Sally Maroa

Class of 2026

Majoring in Global Health & International Comparative Studies; Minoring in Spanish

I’m a sophomore majoring in Global Health and International Comparative Studies, with a minor in Spanish. Having lived in Kenya, South Africa, and the United States, I’ve developed a deep understanding of how global systems of oppression impact communities and have shaped my commitment to community work.

At Duke, I’m involved with Duke University Union as the co-chair of WXDU and serve on the executive board of the Black Student Alliance. Beyond campus, I continue my organizing work through Rhizome, a national youth mentorship and civic engagement organization.

As a Service-Learning Assistant, I’ve had the opportunity to work with several community-engaged courses. In Fall 2024, I supported Dr. Orin Starn in an Anthropology course on labor organizing tied to the RDU-1 Amazon warehouse unionization effort. I’ve also assisted with Spanish 205 with Dr. Eileen Anderson, the course that first introduced me to Service-Learning at Duke. This semester, I’m again working with Dr. Starn in his course on work, labor activism, and social inequality, which examines topics ranging from race and globalization to the history of the labor movement, with case studies of Amazon, Apple, and the fast-food industry. I’m excited to help students build connections with community partners and reflect on their experiences.

Outside of academics, I love reading, binge-watching video essays, styling clothes, and catching up with close friends from home.