Meet Latinitas’ graphic design intern for Fall 2018, Emma Drumright. Emma was born in Corpus Christi, Texas and moved to Austin in the fall of 2015 to attend St. Edward’s University. She is expected to graduate in the Spring of 2019 with a major in Graphic Design and a minor in English Writing and Rhetoric. Emma is so excited to work for an organization that empowers young girls and strongly promotes diversity and inclusivity in the fields of media and technology.
Why did you choose your major?
I have always loved drawing and have been fascinated with images, text, and forms of communication. I began to notice the prevalence of design throughout our lives and how it can shape our perceptions and experiences. Before declaring my major, I wasn’t sure of what graphic design entailed, but I soon learned that the discipline focuses on the communication of stories, ideas and information, and the analysis of people’s emotions, needs, and perspectives. These factors, as well as the constant learning that comes with the creative process, inspired me to pursue graphic design.
What made you want to join Latinitas?
When I first learned about Latinitas’ mission and what they do, I immediately wanted to learn more and help. I have younger sisters and grew up in Corpus Christi, a largely Latinx and Hispanic community. As children, we internalize so much of what we hear and see, and it affects our perceptions of our personal identity and ability. Latinitas provides young girls access to opportunities, accurate representation, encouraging role models, spaces to express themselves, and supportive, skill-building events which I believe is so vital to helping combat the discouragement that may keep them from believing in their ability, agency, and importance.
What extracurricular activities do you participate in?
I am the secretary of St. Edward’s University’s graphic design club, Command G. Our club holds design and crafting workshops that welcome anyone interested in graphic design. I am also in my fourth year of being a pianist in the St. Edward’s University jazz program.
Who is one of your role models and why?
Drew Riley, an Austin-based artist, activist, and the executive director of Gender Portraits and Gender Unbound Art Fest, is one of my role models. She works to share her own story as well as to uplift the stories of trans, intersex, and gender non-conforming people through her expressive, vibrant, and personal docu-portrait series and art festival. She inspires me through her industrious commitment to diversity, care, and sharing her and other people’s truths through her work.
What is your idea of a dream job and how will your involvement with Latinitas get you there?
My idea of a dream job would involve me working in a collaborative space where I help produce work with goals to inspire and help the community. Latinitas is a great place to work because I am beginning to do just that.
What is one of your favorite hobbies and how’d you get started with it?
I started piano lessons when I was in first grade and continued into eighth grade. After my lessons ended, I didn’t think about piano often until my first St. Edward’s involvement fair. The music department’s table was so welcoming and encouraged anyone who was even a little bit interested to sign up. Being involved in the jazz program has been such a wonderful, rewarding experience for me. I feel that I’ve grown a lot as a person and learner and have become better with expressing and believing in myself.
What is one of your guilty pleasures?
I love sugary gummy candy. However, I often eat more than one serving at a time and they are probably not the best for my teeth. (But the peachy-o ones are my favorite!)
What are the best and worst uses of the internet?
The internet is amazing in that connects and allows people to communicate and share with one another faster and more than ever before. However, the internet can also allow for hate, miscommunication, and, particularly on social media, can allow for dangerous and unfair comparisons of yourself to others.
You can follow Emma on Facebook!
