Phenomenally Us: Faith Saenz - Advocating for Civil Rights and Community Empowerment
Faith Saenz’s story is one of strength, advocacy, and empowerment. As a first-generation college student, Faith faced challenges many would consider overwhelming. Starting from humble beginnings, her path to success was anything but simple. As we celebrate Founders’ Week under the theme “Phenomenally Us,” Faith Saenz’s story highlights the power of advocacy, perseverance, and a deep commitment to social justice, while uplifting others through leadership and community engagement.
Faith’s journey took a pivotal turn when she crossed paths with the Eta Chapter of Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc. at Michigan State University in Spring 2015. Entering a predominantly white institution, she found herself one of only four to five Latinos in her James Madison College program of 300-400 students. It was here that she learned the power of community and representation, values that would define her entire collegiate experience.
Her time at MSU coincided with a charged political climate, especially during the 2016 election period. “Our identities at that PWI were everything during the administration's initial election cycle,” Faith recalls. The environment was hostile, and the campus was marred by racist graffiti that included messages like “build the wall.” “Instead of taking a protective approach, they said this is freedom of speech,” Faith notes, reflecting on the university’s dismissive response.
Yet, despite these challenges, Faith refused to let adversity define her. She stepped up as Vice President and later President of her chapter, using her leadership platform to create meaningful change. One of her most significant accomplishments was organizing the "DTL Presents: Defend DACA" event, where immigration lawyers and experts came together to discuss the challenges faced by DACA students. Her efforts were so impactful that a dean attended the event and subsequently committed to protecting DACA students on campus. “If we didn’t host that event, nothing would have happened. Nothing would have gotten done,” Faith proudly asserts.
Today, Faith continues her advocacy work as an Organizing Strategist with the ACLU of Michigan. The ACLU, a non-partisan civil rights organization with over 100 years of history, has been at the forefront of defending constitutional rights across several administrations. Faith’s focus spans critical issues, including:
Immigration rights
Protection of First Amendment rights
Reproductive healthcare
LGBTQ+ rights
Voting rights
Combating censorship and book banning
Faith’s commitment to these causes goes beyond her professional work. She emphasizes the importance of sustained, strategic action, especially for marginalized communities. This understanding of the risks involved has shaped her approach to advocacy, which includes extensive community education and "know your rights" training to help vulnerable populations understand their constitutional protections.
Her academic background in Social Relations and Policy, coupled with a minor in Chicano Latino Studies, prepared Faith for this critical work. Initially planning to attend law school, the COVID-19 pandemic redirected her path. However, her commitment to social justice never wavered. "I'm very passionate about my organization. It is literally my life,” Faith shares. Her work isn't just a job – it’s a mission.
As a young Latina professional in a field with limited representation, Faith carries the responsibility of representation with grace and determination. “I carry the fact that there are not many people who look like me in this field,” she reflects. “I want to ensure that my community is represented in the best way possible.”
Faith’s journey embodies the values of leadership, community service, and empowerment. From a freshman pledging her chapter to becoming a powerful advocate for civil rights, Faith has broken barriers and paved the way for others.
Leaving a Legacy for Faith
Faith never thought much about what leaving a legacy truly meant until a young woman reached out to her a month ago. She introduced herself via email, saying, "I found you on LinkedIn and saw your journey. What I’m trying to do is what you’ve already done, and I want to learn about your experience." Faith was taken aback and replied, “How did you find me?” They set up a Zoom call, and during the conversation, Faith saw a lot of herself in this young woman—an eager college student, aligned with her own identity. When the call ended, Faith was overcome with emotion as the young woman shared, "Who I am now is who I am working to be." Faith hadn’t realized the impact her journey had until that moment, and she was deeply surprised by the young woman’s words.
Faith, now in her dream job after applying to positions across the country, reflected on her journey and realized that leaving a legacy doesn’t have to be about receiving awards or having your work published. It can mean making an impact on just one person. “Living the words you speak is essential. It’s disingenuous to preach the work that I do at a professional level and then take my hat off and be someone else. The work I do meets my personal morals,” she reflects. “What I do professionally is who I am as a person, even if it’s just impacting one person.”
How Did DTL Help Shape Who You Are Today?
One of the biggest takeaways Faith has from DTL is the importance of community. Her best friends are her sisters, and she attends at least one wedding each year from one of her sisters. These women are not just friends—they are her ride-or-die support system. Faith reflects on how DTL helped her build a community within a community. It gave her the experience of having a family that isn’t related by blood, but would still stand by her no matter what. As an adult, maintaining deep friendships is incredibly important, and these relationships, built through DTL, have lasted over a decade.
Advice to Sisters
"Something I often tell myself, and would encourage others to remember, is to give yourself grace. It’s okay to grow, learn, and change your mind along the way. As women, we often put so much pressure on ourselves to meet high standards, and we don’t allow ourselves the grace to be supported or to make mistakes. We sometimes feel undeserving of the successes we’ve achieved. But we must understand that we deserve everything that comes our way—and even more. My personal boundaries are always evolving, and I continue to reach for more. At my age, I’ve learned that growth is not linear. Making mistakes is part of the process, and it’s okay to ask for help and learn from those around you. As a college student, I had to remind myself that it was okay to ask questions and seek guidance. You don’t have to have it all figured out—and that’s okay."
