Hello everyone, my name is Kate Padilla Raya. I am a junior at Elmhurst University. I am studying Criminal Justice and Theology. I hope to practice law one day with a focus on disability rights. Since elementary school, I’ve had the opportunity to work with children with disabilities, which has shaped the way I see the world and inspired my commitment to inclusion. In high school, I joined Best Buddies and became even more aware of the daily barriers that people with disabilities face. These barriers go beyond physical spaces and show up in education, employment, and access to justice. That is why I want to pursue a career in ADA law. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and have the chance to succeed. Outside of school, I enjoy baking, working with animals, and creative writing. Each of these gives me a different way to express myself. One of my proudest moments was having a poem published because it reminded me that my voice matters. I am also a regular blood donor, as I possess the universal blood type. I consider it an honor to be able to help people who need it most. A random goal of mine is to give a TED talk one day; that is when I'll know I made it. I am a first-generation student who has dreams bigger than life's barriers. I want to secure my future, love what I do, and most importantly, make my immigrant parents proud.

• Intern

  Law Enforcement · Addison Police Department

  Jan 2025 – Jan 2025

• Concierge

  Hospitality · The Clarendale Of Addison ( Senior Living Facility)

  Jan 2025 – Present

• Cashier, Coffee Bar attendant, Online Order Specialist

  Food & Beverages · Angelo Caputos Fresh Market

  Jan 2021 – Jan 2025

• Advocacy
• Volunteering
• Philanthropy

• Soccer

  Junior Varsity

  2020 – 2020

• Poet

  Middle Western Voice · Religious Art

  2024 – 2024

  Productions:

  " Last Listen"

• Volunteer

  Volunteering · Elmhurst Clothing Center

  2026 – Present

  Mission:

  To support the mission of clothing those in need

• Catechist Assistant

  Volunteering · St. Phillip the Apostle Catholic Church

  2025 – 2025

  Mission:

  To help aid in the education of younger minds, showing them principles of kindness and faith.

• Volunteer

  Volunteering · Addison Trail High School Library

  2022 – 2023

  Mission:

  Assisting Librarians during my free periods to help alleviate some of their tasks.

• Best Buddies Historian

  Volunteering · Best Buddies Illinois

  2019 – 2022

  Mission:

  To promote and spread inclusion, as well as develop life skills in children with disabilities.

• Summer Reading Program Assistant

  Volunteering · Chicago Public Library ( West Belmont Branch), White Oak Library ( Romeoville)

  2016 – 2019

  Mission:

  Volunteering to help children with the summer reading program.