My name is Leo Castaneda-Pineda (he/they), and I am a recent graduate from Rhode Island College. I hold a Bachelor's degree in English with a Concentration in Creative Writing. I am also a self-taught photographer and photo/video editor.

I am passionate about storytelling, representation, and uplifting marginalized voices. I am also an avid traveler, and I love animals, video games, TV/films, and all things theme parks.

Toni Morrison

While at RIC, I gained a stronger appreciation for literature through literary and theory courses. Many of my classes, such as those on African-American Literature, women in film, and queering Shakespeare, helped me understand myself and others better, making me a more engaged and empathetic citizen. 

As a student, I grew creatively through writing-intensive workshops in various genres and forms. Though my interest lies in fiction, I specifically sought out classes in forms I was previously unfamiliar working in, demonstrating my constant willingness to learn and try new things. These workshops allowed me to engage with my peers as we critiqued, celebrated, and brainstormed ideas with one another. I learned the importance of giving and receiving verbal and written feedback.

On campus, I help many leadership roles, such as Open Books Open Minds Student Mentor for two years and English Club Executive Board Member for three years. I branched out by gaining skills in social media management, graphic design, and copywriting through my time with the English Club, and I gained confidence in public speaking while as a Student Mentor by presenting at our spring and by leading class discussions.

Ultimately, I am interested in the written word as a conduit for storytelling, personal growth, and social/political change, whether that be through obvious forms of storytelling, like novels and films, or through unconventional forms, such as marketing and social media. I believe English majors like myself have a lot to offer, from our strong writing, editing, and critical thinking abilities to the unique perspectives we have on the world. I am excited to share these skills with others in my future endeavors.

2024:

Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Rhode Island College with a 3.88 GPA

RIC Senior LGBTQ+ Excellence Nominee

RIC Alan J. Chille Leadership Excellence Award Nominee

RIC Jean Garrigue Creative Writing Award Honorable Mention

2023:
Nominated for and inducted into Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society

Chosen to attend the Hispanic Scholarship Fund's Media and Entertainment Summit in Los Angeles, California

Awarded "Best Paper" at the Open Books Open Minds Student Conference

2022:

Received the Ducey Award, an English honors award at Rhode Island College for students nominated by a professor that recognizes strong academic achievement in the English program.

Chosen as a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar

Chosen as a BIPOC Scholar through the Point Foundation