As the recently elected co-president of the Campus Y and co-chair of Catalyst Conference, Mackenzie Thomas demonstrates a passion for social justice. A sophomore economics major from Huntington, NY, Mackenzie is actively involved in a broad range of organizations on campus. Whether analyzing innovation on Chancellor Thorp’s student team, studying multiple languages, snowboarding or serving the Campus Y, Mackenzie exhibits unparalleled enthusiasm.
HC: What organizations are you a part of on campus?
Mackenzie: As a Tar Heel, I am greatly involved in the Campus Y, namely Catalyst Conference and Best Buddies. Catalyst is an awesome three-day conference for high school students that immerses them in conversation concerning social justice, leadership and diversity while showing them all them that UNC has to offer. Next year, I will be serving as co-president of the Campus Y, which I am super excited about! Also, I am on the Chancellor’s Student Innovation Team and am a sucker for intramural sports.
HC: What inspired you to get involved with Catalyst Conference?
Mackenzie: Coming into Carolina, I knew absolutely no one. That being said, I went to Carolina Kickoff (CK) and met some of the most amazing people, many of which became my closest friends. At CK, I was exposed to all of the Campus Y committees, but fell in love with Catalyst. The ability to change the lives of high school students coupled with the opportunity to show off all that Carolina has to offer was incredibly alluring. Last year, I was the connections sub-committee co-chair, working on the theme of the conference and the website and social media. After the three days of the 2010 conference, I knew I wanted to work with Catalyst in a greater capacity. Simply put, the high school students continue to give me so much hope and inspiration for the future and the fact that I have the chance to work alongside them is wonderfully rewarding.
HC: What are your goals for this year’s Catalyst Conference?
Mackenzie: More than anything, I want the attendees to have fun, love Carolina and understand that they can make a difference! The world is intimidating and challenging but the actions of one person really can make a difference. If each student is able to leave the conference smiling and with a newfound mission for social justice in tow, I’d be ecstatic.
HC: What do you do in your free time?
Mackenzie: What free time?! When I do have a few hours to myself, I can be found playing soccer, Frisbee or paddle tennis (no, not pingpong… Check it out). I am also an avid snowboarder so I love “shreddin’ the gnar” during the winter! I have a knack for foreign language as well and currently am fluent in Italian and know a bit of German. This summer I will be interning and studying abroad in Beijing and though I do not know a lick of Mandarin I am so excited to be immersed in another language and culture. I am a photography and music aficionado (especially when it comes to The Beatles, Joshua Radin and One EskimO) and so I can often be found camera in tow, music blasting.
HC: What do you want to do after you graduate?
Mackenzie: My thoughts thus far surrounding post-graduation plans include pursing a career in international finance and economics. Working for a company such as Ashoka or the Rockefeller Foundation would combine my interest in social entrepreneurship with my passion for finance. Additionally, I think that financial literacy is a critical component for worldwide success and I would love to spread this via inexpensive yet informative courses for underprivileged youth and adults. More than anything, though, I just want to enjoy life, smile, and never look back. A major item on my bucket list is to be on “Family Feud,” though I would be happy to settle with “The Amazing Race.”
HC: What’s your favorite thing about UNC?
Mackenzie: Undoubtedly, it’s the people that draw me to keep coming back for more. Whether it is walking through the Pit, laying out on the quad or working late nights in the Campus Y, I love being surrounded by such motivated, unique and incredible individuals who have strong passions for future change. That being said, some of my favorite things about Carolina include the “I am a Tar Heel” videos at basketball and football games, the view from South Building looking down the quad in the spring, a Tough Guy Chai from the Daily Grind, the Y workroom, the weather and the undying love for Carolina blue.
From serving as Campus Y co-president to Catalyst Conference co-chair to Best Buddies volunteer, it’s difficult to imagine how Mackenzie has any free time. Despite her jam-packed schedule, she maintains a sense of excitement and a drive to better the Chapel Hill community. Mackenzie’s leadership ability, love for UNC and dedication to social justice make her this week’s Campus Celebrity.