Karina Juarez and Aerin Monroe have been named this year’s Overall Outstanding Students of the Year at Humboldt State University for their exceptional academic and co-curricular contributions.
Karina Juarez, a Fine Arts & Art Education major, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating her heritage through visual art. As a ceramist, Juarez incorporates her Zapotec ancestry into her work, connecting historical customs and symbols with a contemporary perspective rooted in colonial resistance. She is committed to sharing knowledge and creating space for underrepresented artists in the field of ceramics. Juarez also volunteers at the Potawot Community Food Garden and Centro del Pueblo, supporting the Latinx community in Humboldt County.
Aerin Monroe, studying Environmental Studies, has spent the last two years integrating ancestral wisdom with modern science and technology to become a well-rounded leader in environmental stewardship. Monroe, a member of the INRSEP+ program, co-founded Pathways of Purpose, a nonprofit organization focused on empowering youth and the community through STEAM educational programs. He is actively involved in grassroots farming and is dedicated to creating sustainable systems to address climate change and social inequities.
Both Juarez and Monroe exemplify the values of academic excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world around them. Their dedication to their studies and their communities has earned them the prestigious title of Overall Outstanding Students of the Year at Humboldt State University.