Aguayo Uses Journalism In Advocacy Efforts
By Carolyn Treloar
Lemke Ledger Staff
Ana Aguayo, a junior with a double major in journalism and international relations, chose journalism because she is very passionate about the strength journalism has on people, she said. She is co-founder of Spanish News, the first Spanish-language news program for UATV. 
Aguayo, who grew up in Springdale, volunteers for the Hispanic Women’s Organization and has held a leadership position with the League of United Latin American Citizens as state deputy director for women. She helps women who have been victims of sexual harassment and domestic violence. Her focus is on empowering them so they have the strength to return to the work force. Aguayo also presents workshops that explain the rights men and women have in Arkansas.
While with LULAC, Aguayo learned that she could advocate for education, economic advancement of the Hispanic community, health care and civil rights. She was elected president of the campus chapter of LULAC, where she focuses on increasing the Latino population at the UA and works toward decreasing the Hispanic dropout rate in high school.
Aguayo works for a nonprofit organization called Workers Justice Center, where she helps people with employment related issues. She uses her journalism training to write reports to the Department of Labor and letters to employers of wage-theft victims.
Aguayo volunteers for the Hispanic Women’s Organization and helps with the Peace at Home Shelter, Summit Avenue Residential Preservation Association and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. She translates for medical appointments, volunteer health clinics and parent-teacher conferences. She also visits elementary schools to discuss the importance of going to college.