Maryann Whitney

Hi, my name is Maryann Whitney, and I am studying math and physics at Cal. Education is the bridge between where you are and where you dream of going. Growing up, however, I learned that this bridge was not equal or stable. I attended a low-income school where inequality and injustice shaped the students' lives. Students faced constant instability with food insecurity and a lack of basic necessities, burdens that made it difficult to concentrate in class, believe in their potential, or imagine a better future.

Being inundated with constant egregious disparities was disheartening and frustrating, igniting a sense of responsibility within me. I was forced and inspired to help fix the injustices at schools. I worked with organizations to build community gardens and provide volunteer tutoring for students in high-need areas. I researched environmental inequity, exploring how low-income communities are disproportionately exposed to air and noise pollution while being denied access to green spaces. On a small scale, I advocated for cleaner air and greener neighborhoods.

I continue this commitment through Habitat for Humanity, where I work to reduce housing insecurity and injustice. I also volunteer as a math tutor at local elementary schools, striving to close gaps in educational opportunity. I'm incredibly eager to participate in Democracy Camp as I know this is a stepping stone to the tools to build the bridge to a world where justice and education equity prevails.