Tabitha Escalante - Story of Self
As a first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented student at Harvard, I entered college with the goal of finding spaces on campus where my identities and experiences were welcomed. Coming into college as the typical Gov-concentrating pre-law student, I gravitated toward the IOP; however, knowing that I would be among the children of literal U.S. Senators and foreign dignitaries left me feeling as though I had very little to offer. Thankfully, I took a shot at the application – in my first semester, I worked as a Criminal Justice Policy Team researcher on commission from Community Resources for Justice to study government and community-based reentry programs across the country.
At that time, I was astounded by the opportunity to have such a massive impact in a field I cared so deeply about as only a freshman. Looking back now, it remains one of the most impactful experiences I’ve had since entering college. I additionally found myself heavily invested in PRE’s discussions on the intersections of race, ethnicity, and politics; it was there that I found a strong community of students that I really resonated with.
I later went on to serve as Co-Chair of several Criminal Justice, Environment, and Immigration policy commissions and a member of PRE’s steering committee before stepping into my role as Co-Chair of the Policy Program. Over a two hour drive to campus after a team retreat and meal from Chick-fil-A, in a car with my Co-Chair (Olivia) and the then-Co-Chairs of PRE (Janna and Choetsow, who I previously served on PRE steering committee with), a campaign was born!
Now, I’m one semester into my tenure as VP alongside my incredible friend, Janna. As of late, we’re working toward an IOP that is not only at the forefront of national youth-led political participation, but one that is grounded in a true balance of education and tangible action. Beyond this, we’re constantly seeking new ways to welcome students from a broad array of backgrounds and aspirations at and beyond the College as we seek to expand the IOP's definition of public service.
Outside of the IOP, I serve as the Co-Chair of Concilio Latino, work as a research assistant and teaching fellow in the Government Department, manage peer education efforts at the Harvard Foundation for Race and Intercultural Relations, serve as a judicial advocacy associate at a national non-profit working to end gun violence, and volunteer as a legal fellow at an Ohio-based organization offering public defense services to incarcerated people. In my free time, I can typically be found watching Netflix, curating Spotify playlists, running, or standing in line at Felipe's (just kidding, I use Snackpass religiously – waiting on my sponsorship)!
