Blog post 2- Ricardo M. Vasquez-Stucchi

     Hello everyone, welcome back to my second blog! My name is Ricardo M. Vasquez-Stucchi, and this is my short review and reflection about our groups presentations we did about change makers. Group one did the constitution authors, group two did 1800’s, my group is next presenting 2000’s to present time and 1900’s being presented by the last group being four. Each group has shown us amazing presentations, and it was cool to learn more about each change maker and what they did to impact the world and to our country’s democracy. Now let's dive straight in and I will start showing you information that was brought back to me while also learning new information I never knew!

    In group one, the first to present was Dorisann Ward introducing James Madison. She reviewed information and added new information I did not know about Madison. Starting off, he was the founding father of the constitution. Born on March 16, 1751, in Virgina, James Madison studied history, law and political philosophy. He was known for his sharp intellect and his deep understanding of our government which would help him on becoming the 4th president of the United States. He drafted the constitution, helped design the three-branch system, and established check and balances. He served from 1809-1817. He led the nation through war in 1812 and helped support and rebuild the economy and military after the war. All these principles influenced not only future changemakers after his time but also democracies globally. Dorisann Ward was very knowledgeable of James Madison. You can tell she was a little nervous but was confident from the way she spoke up, making sure we got her message from her changemaker. It honestly will inspire me to speak up more since sometimes I can be pretty quiet. I know she will do an even better job on her next project which pushes me to make my projects better too.

Next, it would be Benjamin Franklin presented by Fiorella De La Hoz. Born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts and moved to Philadelphia as a young adult. He contributed to the United States Constitution which promoted his ideas of compromise and unity with helping shape the structure if the American government. Fiorella also showed us something that I never knew which Benjamin Franklin served as ambassador to France which he gained during the American Revolution. He invented the lighting rod and bifocals. He also created the first public library in America while supporting education and public safety. To this stay he remain a symbol of American ingenuity and helped us advance in science and to keep on innovating our world. Fiorella De La Hoz information about Benjamin Franklin was very surprising. I did not know he helped write and revise the Declaration of Independence or made the bifocals. It was honestly very nice to learn more about him since I never really learned much about him, Benjamin Franklin. Personally, I think they should teach more about him in schools so students can remember him by the amazing inventions he made, which honestly makes me want to even make something. 

Alexander Hamilton came after being presented by Adrienne Anton. He was born in Charlestown on the Caribbean island of Nevis in the British West Indies, and the exact date of birth is not known well, but it is between 1755-1757. Later, he moved to New York for schooling, having early beliefs in structure and stability. Also advocating for federal control over the state debts to help stabilize the U.S. economy after the revolutionary war. This impacted the support of creating a national bank to promote economic growth through industry and banking. His impacts on helping the U.S financial system and strengthened the federal authority has helped ongoing influences in debates over federal vs. state power. I never knew much about Alexander Hamilton, so thanks to Adrienne Anton for being able to inform me more about him. I would want to know when he was born exactly; it is like an unknown legend waiting to be discovered. Also, it is very good that he had such a big impact on our national bank. Can you imagine how it would be like without him? It honestly sounds like a nightmare waiting to happen.

George Mason was the next to be presented by Camila Echeverria. George Mason was born on December 11, 1725, in Fairfax County, Virginia. He was a strong supporter for individual rights and a major influence on American constitutional ideas. Few of the biggest impact was being a member of the Virgina house of burgesses during the American Revolution and supporting independence from Great Britain. In 1776 he wrote the Virgina Declaration of Rights which influenced the ideas Thomas Jefferson had while writing the United States Declaration of Independence. Refused to sign the United States Constitution which he believed it gave too much power to the federal government. His lasting impact helped influence other states constitutions and countries outside the U.S. and always be remembered as a strong defender of individual rights. Camila Echeverria did a fantastic job on her slides, and I cannot wait was she does for her final presentation. George Mason was such a great choice and interesting. It was good to refresh my memory about him since I completely forgot most of his impacts. Him refusing to sign the United States Constitution affects me since he stood his ground on what he believed in which really inspires me. 

George Washington, a national hero, was presented by Angelina Rodriguez. Born on February 22, 1732, and he is known for integrity, leadership, and unity. The main impacts he did were serving as a president of the Constitutional Convection. He maintained order and the structure during times of debates with presence alone gave credibility and trust to the process. Helped many delegates work and compromise toward an agreement. Later we will know him as the first president under U.S. Constitution. Geroge Washington believed in national unity over state during the rivalry supporting balanced in the government with separated powers. He liked a strong federal government but favored it was limited. We cannot forget either him helping to establish peaceful transfer of power and encouraging trust in the Constitution. Washington’s leadership is remembered as a key figure in building our national political system while influencing others outside the United States. Angelina Rodriguez information provided to us about her change maker was very insightful and super interesting to know more about Geroge Washington. How he brought people together in a peaceful matter is something I can really admire. If only more people can be like him, I think the world will improve for the better. 

Now the last to be presented was Roger Shireman by Brooke Healy. What I gather from her slides was Roger Shireman born on April 19, 1721, in Massachusetts; he was mostly self-taught and became a lawyer. He signed four important U.S. founding documents being the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and U.S Constitution. Created a great compromise between large and small states. While also helping shape the structure of congress. His ideas helped shape the structure of our government and they still impact our country today while also his work influenced international democratic models of federalism. Honestly, I had no clue he helped shape our government and being involved in the many documents mentioned by Brooke Healy. Her presention was really refreshing because she seemed to be more excited about presenting than most, it was great to listen too.

This group was amazing to listen to, and I cannot wait until their next group project. It for sure was improved upon their first group project together they did such a amazing job.  

Time for group two to present 1800’s changemakers, we are going to start with Frederick Douglass slides made by Jehu Plancher. He was born enslaved in 1818 in Talblot County, Maryland which he was separated from his mother. Frederick Douglass would secretly teach himself how to read and write, believing education was the best path to freedom. Later he ended up escaping slavery in 1838 and settled in Massachusetts later becoming an active in anti-slavery group. A few impacts that were mentioned by Jehu, which I never knew about were, meeting with President Abraham Lincoln to discuss the treatment of black soldiers, recruited many soldiers being African American men too fight for the union, and supported the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments which ended slavery and granted citizenship with voting rights. This ended up helping him be appointed to several government positions after the Civil War. Outside the U.S. he became an international icon for abolitionism, directly swaying British public opinion against slavery. Amazing job Jehu Planche, and it was really nice to be able to learn more about Frederick Douglass. I had no clue that he was involved in the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. It was very insightful how he always pushed on to end slavery, which makes me want to do a big push for the future goals I have for myself to make them come true.

John Brown was born on May 9, 1800, in Torrington, Connecticut presented by Jeronimo Castano. Though his actions helped the United States be pushed toward the Civil War for his relentless actions towards ending slavery. Some being helping enslaved people escape from underground railways and was a leader in anti-slavery fighting in bleeding Kansas. Which ended him being arrested and later executed. Though he died he was always willing to give his life for justice inspiring future civil rights efforts made. His actions influenced international thought on moral courage and the necessity of direct action in the fight for justice around the world. Give a round of applause to Jeronimo Castano for a great presentation. I did not know much about John Brown but now I do thanks to him. He stood tall for what he believed in and will help others in need. This makes me still want to keep helping others even if I get back nothing in return since it is just the right thing to do.

Florence Nightingale, born on May 12, 1820, in Florence, Italy called “The Lady with the Lamp” was presented by Jennifer Clark. She wrote notes on nursing with 150+ books/pamphlet and was the first women in the Royal Statistical Society. Opened Nightingale Training School in the year of 1860, helping many to be able to receive help in their nursing training. She led nurses to care for wounded soldiers, to make sure they were cleaned providing hygiene to the soldiers, which made less soldiers die of infection. She told many that handwashing and environmental hygiene was the best way to prevent disease recognition of their crucial role. Her actions led to many countries today to use her Nightingale style training. I never knew about Florence Nightingale, so thank you to Jennifer for giving me this opportunity to learn about her. It was very informative. I mean she is the full reason why we know hygiene is important. Not only that but also help others to be able to study to become a nurse. If it wasn’t for her, I wonder how late we would’ve found out about the importance of hygiene.

Giuliana Paredes will be the next to present Clara Barton born on December 25, 1821, in North Oxford, Massachusetts. She was a Civil War nurse and was the founder of the American Red Cross. It provided disaster relief and blood services, international aid, and restoring family links just being the few actions the red cross made. She earned the nickname “Angel of the Battlefield” by a bullet ripping through her sleeve which killed the man she was treating. Even entered battlefields before military nurses were allowed. The Red Cross was also transformed to be able to help around the globe not only the United States. I knew about Clara Barton, but it was still very fun to learn more about her. She was clearly a hero in her time like she created the Red Cross and was an icon to many women and men too showing them that they can be so much more. Her actions really make me feel that helping others no matter what background they have is always the right thing to do. 

Andrew Carnegie came after being presented by Kevin Fernandez. Born on November 25, 1835, in a two-story cottage in Dunfermline, Scotland he was known for making steel. He was known to make steel faster than others, and it was cheaper to make it so many more people about his steel. Andrew Carnegie owned many steel mills, railroads, coal mines, and iron ore fields. All the money he earned was reinvested to his company but also with a focus on keeping prices lower. This allowed America to build many railroads, factories, and bridges helping the United States into a major industrial power. He built over 2,500 public libraries around the whole world, funded schools, and universities to be able to support education while showing world peace because of it. Andrew Carnegie was an interesting changemaker to learn about he honestly sounds like a cool person. Like he built so many things we use for transport nowadays that now they have evolved over time and made all our lives much easier cause of it. He also looked out for people with less money, which is very kind of him unlike others who would have taken advantage of the less forturnate. Thank you, Kevin Fernandez, for showing me his efforts.

Krystian Garcia was the final presentation showing John D. Rockefeller was born on July 8, 1839, in a farmhouse in Richford, New York. John D. Rockefeller invented modern philanthropy, using his vast Standard Oil fortune to shift societal power toward private, scientific-based solutions. He influenced the education and funded medical research in the south which led to many major advancements one being the vaccine for yellow fever and cure to hookworm. John D. Rockefeller also largely pushed the federal and state governments to make sure they take responsibility for public health. His foundation being Rockefeller Foundation, founded in 1913 and made his own son president. This had given the world global assistance to public health, education in medicine, improving the production of food, major scientific advancements, and many other practices. Many in his family keep on supporting millions and impacted World War I in their efforts and supported charity for all their life's even in 2006 giving out 3.5 million dollars to help New Orlans rebuild after hurricane Katrina. In today's world, his ideals, and his family about sharing wealth and charity were adopted in the same mindset. It would lead to more affordable institutions for education and medical just like Miami Dade Collage is doing right now for many students. Thank you Krystian Garacia for introducing me to this amazing man many more should follow in his footsteps. He always looked to help the public and even left something behind so it could carry on. It is very commendable of him to look for the normal person which more rich people should and look at him for an example. 

Group two did such a wonderful job and for sure improved upon their last group presentation. I am really excited about their next presentation and cannot wait for it. Now the next group to present will be group three being my group, which are doing the 2000’s to the present time.

I was the first to present for my group my changemaker is Barack Obama he was the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017. Born on August 4th, 1961, in Hawaii and studied at Columbia University and Harvard Law School. Known as the first black American president in the U.S. he had e big impact on our democracy and the world. The Affordable Care Act was created which expanded healthcare coverage. It made insurance companies to cover people regardless of health conditions and helped millions inside the U.S. but also effected companies outside it. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was also passed. It increased bank regulations and protected consumers to be able to help prevent another economic collapse. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act allowed gay and lesbians to be able to serve and be treated equally. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals knows as the DACA protected undocumented immigrants who came as children. Obama after his presidency still makes changes to improve our country as of right now, he is building an Obama Presidential center in Chicago. Which is scheduled to open June 2026, it is providing a library and will serve as a community hub for everyone. I was nervous on presenting about Obama. I kept thinking if the information I put was the correct one and if it would be enough. Now I am proud to say it was. I really liked researching about him and learning more. Between us though I think he is the coolest president ever and has encouraged me my whole life to just be me. 

Luciana Lujan will be the next to present for our group showing us “The Nations Doctor” Vivek Murphy. He is a U.S. Surgeon General he served 2014 to now in present time ending in early 2025. Born on July 10, 1977, in Huddersfield, England and moved to Miami, Florida at only three years old he later would graduate from Miami Palmetto Senior High school in 1994 and then attended Harvard Collage. He had many Impacts in our democracy some of them being the importance of mental health which had a political impact ending up the federal government to increase funding for mental health programs. Focused also on loneliness showing it was as harmful as smoking, so he brought attention to social isolation bringing about wellness programs showing up in schools, jobs, and many different communities. Then the world will also face an impact from him with mental health, issuing an advisory sparking international policy changes. Currently he also serves as a commissioner for the World Health Organization which improves social connection as a global health solution. Another great presentation from Luciana Lujan was very informative since I surprisingly never knew about Vivek Murphy. So, thank you really enjoyed your presentation, it was well spoken. His help on increasing funding for mental health programs is something we needed then and need now. He really cared about people’s mental health, and I find it incredible about what he was able to accomplish. 

Louie Alvarez will present Ketanji Brown Jackson next. She was the first black female justice in the Supreme Court starting on in 2022 until present time. She was raised in Miami, Florida but was born on September 14, 1970, in Washington, D.C. and studied at Harvard. Her impact was to be the first justice since Thurgood Marshall to bring criminal defense to the court. She will also serve as an assistant public defender in Washington DC where she helped many people appeal convicted of federal crimes who could not afford counsel for themselves. Ketanji Brown Jackson always ensured that people who had disability and had different beliefs were always treated fairly, showing she was a defender of the everyday person. In the most recent Supreme Court case ruling on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act which authorizes the president to impose tariffs. Ended by 6-3 ruling with Judge Jackson in the majority decision which did not authorize presidents' power to be limitless when dealing with extraordinary threats. Thanks, to Louie Alvares on sharing with us more information on his amazing changemaker. He really improved on his last presentation. Ketanji Brown Jackson being the defender of the everyday person is very honorable of her. Knowing that there is someone always there for you no matter how you look like or what you believe gives off a warm feeling. I am happy to know these facts about her as a real true changemaker. 

George W. Bush will be our next changemaker, presented by Griselly Andrade. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut, July 6, 1946, and was the 43rd president of the United States. Was also the first president to have earned an MBA which he received from Harvard Business school. Impact he had on our country by expending presidential authority to help strengthen the role the president has. Which sparked debates about the powers in our government lead to democratic checks and accountability. Citizens started to view the presidential leadership increasing expectations for decisive action in challenging times. Appointed Chief Justice Johan Robert and Justice Samuel Alisto leaving a lasting influence on the Supreme Court. Globally he increased debate about U.S foreign policy straining relationships with some allies. When he started to change the view, so more of the public knew about our presidential leadership and what actions were made. It really pushed them to start making changes that the presidential leadership will start taking accountability for than just putting it aside. George W. Bush was not perfect, but he helped his country always in the best way possible. Nothing better than looking out for your country and great slides by Griselly Andrade.

Presented by Moncia Medina, Stacey Abrams was born December 9, 1973, in Madison, Wisconsin. She was a lawyer, author, and political leader who graduated from Spelman College, University of Texas, and Yale Law School. Was the first black women to become major party nominee for governor of Georgia in 2018. Stacey Abrams had a variety of impacts she founded the creation of fair action to promote elections and protect voting rights. Which increased national awareness of elections fairness. Expanded voter registration and participation in this encouraged civic engagement and voter education, increasing political participation among historically marginalized groups strengthening representative democracy. Bringing also a national political impact on democratic influence. Internationally, she helped raise awareness about voter suppression and election fairness, highlighting the importance of equal voting and access to human rights. Moncia Medina highlighted such an important changemaker to our society who I am thankful for the informative presentation. Being able to learn about someone who always puts the people first is amazing. Fairness is always something everyone should have, and their rights should never be put last. 

Alejandro Mayorkas is our next changemaker, presented by Madelay Cabrera. Born November 24, 1959, in Havana Cuba he was the Secretary of Homeland Security until January 20, 2025. During his time serving he made many impacts on our country. He strengthened borders, supported asylum protections and DACA programs, and expanded humanitarian protections and legal pathways. Also supported immigrant families by helping provide education and employment while also backing workers who contributed to the U.S. economy. This helps promote equal protection under the law and supports human rights and their dignity. Strengthening the civic inclusion with community stability. He reunited families across borders, mainly for the nationals of Colombia and Cuba with other country nationals too. Alejandro Mayorkas from what I got for the first time hearing of him that he wants the best for his nation and many others outside no matter what color. As someone who was not born in the United States but outside, I really look up to his impacts. The programs he made, and legal pathways has made it much safer to come to the United States and other countries for many families just because he decided to act.

The last person in our group to present is Giselle Iskandarani, her changemaker, Sonia Sotomayor. She was born in Bronx, New York on June 25, 1954, and graduated from Princeton University and Yale Law School. Became the youngest judge to join the Supreme Court and was the third women but the first Hispanic to become supreme court justice. Her impact on our country was to strengthen civil rights and equal protection in Supreme Court choices. Also advocated fairness in criminal justice increasing representation and trust in the U.S. judicial system. She was in some important Supreme Court cases such as Citizens United V. Federal Election commission helped keep attention on risks money poses to fair democratic participation, Obergfell v. Hodges making same sex marriage legal, and Brown v. Plata affirming incarcerated individuals are protected under the constitution. Outside the U.S. she is influencing international law, specifically regarding human rights making sure of fairness and equality. Looking at this, I can see why she had such a big impact also making sure that it was fair play and not false. Making sure too that money does not have an influence on the choices made. Giselle Iskandarani did such a great job on her presentation it a good to learn more about Sonia Sotomayor.

Great job to all of my members in my group. They chose amazing changemakers and they are great teammates. Now moving on to the next group being our last to present of changemakers, we will go back in time to the 1900’s. It is time for group four to present their changemakers! 

The first person to represent group four will be Raquel Rodriguez, her changemaker, Alice Paul. Some might not know who she is, for example I did not know who she was either. Born on January 11, 1885, in New Jersey, and will become a graduate of Swarthmore College and University of Pennsylvania. Later she will be the leader of the National Women’s Party dedicated to equal rights for women. She wrote equal rights amendments which ended up securing the 19th amendment. This had a huge impact on our demonocracy, and millions of women gained the right to vote which also inspired global movements. Alice Paul continued activism after the suffrage leaving behind a legacy that influences equality movements still today. This was amazing to learn about thank you so much, Raquel Rodriguez!

We all know the next one presented by Yanasey Martinez, Martin Luther King Jr. born on January 15, 1929, and grew up in Alanta, Georgia. He was a huge leader in Civil Rights Movements and always believed in peaceful protests. This inspired others to be able to stand up for themselves doing peaceful marches and protests for the people and the government to hear their voices. His speech “I Have a Dream” is one of the most memorable speeches ever said it even inspires me to make a difference. The speech helped pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He was sadly assassinated in 1968, but we celebrate him every year for MLK Day honoring his actions.  His actions not only changed African Americans, but I can say it did mine too. I look up to him every day for the actions he did. It makes me want do more to reach my dream. That one day I know I will be able to achieve it. Thank you, Martin Luther King Jr., for the changes you made and thank you to Yanasey Martinez for mentioning him great presentation. 

Sandra Armenteros will be the next to present her changemaker Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was born on March 15, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York and studied law at Harvard Law School. Later, also graduating from Columbia Law School, finishing top of her class. She helped find the Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberty union. Her work helped change laws of men and women who were treated differently promoting equal rights through cases she took part in. Becoming one of the most influential legal advocate for equality no matter the gender. Was also appointed as the second woman in the Supreme Court serving for 27 years. She still impacts the world, serving as an influential figure for equality and justice for the world. Sandra Armenteros' presentation for Ruth Bader Ginsburg perfectly highlights what kind of person she was and the huge impact she had on our country and the world. Many women and men look up to her and I would too. She kept fighting for something she knew had to be changed. It was not fair for others to be look down upon based on how they looked. I praise her for her actions and to sticking to what she believed in. 

Jonas Salk is the next changemaker; his presentation was made by Yen Rios. Born on October 28, 1914, in New York City, he studied medicine at New York University and is a model for all researchers and virologists. He dedicated his life to fighting diseases. This determination helped stop the spread of polio making a vaccine for it. Which helped protect millions of children and saved many other lives. Later, he founded the Salk Institute for Scientific Research. To carry on the fight against diseases and many other cases which also helped eliminate polio in many other countries. People look up to him because how he never patented the polio vaccine which he himself said, it belonged to the people. I just find it crazy because of him we have the polio vaccine. This just makes him like a real-life superhero. Janas Salk is a true hero to the whole world, and I will never forget about him. Thank you, Yen Rios, for showing me this changemaker.

Terrell Shelby will be next presenting Nelson Mandela who was a South African anti-apartheid activist. Born on July 18, 1918, in the small village of Mvezo, located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Nelson Mandela was the first statesman to become president in South Africa. He always focused on unity and justice movements worldwide by fighting South Africa system of racial segregation and discrimination. By demonstrating the power for forgiveness and visionary leadership. Established the truth and reconciliation commission to foster national healing. Also, he was giving a Nobel Peace prize with F.W. De Klerk for peacefully ending apartheid. Internationally, he serves as a symbol of peace and forgiveness, which shows us we can do better and forgive one another. I won’t forget this changemaker thanks to Terrell Shelby’s great presentation. Wining the Nobel Peace prize is no small feat. For the work that he put in just to make a change it is well deserved. I can take from his actions that I should always forgive others and make a peaceful resolution. 

Now sadly this is the last presentation showcasing Betty Friedan presented by Elizabeth Spataro. Born on February 4, 1921, in Peoria, Illinois and attended Smith College, and studied psychology. Wrote the book The Feminine Mystique in 1963. It talked about how women felt unhappy, staying at home and encouraged them to pursue careers and education. This inspired millions of women to take charge in their lives. Her impacts as a changemaker helped the National Organization for Women in 1966. It helped fighting for equal rights and jobs opportunities for women. Also, by organizing protests and speaking publicly about gender equality. Her actions helped inspire laws to change the view of quality women. Betty Friedan is a true hero for women, and I even say she can show men something too. For us to pick up our dreams that we have of something bigger than ourselves. To make a better future for us and our families. This is the first time I have heard about her, and it was a wonderful experience and presentation to hear much thanks to Elizabeth Spataro. 

Big thanks to Hailie and Cassandra for making the introductions and conclusions for each group. Then wrapping up the changemaker projects with their review happy to hear they liked it as much as I did. They are always a huge help for our groups, and I will always appreciate their help. Now time to wrap it up and move on to our next presentations!