Magally Ortiz-Rojas, a sophomore at UNC Pembroke has been selected for recognition from a number of candidates across North Carolina for outstanding leadership and service after being awarded the Community Impact Student Award.

Ortiz-Rojas was given the award by North Carolina Campus Engagement, a statewide network of colleges and universities committed to preparing students for civic and social responsibility.  

The network’s CISA Award honors one student leader at each member school. CISA recognizes students with a deep commitment to community involvement and the ability to inspire peers. NC Campus Engagement honored the recipients during a virtual awards ceremony on November 18. 

 Ortiz-Rojas is studying political science with a concentration in public policy and administration and sociology and is co-manager of the CARE Resource Center, UNCP's food pantry.

A Lumberton native, Ortiz-Rojas is passionate about students being informed of resources available and is committed to ensuring the resources remain available through soliciting donations of items and money. She led a donation drive with the Student Government Association to provide patrons with hygiene items. She has also taken on a new project to innovate the CARE Resource Center's "Sponsor-a-Shelf" initiative to involve student organizations and community partners to contribute to students receiving essentials. She has also served as a student leader for Hawk Camp, a retreat for first-year students focused on servant leadership and learning about different social justice themes.

Currently, Ortiz-Rojas serves as the University and Community Relations Chair, where she uses her voice to serve and educate the students to create positive change through policy and programming. During the summer of 2022, she completed an internship through the State Employee Credit Union Fellowship program. She interned with the Robeson County District Attorney's Office, conducting court observations, and supporting the assistant district attorneys and the victim and witness legal assistants.

The 2022 "Engagement Matters" Student Award Ceremony where Ortiz-Rojas received the CISA award is available online and can be viewed here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntxh4bSQaUc