Alumni and Friends Making an Impact

For Kwyn Townsend Riley ’16, the push for social justice reform begins with her actions. It started when she was a student, organizing marches for Black Lives Matter and other social movements. And she continues to embody learn, lead and serve now in her work as the cultural and affinity spaces coordinator at James Madison University.

She is also an antibigotry fellow for the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research, learning about the policies and infrastructure that can be changed to help all students, and serves on the associate board for Chicago Scholars, helping fundraise for the same organization that helped her attend the University of Dayton.

“Without UD, I wouldn’t be able to know how to galvanize people to make things better for the communities we all inhabit,” said Townsend Riley.

Her activism is already making an impact. You might have seen that CBS named her a 2021 history maker for Black History Month and Pride Month. Or maybe you’ve read some of the poetry she’s published.

And if all her dedication isn’t enough to keep her busy, she already has a master’s degree in college student personnel and is pursuing a second master’s degree in higher education.

“UD has helped me become who I am in so many ways,” said Townsend Riley. “I am grateful to be a Flyer.”