In celebration of Traveller Pride Week, we had the pleasure of speaking to Gaisce Awardee and member of the Traveller community Latisha McCrudden about her achievements, work and passions.
Latisha is a 21-year-old law student at the University of Galway, with a fantastic journey behind her.
After overcoming a tumour as a child and battling mental health struggles, Latisha has been a passionate advocate for mental health, domestic abuse, minority and female rights, believing in equality for all. When asked about her achievements, Latisha's work across organisations such as the Irish Traveller Movement Youth Forum, Minceirs Whiden Youth Forum, National Women's Council of Ireland, National Youth Assembly of Ireland, and SpunOut, as well as her participation in the Climate Ambassador Programme of Ireland, stood out. Her podcast, Minceirs Paving the Way, co-hosted with her friend, Emma Ward, gained significant traction for highlighting topics such as domestic abuse, mental health, sport, the LGBTQIA+ community, ableism, activism, employment, and education.
Speaking on the Traveller community, Latisha says, "We are a unique minority community that has a lot to offer to society and has unique traditions and culture that add to Irish culture, but society needs to not tarnish us all with the one brush and to embrace us fully into society".
Because of her hard work and commitment, Latisha has received multiple awards and accolades over the years. This includes a Traveller Pride Education Award, National Garda Youth Award, Access Champion of the Year of the Students' Union of Ireland, Woman of the Year at the Irish Tatler Awards, Mayor Award Volunteer of the Year, Top 100 Women in Ireland with the Irish Examiner, BBC 100 Women 2024, and many more!
Latisha's diligence, dedication, and recognition can also be seen in her participation in Gaisce – The President's Award. She is a Gaisce Bronze Awardee and is currently undertaking her Silver Award. During her Bronze Award, she took part in karate training for her Physical Recreation Challenge Area and for her Personal Skill Challenge Area, she took on the challenge of baking a new dish every week for thirteen weeks. For the Community Involvement Challenge Area, which she did during the COVID-19 pandemic, she wrote to residents in a local nursing home, sending poems, drawings and quotes to help lift their spirits. For Latisha, Gaisce is a building block that allows young people to explore new skills and experiences and believes it will stand out on her CV and benefit her career in the years to come.
Latisha is a perfect example of what young people can achieve when they are ready to dream, dare, and do.
Maith Thú Latisha. We are so proud of you and what you have achieved!
