2004 POINT SCHOLARS

Michelle Marzullo

American University

Concentration: Anthropology with a concentration in race, gender and social justice

Carlos Enrique Cisneros Scholar

Michelle was born and raised in Danbury, Connecticut, where after coming out she suffered a pernicious process of social and familial pressures intended to undermine her identity as a gay person. Michelle has transformed her childhood experiences into an intense personal drive to raise public awareness of sexuality and gender issues. She has spoken at more than 500 events on homophobia and heterosexism; has been a fundraiser for the National AIDS Marathon; has received the Grant Larsen Fellowship for Gay & Lesbian Studies and Genentech’s Out & Equal Scholarship for Excellence. She plans to work in the areas of public policy, legislation and research. A Point alumna, Michelle is also the first recipient of the Carlos Enrique Cisneros Scholarship, created by his friends and family to honor his legacy of business and philanthropic excellence for the benefit of LGBT students of distinction attending American University.

In Michelle’s own words: “Becoming a Carlos Enrique Cisneros Scholar emboldens me to live up to his legacy, persona, achievements and greatness in all areas of the community.”