Meet Seeker Kerry Dolan, a recent Global Studies Grad

When Kerry Dolan ‘22 arrived at PLU, she knew she wanted to make a difference in the world.

“Growing up with two moms, I was exposed to homophobia at such a young age. Seeing that hate, I vowed to myself, ‘I never want to make people feel this way. I always want to be an agent of positive change.’” That commitment to kindness grew into a passion for service during her time as a PLU student. A double-major in global studies and political science, with a minor in Hispanic studies, Kerry wanted to “experience it all.” She studied abroad three times, completed internships in the U.S. and abroad, served as a resident assistant, led hiking and camping trips with Outdoor Rec, and was the captain of the ultimate frisbee team. “My experiences at PLU equipped and educated me to trust in myself and be completely open to immersing myself in other cultures,” reflects Kerry.

Kerry says that it was through her experiences at PLU that she began to feel called to international service. As a junior, Kerry studied abroad and completed an internship in Oaxaca, Mexico, which gave her formative experiences with local women’s rights activists. “I learned so much about machismo, femicide, gender-based violence, and the strength of the women working for change,” she says. “It didn’t feel like a class, but rather we were immersed in another culture, learning from and working alongside local community members.”

Studying away also taught Kerry to trust in herself. “Growing up, I never expected to be able to do a year-long program,” she reflects. “I would get homesick after one night away from home. But through studying away for J-term and then two more times in Oaxaca, the experiences coalesced to empower me to spend a whole year in Argentina.”

After graduating, Kerry joined the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission program to spend a year of service in Argentina. During her time there, she built lasting friendships, helped launch a church’s first Pride Month celebration, and found herself changed by the stories and strength of those around her. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she says. “Watching people walk through those doors and say, ‘This is the first good experience I’ve ever had at church as a queer person’ — that moved me deeply.” 

Now back in Tacoma, Kerry is living out the promise she made to herself as a child — to be an agent of positive change. She works with the Washington Hospitality Association, where she helps business owners build relationships with lawmakers. She is also involved with Auburn First United Methodist Church, Pierce County Young Democrats, and Indivisible Tacoma.