For many students, the path to higher education is a straight line. For Gianni Villano Enrique, a Sociology and Political Science major with a minor in Psychology, that path began in the town of Cuba Libre in Guerrero, Mexico — a place where, as Gianni puts it, “a bright future seems so far out of reach.”
Today, Gianni is a high-achieving scholar, a TheDream.US recipient, and a burgeoning advocate for immigrant rights. His journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative environment of the Colin Powell School.
A Foundation of Sacrifice
Gianni’s story is rooted in the profound sacrifices made by his parents, who immigrated to the U.S. when he was just two years old to build a foundation for their family. Reunited with them at age ten, Gianni faced a daunting linguistic barrier: his first language was Mixteco, an Indigenous dialect, and he arrived speaking neither English nor Spanish.
“School became a place where I often felt isolated, unable to communicate or fully belong. Despite this, my parents consistently reminded me that education was the one pathway that could open doors to a better future.”
He took that advice to heart. Before even arriving at CCNY, Gianni had earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and completed college-level coursework. These milestones were “affirmations that persistence, support, and purpose can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.”
Turning Theory into Action
At the Colin Powell School, Gianni found a way to bridge his lived experience with academic rigor. Maintaining a 3.8 GPA and a consistent spot on the Dean’s List, he has immersed himself in the study of how systems of power affect marginalized communities.
“Growing up as an immigrant, I learned early on that systems are not neutral; they shape who has access, who is protected, and who is left to struggle in silence.”
Gianni has translated this understanding into an impressive portfolio of leadership and public service. He has participated in the Racial Justice Fellowship, the Colin Powell Fellowship in Leadership and Public Service, and the Social Change Fellowship. His advocacy has taken him from the SNF Ithaca National Student Dialogue to Higher Education Action Day in Albany, and into the offices of Senator Robert Jackson, where he currently interns.
A “Home Away From Home”
While the academic opportunities have been vast, Gianni emphasizes that the community at the Colin Powell School provided something equally vital: a sense of belonging. Whether serving as a student ambassador or participating in the search for the school’s new dean, Gianni felt his perspective was valued.
“The Powell School has truly been a home away from home, equipping me with the tools, confidence, and community necessary to move forward as a leader committed to justice and public service.”
When asked to describe the school in just three words, his choice was clear: Empowering. Transformative. Home.
The Path Forward: Law and Advocacy
Gianni’s sights are now set on law school, where he plans to train as an immigration attorney. His goal is to protect workers’ rights and stand with the communities that mirror his own upbringing.
For fellow students who may be struggling or feeling uncertain, Gianni offers a powerful reminder to embrace their background:
“Honor your story. Where you come from matters. Your struggles are not something to hide, they are sources of strength. When you come from very little, you learn to appreciate every opportunity and to move forward with purpose, gratitude, and resilience.”
