Tell us briefly about yourself: any details about yourself, your life now, or your personal history you want to share.
My name is Ivy Khevali Micklus, I’m currently a clinical research coordinator at UMass Chan Medical School. I hold degrees in biological sciences from Northeastern University and chemistry from Del Mar College. I was born in Kenya and immigrated to Texas when I was 9. I moved to Massachusetts in 2019 to serve with AmeriCorps and it’s one of the best decisions I made that opened doors to new opportunities and deepened my commitment to community impact. While in Boston, I had the privilege of working at Freedom House, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Black and Brown youth in their life pursuits. I’m eager to explore research avenues in child development, immigration, public health, and health equity. I believe these areas hold the key to creating a more equitable future for all.
Why is it important to you to vote? I look at it as if it’s the final achievement that’s waiting to be unlocked as an American citizen. I’ve lived in the US since June 2008. It was impactful for me that I arrived in the US when the first Black person was president and it felt more impactful because like me, he is of Kenyan descent. The journey I’ve gone through to be here took a lot of time, money, and emotions. And now that I’m on the other side, I’m able to unlock the final achievement of voting. I vote not just for myself, but as a representation of what can be. My 83 year old grandmother voted for the first time in the United States in Texas a few days ago – something that neither of us would’ve imagined. Voting is so much more than just a right; it’s a powerful tool that can shape our future.
What is most exciting to you about voting? This will be my very first time voting and I’m filled with excitement that I’m able to exercise my right. Regardless of what the outcome is nationally or locally, I know that I was able to have a meaningful part in it. It’s also much sweeter when the candidates you support win!
What motivates you most in this upcoming election, and why? Like most elections within the last few cycles, the national stage has a lot of significance in who could be our next president. And this time around we could have a president who challenges the status quo & breaks the mold. I just hope those who vote take into consideration a holistic and logical approach to who will positively affect not just the economy but other sectors like housing, health, social, and education.
Do you have any special plans for that day? I’m planning on voting as soon as the polls open here in Vermont and afterwards I’ll call my grandmother to reflect on the significant day.
What would you say to others about why they should get out to vote? If you are a citizen and are capable of voting, please do it. It’s especially important if you’re young. The decisions we make today will impact our future so don’t skip out. It’s the chance you have to influence the world around you and voting (or choosing not to) has tangible effects. Don’t just vote in national elections, vote in your local ones, where you spend most of your livelihood. Voting changes lives, and hopefully for the better.