Student Advisory Board: Meet Cielo Herrera

Name: Cielo Herrera‍
Hometown: Dobbs Ferry, New York
‍School: University of Iowa
‍Major: Communication Studies, certificate in Event Management, minor in Dance
‍Year: Junior

What’s on your bucket list? Have you checked anything off your bucket list?

One thing that is on my bucket list is to travel to all seven continents! While most of my travels have been contained to the Americas, I look forward to the day where I am able to venture out further. I always enjoy learning about new cultures, experiencing new cuisines, and exposing myself to new scenery. 
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What motivates you to help bridge divides and bring people with different perspectives together?

My motivation comes from seeing how powerful and effective organizations can be when they value viewpoint diversity rather than discourage it. I’m energized by witnessing conflicting groups come together to proactively address emerging issues. Focusing on what could be rather than what isn't has always been key to maintaining my enthusiasm.
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What’s a common barrier to civic participation you’ve noticed among students, and how are you working to overcome it?

I’ve noticed that students often hesitate to speak their minds on controversial topics. Regardless of their opinions, many are wary of being judged by their peers and friends. In recent years, our country has fostered a culture of unforgiveness, which has led to a heightened sense of caution and even avoidance when it comes to difficult discussions. One way I’m working to address this is by fostering a sense of inclusivity in every conversation and dialogue. To navigate these challenging discussions, we need to create a space where everyone feels welcome to speak openly.  In every contentious conversation, I do my best to ensure everyone (including myself) finds ways to leave our judgment at the door and face the argument rather than the person.

How do you maintain hope or optimism about the future of democracy?

This is a tough question. With the media often focusing on negative stories, friends and family expressing their frustrations, and growing political polarization, it sometimes feels like the only thing the left and right can agree on is how doomed our democracy is. Despite all this, I maintain optimism by focusing on politics at a smaller scale. I find comfort in the familiarity of local representatives and politicians. While I don’t have the president on speed dial, local campaigns are accessible to me and my community. It’s reassuring to know that our government is designed to serve the people, by electing the people. When I break down our democracy into its most fundamental parts, our communities, our neighbors, and our friends, I feel a sense of relief. It reminds me that democracy is not just about national politics; it's about us, working together to shape our shared future.

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What are one or two initiatives you want to highlight at the University of Iowa?

I would like to highlight the Civic Dialogue Initiative at the University of Iowa, which centers around fostering meaningful connections and understanding across differences. This initiative is led by Dr. David Supp-Montgomerie, a Communications professor, and Kenise Evans, an administrator in Student Life. At its core, the program aims to help students develop the essential skill of civic dialogue—an ability that can be strengthened through practice and intentional engagement. The initiative hosts monthly events where students have the opportunity to practice and refine their civic dialogue skills in a supportive environment. These events encourage students to engage in respectful, productive conversations that transcend differences and promote collaborative problem-solving.

One of the exciting recent developments within the Civic Dialogue Initiative is a pilot program integrated into the residence hall education model. Working directly with resident assistants, this program creates opportunities for first-year students to enhance their communication and discussion skills, helping them navigate difficult conversations and bridge divides. The Civic Dialogue Initiative equips students with the tools to engage in constructive dialogue and create a more inclusive, understanding campus community.

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