Cintya Renderos 2013
Imagine leaving the only home you ever knew to escape from a civil war and arriving in a new home not speaking the language and knowing no one. Cintya Renderos faced this challenge head on, rapidly learning the English language while attending three different elementary schools in Alexandria and figuring out how to navigate in this new culture.
A 2004 graduate of T.C. Williams, Cintya currently works as a Latin America Coordinator, and is helping to bring evidence-based solution to health and social challenges in the Latin American region. Whether abroad or at home, her passion for the advancement of the Latin American community is evident through her various political involvements. She serves as Vice President of the DC chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens, where she advances the economic, educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of the local Latino population and coordinates scholarships for local high school students.
Described by teachers as committed, determined, motivated and talented, she set high goals for herself, aspiring to be the first in her family to not only graduate from high school, but college. This goal, she has said, was not just for her, but to honor the sacrifices her parents made on her behalf.
She prepared well, excelling in her academics, fostering a strong work ethic, and maintaining a positive outlook that allowed her to deal with setbacks with a smile and a commitment to persevere. Cinyta brought these same qualities to her volunteer efforts at school and in the community. An active member of the National Honor Society, as well as the Academy of Finance, Future Business Leaders of America and the Latin American Society, she found time to volunteer with the Red Cross, when she was not busy caring for her younger brothers.
Cintya was accepted to the University of Maryland, where she majored in Public and Community Health. Even with funds offered by the University, Cintya’s family was unable to afford the tuition. Sad but not deterred, she prepared to put her dream on hold and work and go to school part time. However, a Washington Post article on Cintya’s volunteer work and her challenges inspired an anonymous donor to the Scholarship Fund to offer her a full “gap” scholarship to the University of Maryland, allowing her to take the next step in fulfilling her dreams. She continued her community service involvement and leadership at the university level, serving as president of the Coalition of Latino Student Organization, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. and many others. In a letter to her donor, a grateful Cinyta said, “…I hope that one day I, too, am able to make a life changing difference in an individual or maybe even a whole community in the same way you have done for me.” Don’t bet against her.
T.C. Williams Class of 2004
B.S., Public and Community Health, University of Maryland College Park, 2008
