organization Aliento’s get-out-the-vote campaign and was the first Arizona Fellow for IGNITE, a national nonprofit that recruits diverse women in communities across America, providing resources, training and networks to become engaged in government.
Active in civic organizations, Nonthe Sanchez was the first Poderosa Fellow for Poder Latinx, a nonprofit encouraging Latinas to be civically engaged and civic leaders. She is an active alumni member of College Bound Arizona and serves as the student representative on the MCC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council.
She is planning to transfer to ASU, with the goal of running for political office and becoming the first Latina mayor of the City of Mesa.
Speaking to future students, she said, “MCC has provided me with numerous opportunities for civic engagement as well as connecting with other Latinas, and with the community’s powerful female leaders. Students should always advocate for themselves to take the step to serve, and to apply for opportunities for which you may not feel you’re qualified. Be the change you want to see in the world. ”