We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with many people across generations who want to serve the poor and marginalized in our society. As a small nonprofit, Dismas Ministry continues to build relationships with individuals and groups who align with our mission. And, we are blessed to work with students, staff and faculty on the campus of Cardinal Stritch University, where our offices are located. Here is an inspiring story of one student, and member of the Dismas Ministry team, who is making a difference both on campus and in her community.
Camillia Washington is preparing for the future through academic, campus experiences
Camillia Washington, Dismas Ministry Ambassador
Cardinal Stritch University junior Camillia Washington is the personification of an involved college student. She is president of the Black Student Union, is in her second year as a resident assistant, and makes a mean latte at The Bean, Stritch’s on-campus café.
She credits her mom, Latoyia Washington, for helping her build a strong foundation from which she can learn how to balance her academic responsibilities, many activities and stay organized.
“I am grateful for all of the opportunities at Stritch that have helped me grow,” Camillia reflected. “The Wisconsin Grant has helped me tremendously by supporting my efforts to pay for school. The grant reinforces the belief of all students’ ability to attend college.”
The Milwaukee native is majoring in communications: business-to-business and social media and minoring in criminology and police and justice systems. This interdisciplinary academic focus allows Camillia to customize her studies and prepare her to make a difference. She wants to travel the world to compare and contrast justice systems and identify solutions that will have a meaningful and lasting impact.
“As a person of color, I believe I have a responsibility to bring attention to problems in the systems, especially those that affect People of Color,” Camillia shared. “I want to use social media as a platform for change and improvement.”
She has found the perfect opportunity to explore her interests more deeply right on the Stritch campus, which serves as home to Dismas Ministry, an organization that provides prisoners across the United States with the free Catholic scripture, faith and prayer resources they need to restore their relationship with the Catholic church and with God.
Camillia recently completed her first semester as the Dismas Ministry Ambassador. In this role she is building community relationships and promoting the mission and values of the Ministry.
“Serving as an ambassador really opened my eyes to the faith-based perspective of restorative justice,” said Camillia. “I am able to show my authentic self and improve my interpersonal, writing and verbal skills.”
Camillia has a clear vision for her future after graduating from Stritch. She wants to establish a non-profit organization that will serve and support children of single mothers.
Camillia Washington, Dismas Ministry Ambassador
“Supporting the community within my community is very important to me,” Camillia said. “I want to provide resources for children and give them opportunities that they might not have otherwise so they ultimately have the ability to stand on their own.”
There is no doubt that Camillia Washington will continue to use her skills and passion to make a difference for people and organizations around her.
“I am not done yet,” declared Camillia. “I have so much more to learn.”
