Senior Spotlight: Yudany Diaz (BA'25, history with minors in secondary education and Spanish)
"My passion for history stems from my identity as a Mexican American, first-generation college student. Growing up, I felt disconnected from mainstream historical narratives, which led me to explore history from a cultural perspective. One of my most impactful experiences at U of I was taking Professor Liliana Lule’s Mexican American History course, which deepened my connection to my heritage. Stefan has also played a significant role in shaping my academic journey. His guidance and encouragement to study abroad were pivotal in navigating my education. Studying abroad in Barcelona was transformative, as it broadened my understanding of global history and emphasized the importance of inclusive, multicultural education. These experiences have solidified my dedication to teaching history and creating a classroom where students can critically engage, and I am committed to teaching it in a way that reflects students’ identities." - Yudany Diaz
Research interests
Yudany has researched the impact of bilingual education on English language learners and the effects of adultification bias on female African American students in the classroom. Additionally, she has studied the history and contemporary life of the Mixtec people, one of the largest and most resilient Indigenous groups in Mexico.
RSOs and internships involvement
Yudany is a current Leadership Mentor for University Housing and a Global Peer Ambassador. She has served as Vice President of the Society of Minority Students in History and has been an Orientation Leader. She is currently an Outreach Assistant for the Refugee Center in Champaign-Urbana and a Humanities in Action Scholar. Yudany is also a member of S.E.E.D.S. (Strengthening and Empowering Educators of Diverse Statuses).
Recognition and awards
2025: Humanities in Action Scholar