CFD Team Spotlight: Gianna Boria Roman, Communications Fellow
The Newsletter Team sat down with one of our undergraduate fellows, Gianna Boria Roman, for an interview about her work, passions, hobbies, and special CFD projects. The transcript of our interview is below.
CFD Team: Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from? What are you studying?
My name is Gianna Boria, and I grew up on the beautiful beaches of Dorado, Puerto Rico. I’m a freshman in the College of Communication, pursuing studies in Journalism and Political Science on a pre-law track. I aspire to become an immigration or criminal attorney and have been passionate about this field for several years. Beyond academics, I enjoy writing, dancing, and spending time with loved ones.
CFD Team: What is your role within the Center?
I recently joined CFD as a Communications Fellow, where I contribute to media management, the newsletter, and other communications-related projects. By proposing new initiatives, I hope to strengthen CFD’s outreach and engagement with the BU community.
CFD Team: How did you come to work at CFD? Where does CFD fit into your story?
When I arrived at BU, one of my main goals was to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Discovering CFD felt like a perfect match, their mission immediately resonated with me. Being part of a team of brilliant and varied scholars while contributing my own skills to a cause I care deeply about was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. As a Journalism and Political Science student, I value truth and justice, and this role allows me to apply those principles in a meaningful way. I see communication as essential to building awareness and connection, so I deeply value CFD’s work in this space. As an aspiring immigration lawyer, this experience also gives me a deeper understanding of displaced communities and the challenges they face.
CFD Team: What excites you about working here? Are you looking forward to anything?
As a communications fellow at CFD, I’m excited to both connect with brilliant minds and learn from them, while also deepening my understanding on refugee populations and expanding my knowledge of this topic. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with colleagues at the Center and hearing their diverse stories. In promoting the support and resources CFD provides, I hope to engage with members of displaced communities and use my privilege to contribute to meaningful change.
CFD Team: Tell us about some of your passions and hobbies outside of academia. What makes you, you?
Outside of academics, I love engaging in the arts—especially dance, theater, and poetry. I’ve been a competitive dancer for most of my life and also share a deep passion for acting and performance. Writing and connecting with other storytellers is one of my favorite hobbies, as it allows me to learn more about myself and others through literature. Growing up in a large, close-knit family, my most cherished memories are simple moments spent with loved ones. I’m also very social and truly enjoy meeting new people and dedicating time to those I care about.
CFD Team: Where do you hope to be five years from now?
Five years from now, I envision myself back in Puerto Rico pursuing law school. By that time, I hope to have completed my degrees at Boston University, expanded my knowledge in my areas of interest, and refined my skills through active involvement in student organizations. I also aim to maintain my connection with CFD and continue applying the competencies I’ve developed here to support its meaningful mission.
CFD Team: What are you proud of?
I am proud of the experiences I’ve gained so far—creating safe spaces for minority communities, developing my skills in professional settings, and leaving what I know as “home” to pursue my academic goals. Back in Puerto Rico, I founded student organizations that provide safe, welcoming spaces for minority groups and for students seeking connection through shared interests or common goals. I’m also proud of using my communication skills to support nonprofit campaigns with organizations like UNICEF and the Rotary Club, both of which had meaningful impacts in my community. Recognizing the privileged opportunities that have shaped my path, I am committed to dedicating my efforts to work that gives back to underprivileged communities.