Degree: Bachelor of Science in Ethnic Studies with a Minor in Refugee Studies
Future Plans: Pursue a career in public policy focused on immigration and refugee resettlement
Honored Faculty: Dr. Soulit Chacko, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology
Biography
Maci Ann Mattravers is known for her commitment to advocacy, storytelling and community-engaged research at the intersection of migration and justice. Throughout her time at Boise State, she has worked closely with refugee and immigrant communities, supporting resettlement efforts while also contributing to research that centers on lived experience. Her work with Global Gardens and the Boise State Afghan Leadership Project highlights her focus on community-based, participatory research, examining how displaced communities navigate systems of support, economic opportunity and cultural preservation in Boise. Through this work, Mattravers has developed a strong foundation in understanding how policy decisions shape everyday realities.
Beyond the classroom, Mattravers has pursued opportunities that deepen both her global and local perspectives. While studying abroad in the Basque Country, she explored regional migration histories and questions of cultural identity. During her time in Oxford, England, where she studied “Life, Death and Meaning in the Modern World,” she further examined complex questions surrounding identity, ethics and the human experience, expanding her comparative and philosophical understanding of global systems. In Boise, she has also worked at an immigration law firm where she gained firsthand insight into the legal complexities immigrants face and the barriers embedded within existing systems. This experience further strengthened her commitment to advancing thoughtful and equitable public policy.
Mattravers is also a musician and organizer who uses art as a tool for connection and advocacy. She has organized benefit concerts to support local causes and amplify underrepresented voices, and is dedicated to supporting and growing Boise’s local music community. She recently performed on the Main Stage at Treefort Music Fest, bringing her music to a wider audience while staying rooted in community-driven work. Through her academic, professional and artistic efforts, Mattravers strives to center human dignity and push for more equitable systems.
Mattravers is from Nampa, Idaho.
Scholarships and Awards
- Boise State Presidential Scholarship
- Bronco Shop Scholarship
- Langroise Honors College Scholarship
- Pia Unamuno Anchustegui Memorial Scholarship
- Robert and Brenda Atkinson Honors College Scholarship
- Thelma Brown Endowed Scholarship – Honors