Internships Lead Jackie Chimborazo-Malo ’25 to Teach for America
Degree: B.A. in Latin American and Latinx Studies
Program: Honors Program
Mentors: José Luis Morín, Professor, Department of Latin American and Latinx Studies; Adrienne Fitzgerald, Student Support Manager, Honors Program
Fellowships/Internships: New York Giants Touchdown Fellow, Community Engagement Specialist Intern at the Center for Justice Innovation; Legislative and Budget Intern, Office of New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif; Crime Strategies Bureau Intern, Bronx District Attorney’s Office; Education Intern, Museum of Natural History
Scholarship: Elisa Morín Scholarship
Hometown: Morristown, NJ
Career Aspiration: Education Administrator and Policymaker
Post-Graduate Plan: Teach for America Bilingual Teacher in Newark Public School System
What was life like before John Jay?
My parents are farm workers from Ecuador who moved to the U.S. when they were teenagers in search of the American dream. I grew up not only knowing the value of a good work ethic and deep appreciation for my parents’ resiliency and sacrifices but also understanding the importance of education. Neither of my parents went beyond grade school because they had to work to help their families. So, for as long as I can remember, they pushed me to do well in school. My parents also instilled in me a deep love and respect for our Ecuadorian roots, history, and culture. My last name, Chimborazo, is the name of the biggest mountain in Ecuador, and its name is actually a Kichwa word—Kichwa being the indigenous language of my ancestors.
I grew up in Morristown, New Jersey, living with my parents and next door to my cousin Claudio, who is very much like a brother to me. My parents worked a lot, so it was Claudio who took me under his wing. He’s one of my fiercest protectors and has championed me since I was young. Even when others doubted me, he always pushed me to go to college and pursue my dreams.
Why John Jay?
Diversity has always been very important to me. As a first-generation American, the celebration of diversity is one of the pillars that shaped me. When you feel seen and have a sense of belonging, especially in a school setting, you do better. I had that experience in high school, and when searching for colleges, I knew I wanted to go to a diverse institution. I also wanted to go to a college that was hyper-focused on justice. John Jay was the perfect mix. Its status as a Hispanic- and Minority-Serving Institution, as well as a leader in justice-focused education, made choosing John Jay an easy decision.
How did your mentors put you on the path to success?
I found my passion for Latinx studies in Professor José Luis Morín’s “Latinx Experience in Criminal Justice in the U.S.” course. In his classroom, I realized I wasn’t just taking a class and learning information; the information he presented validated the experiences of Latinos in America. It was through my conversations with Professor Morín that I realized I wanted to learn about sociology, anthropology, policy, and political science through a Latin American lens.
Ms. Fitz (Adrienne Fitzgerald) has always seen my potential and took the time to understand me not only as a student but also as a person. If I came across an opportunity, whether it was taking on a leadership position or studying abroad, she would ask, “How can I help you? What can I do to make this easier for you?” No matter what she was doing, she always had time to support me, which was so amazing. Ms. Fitz was also the person who suggested I apply to Teach for America, despite it being a highly selective program. She knew it would be the perfect fit for me.
How did your study abroad experience enhance your educational journey?
My study abroad experience in Cusco, Peru, which centered on indigenous people and globalization, was one of the best experiences of my life. I had the chance to learn more about my connection to the region and its past. The histories of Ecuador and Peru are closely intertwined. My grandpa did a lot of advocacy work for indigenous people and farm workers in Ecuador and Peru, so to learn more about the history behind my grandpa’s stories was impactful and intensified my passion for Latinx studies. During the program, which I got to experience along with my parents who came with me to Peru, we traveled to different parts of the country, met with different indigenous leaders and community members, learned about the issues that were important to them, and enjoyed some amazing Peruvian food prepared by my host family.
How did the New York Giants Fellowship help shape your future career?
I was a community engagement specialist with the Center for Justice Innovation, working closely with Spanish-speaking participants in the diversion program. My job was to provide them access to different resources, schedule their appointments, help them understand documents, and sign them up for programs so that they could avoid court appearances and stay out of the system. The fellowship was a rewarding experience because I helped a lot of people. It also taught me to be empathetic and understanding of others. I was calling a lot of people from all different walks of life. Each one had a unique background and was going through different life challenges. Sometimes they wouldn’t believe I was there to help them, other times they didn’t want to answer my questions, but through the experience, I learned to meet people where they are. It’s a lesson I plan to take with me into the classroom.
What did you learn during your internship with Council Member Shahana Hanif?
I was so grateful to intern with Council Member Shahana Hanif, the first Muslim woman to be elected to the New York City Council. She’s a daughter of immigrants and a CUNY alumna, so I immediately felt a deep connection to her. As her intern, I got to see firsthand how she’s standing up for families, fighting for schools in her district to get the funding they deserve, and supporting linguistic and translation programs to help immigrants trying to make their way in this city. As someone who had to translate for my parents from a very early age, I understand the heavy weight of that responsibility. Seeing what Council Member Hanif was doing for the immigrants in her district was moving. I hope to be like her one day and inspire my students to speak up, stand up, and help others.
How did your internship at the Museum of Natural History impact your goals?
I was an education program intern working in the South American Peoples’ Hall at the Museum of Natural History. The hall featured information and artifacts from the Inca Empire. The archaeological site where the artifacts came from is actually a place I used to visit with my family. It was right around the corner from my grandpa’s house. Growing up, the archaeological site was my playground. So, being in the museum talking about the site, the Inca Empire, and their philosophy on nature and environment, felt like fate. As someone who wants to work in the education space, the internship expanded my interpersonal skills and taught me how to provide information and explain things in ways that the person I was speaking to would understand.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’ll be part of the Teach for America program, working as a bilingual Kindergarten teacher in the Newark Public School System. I was so proud to be chosen because the program is highly competitive. On average, only 15 percent of those who apply get selected. I love that I get to work with kids, helping shape and positively impact the next generation. I want to be that adult who helps students who are struggling. I want to become a teacher that students can come to and depend on. I want my students to feel excited about coming to Ms. Jackie’s class.
