New Joliet Junior College student trustee aims to ‘advocate for diversity’

Joliet Junior College’s new student trustee said he aims to push for diversity and inclusion in the post representing his classmates.

In the role, David Lozano, 20, saw an opportunity to ensure his peers are always a top priority for the college, according to a news release.

A student representative is appointed every year as a non-voting member of JJC’s elected Board of Trustees. The board is the governing body for JJC which serves about 27,00 students each year.

“I hope to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and for new creative ways to increase our enrollment,” Lozano said in a statement. “I also would like to see more programs that work with employers to help guarantee a job after graduation.”

Lozano has stayed plenty busy with campus clubs and activities despite the pandemic. After enrolling in JJC, he became vice president of Latinos United and later served as president. He’s also served as a peer mentor in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, got involved in student government and the Social Justice Club.

He said he wanted his classmates to know he was open to communicating with them and wants to advance their opportunities at JJC.

The Joliet resident said he chose JJC to attend school close to home at an affordable price. While he’s undecided about his career plans, he intends to transfer to a four-year school after JJC.

“I have made so many connections with people and have been given many leadership opportunities which have helped me grow as a person,” he said.