Alumni Spotlight

 

Katrina Frank, BA ’20 ANT

Following my graduation from ISU in 2020, I went on to earn my MS in Anthropology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I completed my thesis on the dance style ballet mexicano folklorico, a traditional Mexican folk dance, and how Midwestern Mexican Americans dancers use this art form to (re)connect to the cultural roots and shape multiple aspects of their identities. I am now working as a Museum Assistant at an urban farm/museum in the Chicago suburbs called Fischer Farm, where I help educate children about farm life, help run farm-themed programming for families, and give back to my own hometown community with everything I have learned at both ISU and UWM.

The faculty, staff, and friends that I had the privilege to meet and work with during my time at ISU have continued to inspire and assist me long after my graduation. My Redbird community has been a constant source of support as I have made my way in the world, and I could not be happier with the decision eighteen-year-old me made by choosing Illinois State as my future home. I hope to continue using all of the knowledge and skills I learned from the wonderful educators in the Anthropology and Sociology programs to encourage other Latine youth to pursue their passions.

Read past  Alumni Spotlights.