STORRS, Conn. — Autumn Alston, a University of Connecticut student, has been selected to attend the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU) conference for a second year at the University of Miami from Apr. 16-18.

Alston, a Charlotte native and political science major, has focused her attention on “women’s rights, specifically female genital mutilation. This year, she is shifting to the topic of peace and human rights and centering her work on LGBT rights, something she is passionate about because of her work at the UConn Rainbow Center,” The Daily Campus reports.

Campus also said that she will work to “help LGBT youth” and to “bridge the gap between the gay and straight community.” She feels that the heterosexual community needs to pitch in to help too.

“With gay communities, it’s still not legal,” Alston said, who also mentioned the “controversial subject of gay marriage in the U.S.”

“Her interest in the rights of the LGBT community stemmed from a Pride parade she attended in Charlotte,” The Daily Campus added.

This article was published in the March 6—March 19 print edition.