Lesly Gonzalez '20

As a first-generation college student, Lesly Gonzalez knows a thing or two about overcoming obstacles and breaking down barriers. The Center for Ethical Leadership in Action (CELA) has been a powerful tool for continuing her fight. With CELA’s help, she’s spending this summer interning for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Minneapolis and St. Paul, specifically working with Latino and youth ministry.

“Organizations like the Archdiocese need a lot of help, but it is finances that limit them,” she observes. “I have always wanted to help, but it was a big sacrifice of time and money to do so. The Center for Ethical Leadership in Action helped both the organization and myself to be able to work together without financial barriers.”

After her first year, Lesly’s been impacted by her Saint Ben’s experience. She speaks highly of the community, the faculty and the career resources. “Being around a community of women has also built me up,” she adds. “We all motivate each other.”