Archaeology student Sofía Espinoza Gutiérrez nominated for ECHO Award
Diversity and inclusion
Master's student Sofía Espinoza Gutiérrez has been nominated for the prestigious ECHO Award in the category Current Affairs. The award recognises students from Dutch educational institutions who distinguish themselves through their commitment to diversity, inclusion and social engagement.
Recognition
Espinoza Gutiérrez was nominated by Dr Rachel Schats, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Archaeology, in recognition of her extensive efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion within and beyond the university.
'I was very honoured when Rachel approached me about the nomination,' says Espinoza Gutiérrez. 'She knew about my involvement in the Faculty's diversity initiatives and thought I would be a good fit for the award.'
Meaningful change
A recurring theme throughout Espinoza Gutiérrez's work is the importance of representation. Originally from Latin America, she recalls feeling isolated when she first arrived at Leiden University. 'When I started my studies, I felt like I was the only Latin American student in my year. That feeling of loneliness stayed with me. Later I realised we are everywhere, but representation matters. People need to be able to recognise themselves within a community.'
Her growing interest in questions of representation was strengthened through her studies and research. Her master's thesis, based on research in Guatemala, was influenced by emancipatory and decolonial theories. Alongside her academic work, she has been active in a range of initiatives focused on diversity and inclusion.
As Chair of LAS Terra and Assessor of the Americas subgroup, she worked to address issues surrounding representation and language. 'I didn't want things to simply be tolerated. I wanted to see active change. It was challenging, but together we managed to make progress.'
Creating a more inclusive faculty
Espinoza Gutiérrez has also been actively involved in the Faculty's Diversity Committee. One of the projects she helped realise was the improvement of the Faculty's quiet room. 'A fellow student approached me because the previous quiet room was simply not adequate,' she explains. 'I looked at examples elsewhere in the university, including the quiet room in the Lipsius Building. People need to feel welcome and supported in their workplace. If you feel listened to, you become part of a community that allows you to grow.'
Her commitment to creating meaningful and lasting change also led her to become involved in the university's Slavery and Colonial Past Commission, which advises Leiden University on issues related to its historical ties to slavery and colonialism.
Next steps
The ECHO Award selection process continues throughout September and October. Nominees are invited to join the ECHO ambassador network and participate in networking activities. Finalists will be announced at the end of September, followed by interviews with a selection panel. The award ceremony will take place later this autumn.
For Espinoza Gutiérrez, the nomination itself is already an important recognition of the work being done by students and staff across the university. 'What motivates me most is helping create an environment where people feel they belong. Everyone deserves to feel welcomed, heard and supported. When that happens, people can truly thrive.'
A word from Rachel Schats
'Sofía is one of the most engaged, kind and caring students I know. She works incredibly hard to promote diversity and inclusion, and she genuinely deserves this recognition. She is an exceptional student with enormous empathy. This nomination gives her the opportunity to shine even more.'
- Dr Rachel Schats, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Archaeology
About the ECHO Awards
The ECHO Awards are organised by ECHO, the Dutch centre of expertise for diversity and inclusion in higher education. Students are nominated by staff members and selected based on their academic achievements and their contribution to creating a more inclusive society. Nominees become part of the ECHO ambassador network, which connects students and professionals committed to advancing diversity and equal opportunities in education.