Cohort-13 | Class of 2029

Affaf Waseem

Hometown: Modesto, CA 
Undergraduate:  B.A. | Global Studies, Religious Studies | University of California, Riverside 
Graduate:  M.A. | Ethics, Peace and Global Affairs | American University 
Research interests: My research interests include social identity, belonging, and institutional recognition in higher education; SWANA and South Asian student experiences; culturally sustaining and decolonial leadership practices; and the relationship between student advocacy, institutional policy, and administrative decision making in these contexts. 
Personal interests: My personal interests include traveling, journaling, reading, creative hobbies such as crochet and cross stitch, stationery, being out in nature, and gardening. I love spending time with family and learning more about the world and the interconnectedness of life. 

Alejandra Tapia Cruz 

Hometown: Rubidoux/Moreno Valley, CA 
Undergraduate:  BA, English, CSU-San Bernardino 
Graduate: MA, Education, CSU-San Bernardino 
Research interests: My research interests include multilingual learners, first-generation students, and the ways schools serve marginalized communities. I am interested in how leadership can create systems that not only improve academic outcomes, but also foster a strong sense of belonging and ensure students are valued within their school communities. I also want to explore how staff culture plays a role in this work. Particularly how collaboration, expectations, and overall school climate can either support or limit equitable practices. 
Personal interests: I enjoy spending time with my daughter and family, caring for our pet chihuahua, as well as cooking and traveling. 

Amy Gurich 

Hometown: B.A. English Cal Poly Pomona 
Undergraduate: M.A. Education & Administration SJSU 
Graduate: My research interests include the intersection of teaching pedagogy, theory, and practice -- most specifically, Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy. 
Research interests: My research interests include the intersection of teaching pedagogy, theory, and practice -- most specifically, Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy. 
Personal interests: My personal interests include the care and keeping of my family, including two rescue dogs named Sunny and Sam. I love time spent connecting and building with others in community. Engagement with ART of any kind (movies, books, musicals) is always at the top of my list of preferred activities. 

Andrea Bertero

Hometown: Gilroy, California 
Undergraduate: B.A, Communication, SJSU 
Graduate: M.U.P. Master of Urban Planning, SJSU
Research interests: My research interests focus on educational leadership, community engagement, and equitable access to opportunity. I am particularly interested in how educational systems, local planning, and public policy intersect to shape student success and community well-being. My academic work has explored housing policy, land use planning, sustainability, and community-centered redevelopment, including research on the future of the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. I am also interested in parent advocacy, alternative educational pathways, and strengthening partnerships between schools, families, and local communities. Through my Ed.D. studies, I hope to further explore leadership approaches that promote equity, civic engagement, and meaningful community impact. 
Personal interests: My personal interests include singing and performing, real estate, fitness activities such as CrossFit and walking, community engagement, animal rescue and fostering through Santa Clara County Animal Services, and youth development through 4-H and Girl Scouts. I also enjoy public policy, local history, and exploring ways to strengthen communities through planning and education. Much of my free time is centered around volunteering, mentoring youth, homeschooling my children, and participating in community events that bring people together.

Antara Kshettry 

Hometown: Global citizen 
Undergraduate: B.A. | International Studies | American University 
Graduate: M.Ed. | Montessori Education | Whitworth University 
Research interests: Early childhood education, Montessori education, literacy and Education policy 
Personal interests: Avid reader, dancer, hot yoga enthusiast and enjoy cooking and coming up with new recipes 

Barbara Perry-Perez 

Hometown: Palo Alto, California 
Undergraduate: BA degree in American History, San Jose State University 
Graduate: MA degree in American History, San Jose State 
Research interests: At risk students and the impact of trauma on individual learning. 
Personal interests: family, hiking, Golden Bay Warriors, Santa Cruz Warriors, quilting 

Christina Graham 

Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA 
Undergraduate: BS Business Administration, UC Riverside 
Graduate: MA Interdisciplinary Education, Santa Clara University 
Research interests: I am really interested in many topics that have affected my own teaching career, including the effect of opt-in professional development, inclusive practices for linguistically and ability diverse students (both at the systems and classroom level), and connections between learning and various types of personal connection. 
Personal interests: I LOVE gardening, crafting, and walking to the beach (cliché, I know!) 

David Martinez

Hometown: Pleasanton, California 
Undergraduate: BA | Political Science | San Jose State University 
Graduate: MA | Teaching | University of San Francisco; MA | Educational Leadership | Santa Clara University 
Research interests: My research interests center on creating liberatory learning environments that promote democratic principles, with an emphasis on how TK-12 schools can cultivate students’ capacity for active, critical civic engagement. 
Personal interests: My personal interests include spending quality time with my family; sharing my love of sport, travel, art, and food with my children; and supporting them as they explore their expanding curiosities. 

Eric Garcia 

Hometown: Soledad, California 
Undergraduate: Social Work, San Jose State University 
Graduate: Social Work, San Jose State University 
Research interests: I am passionate about researching the transitional pathways of students from Alternative Education to Comprehensive school systems. My work will focus on the development of successful transition models and examinations of discriminatory stigma at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. I aim to contribute to the field by establishing best practices that mitigate systemic bias and support the holistic reintegration of students into traditional academic environments. 
Personal interests: I believe that the best work comes from a place of balance and intentionality. Outside of my professional life, I am deeply committed to staying active and curious. Whether it’s through morning workouts, weekend hikes, or getting lost in a great book. I’m an avid traveler with a passion for experiencing new cultures, but I find my greatest fulfillment in the simple, present moments with my friends and family. Staying grounded and mindful is the thread that ties it all together. 

Gokcen Ceran 

Hometown: Morgan Hill, CA 
Undergraduate: Bachelor / Chemical Engineering / Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul 
Graduate: Master of Education (M.Ed.) / Educational Leadership, UT Tyler / TX 
Research interests: My research interests include special education, student advocacy, curriculum and instructional support, and the use of technology to enrich and improve learning experiences for all students. I am especially interested in creating inclusive learning environments that support student success academically, socially, and emotionally. 
Personal interests: My personal interests include spending time with family, international travel, exploring different cultures and languages, faith-based learning, and collecting vintage teacups. 

Grace Skalinder

Hometown: Turlock, California 
Undergraduate: B.A. | History | UCLA 
Graduate: MLIS | Library and Information Science | UCLA 
Research interests: My research interests include academic and liaison librarianship, Indigenous systems of knowledge, and the experiences of multiracial people in higher education. 
Personal interests: Reading, creative writing, video games, hiking, yoga, spending time with friends & family 

Grecia Rivas 

Hometown: San Diego, California 
Undergraduate:  BA, Chicano/a Studies with a minor in counseling and social change, San Diego state university 
Graduate: MEd, education counseling, San Diego state university 
Research interests: Transborderism between the Mexico and U.S border among students. The norm of living in 2 countries to get an education and survive in society. 
Personal interests: A few new years ago, I told myself I’d visit a new city every year. So find me in a new city trying good food. 

Gulnar Tabassum 

Hometown: San Jose, California 
Undergraduate: Bachelor's in commerce, Osmania University, India 
Graduate: Masters in Education San Jose State university and Masters in Commerce, Osmania university Hyderabad 
Research interests: Support bilingual students in classroom 
Personal interests: Traveling, Gardening 

Hector Almendarez Benavidez 

Hometown: Sunnyvale, CA 
Undergraduate: B.A. in History & English, Notre Dame de Namur University 
Graduate: Master's in Education, Stanford University 
Research interests: experiences of immigrant students, students with a non-English first language, minority students with a focus on the Latin experience 
Personal interests: Playing bass, video games, card games, cars 

Lin Chao 

Hometown: Mountain View, CA 
Undergraduate: S.B. | Electrical Eng. & Computer Science | Massachusetts Institute of Technology 
Graduate: M.B.A | Business | University of Chicago 
Research interests: Intersection of education, AI, robotics and elder care to develop accessible technology and instructional frameworks to support aging populations and healthcare educators. 
Personal interests: Shotokan karate, food & cuisines 

Araiza Jessica

Hometown: Novato
Undergraduate: UCLA
Graduate: Alliant International University  
Research interests: Systemic change, Metacognition, Equity, social justice 
Personal interests: Dance, nature, moving water, music, people, brains 

Jessica M Hanna 

Hometown: Fresno, California 
Undergraduate: B.A. | Fashion Merchandising California State University, Fresno 
Graduate: M.S. | Instructional Design & Technology | California State University, Fullerton 
Research interests: My research examines equity-driven educational leadership in online and hybrid postsecondary systems, with particular attention to designing inclusive digital learning environments for historically marginalized adult learners. My work integrates Universal Design for Learning (UDL) frameworks with critical policy analysis to address systemic barriers facing military-connected students, caregivers, first-generation students, and students with disabilities. My master's practicum, Faculty as Leadership Architects, developed a bilingual digital training product for university faculty to facilitate asynchronous undergraduate collaboration and emergent leadership in digital teamwork environments. Grounded in educational integralism, this work synthesizes behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and connectivism through a UDL lens, scaffolding leadership development via scenario-based learning and multimedia presentations in English and Spanish. This project employed design-based research (DBR) within an integrative methodological pluralism (IMP) framework, evaluated through expert review by Subject Matter Experts in educational leadership and Instructional Design and Technology professionals. Building directly on this instructional design foundation, I am currently developing the Veterans Academic Bridge Program, a 5-course parallel spiral curriculum delivering 15 General Education units fully online and asynchronously in a single 16-week semester. This program addresses the systemic barriers documented in my policy proposal Service to Success: Equitable Accessible Education for Female Veterans with Caregiving Responsibilities, which demonstrates how female veteran caregivers face a 72% higher unemployment rate than male veterans and encounter compounded barriers to educational access due to inflexible scheduling, childcare limitations, and synchronous attendance requirements. The Veterans Bridge Program applies andragogy, cognitive load theory, and AI-integrated learning environments to create flexible pathways for non-traditional learners who cannot choose between caregiving responsibilities and education. My doctoral research will extend this work by examining how equity-oriented leaders in community colleges, universities, and graduate programs design and implement policies, technologies, and support structures that close opportunity gaps rather than reproduce them. I am particularly interested in how assessment and accountability systems can identify and address barriers in online and hybrid degree programs, how AI and emerging technologies can be leveraged responsibly to personalize learning and academic support for underrepresented adult students, and how institutional policies around admissions, advising, financial aid, transfer, and student services can be reimagined to support working adults, caregivers, veterans, and multilingual learners in completing credentials through flexible pathways. My methodological approach combines mixed methods and critical policy analysis with community-engaged and practitioner-engaged approaches to center the experiences and expertise of students and educators most affected by inequitable systems. 
Personal interests: I am a multimedia artist, community educator, and U.S. Army veteran who has curated 30+ public exhibitions exploring themes of identity, equity, and veteran wellness. I serve as Editor and Publication Coordinator for the Scottish Highland Society of Central California and publish the monthly Veterans Resources Newsletter. I am a proud parent of a neurodiverse student and former homeschool administrator who founded Blue Skies Institute PSA to create adaptive, inclusive learning environments. I am deeply committed to cultural stewardship, ancestral knowledge systems, and creating accessible pathways for underserved communities. In my free time, I engage in creative writing, visual arts, and community organizing around social justice and veteran advocacy. 

Hernandez Jesus

Hometown: Bayview–Hunters Point, San Francisco 
Undergraduate:  BFA Photography 
Graduate:  MA Educational leadership 
Research interests: Maker spaces, teacher education, unionization and collective bargaining, emerging technologies, tenure track equity, digital literacy, digital accessibility, First-Generation College Students, Limited-Income College Students 
Personal interests: archery, photography, design, fabrication, paleontology, coffee, cats, gunpla, repairing,

Josephine Priscilla Luna Medina 

Hometown: San Jose, CA 
Undergraduate: BA Creative Arts SJSU 
Graduate: MA Education SJSU 
Research interests: My research interests include : sense of belonging, mental wellness, intersectionality in education, math development 
Personal interests: My personal interests include : studying mental and physical wellness, neuroscience (specifically understanding trauma and how it manifests in the mind and body), interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships with the goal of understanding the self and unveiling the impact that the intersection of social identities has on human dynamics. 

Julia Sanchez 

Hometown: Salinas, CA 
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies From CSU Monterey Bay 
Graduate: Master of Arts in Education - Curriculum & Instruction from CSU Monterey Bay 
Research interests: My research interest are in education; my goal is to explore the educational challenges faced by multilingual elementary students and focus on the interventions currently used to support their reading instruction and writing skills. 
Personal interests: My personal interest are hiking, traveling, and spending time with family. 

De Leon Kimberly

Hometown:  Soledad, CA 
Undergraduate: AA-T | Sociology | Hartnell College BA | Sociology | California State University, Sacramento 
Graduate: Master of Social Work | California Baptist University 
Research interests: Educational equity, student mental health, and trauma-informed practices in high-needs schools. 
Personal interests: Spending time with friends & family, being out doors, traveling, and baking. 

LaToya Ramsey 

Hometown: Sacramento, CA 
Undergraduate: Bachelors/Psychology/Sacramento State 
Graduate: Masters/Social Work/University of Southern California 
Research interests: Disparities/barriers on academic success in black and brown students. 
Personal interests: I love documentaries, learning, and the beach. 

Leland Hansen 

Hometown: Novato, Ca 
Undergraduate: B.A. International Relations and B.A. Spanish - CSU Chico 
Graduate: Masters in Teaching - Brandman University 
Research interests: Holistic Student Discipline and Wellness, Closing Achievement Gaps and Addressing Disproportionality/Inequity 
Personal interests: Sports, Music, Outdoors, Travel and Politics. 

Lena Jayadev 

Hometown: San Jose, CA 
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bharathiar University 
Graduate: Master of Arts in Teaching, San José State University; Master of Engineering in Computer Science and Engineering, Anna University; Master of Science in Computer Science, Bharathiar University 
Research interests: My research explores the intersection of technology, cognitive psychology, and educational equity, with a particular focus on algorithmic bias in K–12 literacy. I examine how digital platforms influence representation through the “windows and mirrors” framework. I am also interested in the application of cognitive psychology within AI-driven Tier 1 support, with the goal of strengthening foundational instruction for all learners. 
Personal interests: Outside of academia, I am an avid motorcycle rider, a pursuit that reflects my appreciation for exploration, independence, and situational awareness. I also design and build custom furniture as a woodworker. My broader interests include archery, sustainable urbanism, and ethnobotany, where I explore how cultural relationships with native plants shape community and identity.

Liliana Fuerte Calderon 

Hometown: Guanajuato, Mexico 
Undergraduate: B.S. Kinesiology San Jose State University 
Graduate: M.A. Kinesiology San Jose State University 
Research interests: Retention of Undocumented students in higher education, Peer-Assisted Learning, Historically marginalized students in higher education 
Personal interests: Hiking, weight lifting, going on long walks with my dog to the beach. 

Lyssa Gomez 

Hometown: Tulare, CA 
Undergraduate: B.A., Family Consumer Sciences, California State University, Fresno 
Graduate: M.A., Higher Education Administration and Leadership, California State University, Fresno 
Research interests: Professional Development, Student Experience, Access, Inclusion and Belonging 

Maire McDermid 

Hometown: Davis, CA 
Undergraduate: Art History, Mills College 
Graduate: MA Education, UCD 
Research interests: Arts in education, PBL, Equity 
Personal interests: Travel, Art, Music, Nature, Family 

Maristella Tapia 

Hometown: San Jose, CA 
Undergraduate: Sociology, UC Berkeley 
Graduate: Ethnic Studies, UC Berkeley 
Research interests: Experience of Students with learning disabilities in community college environments; The impact of Ed Tech and AI on student literacy skills; Learning communities, persistence and success 
Personal interests: Enjoying time with family, Reading novels/fiction, hiking, cycling, gardening, 

Martha Bejar 

Hometown: Grew up in Watsonville, CA
For for the last 17 years - Home residence Campbell, CA 
Undergraduate: Associate of Arts, Sociology with honors Cabrillo College, Aptos, CA | 2007  Bachelor of Arts, Behavior Science, second major in Sociology San Jose State University, San Jose, CA | 2009 First Gen college Grad
Bilingual Spanish and English.
Graduate: Master of Arts, Education with a Concentration in Counseling & Student Personnel San Jose State University, San Jose, CA | May 26, 2012 Pupil Personnel Services Credential- School Counseling San Jose State University, San Jose, CA | June 12, 2012 Pupil Personnel Services Credential- Child Welfare & Attendance Specializations San Jose State University, San Jose, CA | June 12, 2012 Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), CA Board of Behavioral Sciences | 2021 Education & Experience requirements met to assess & treat couples & families, Specified in Business & Professional Code Section 4999.20(a)(3), CA Board of Behavioral Sciences | 2017 Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) San Jose State University, San Jose, CA | May 26, 2012 *Clear Administrative Services Credential | 2025 Preliminary Administrative Services Credential | 2023 Administrative Certificate of Eligibility | 2021 Santa Clara County Office of Education, San Jose, CA 
Research interests: Examine demographic discrepancies between school/district leadership and the diverse student populations they serve Explore how underrepresentation in leadership impacts equity initiatives, decision-making, and cultural responsiveness Investigate systemic barriers to diverse leadership and how increased representation supports sustainable equity efforts Dissertation focus: relationship between leadership representation and the success of equity-driven policies or programs Goal: contribute research that supports inclusive leadership and informs policies to better serve diverse student communities 
Personal interests: My personal interests include: Spending time with my husband and two daughters Walking my two parti-Yorkies, Bonbon and Azucar Watching action or scary movies Enjoying the weather—soaking up the sun or relaxing indoors Exercising—running, walking, using the StairMaster, or being outdoors

Torrico Melisa

Hometown: San Jose, California 
Undergraduate: Business Administration | Management | SJSU 
Graduate: Higher Education Leadership | SJSU 
Research interests: College and Career Readiness  
Personal interests: Spending time with family and traveling 

Michael Stevens 

Hometown: San Jose, CA 
Undergraduate: BA in Philosophy & Religious Studies from San Jose State University 
Graduate: MA in English Literature from San Francisco State University. 
Research interests: I am interested in researching the gender gap with regard to high school graduation rates. I would like to research how teachers and schools can support adolescent males and engage them in the learning process. As a high school teacher, I've had numerous male students tell me that high school is not for them. I would like to explore why so many young men feel this way and what people as well as institutions could do to address the issue. 
Personal interests: I love story-telling in all its forms, so I regularly attend the performing arts such as plays, operas, ballets, musicals, and concerts. I love running outside, and I occasionally participate in races throughout the year. I have also recently developed a passion for cooking and learning new recipes. When I want to relax, I'll throw on a scary movie. 

Quintin Glover 

Hometown: Oakland, Ca  
Undergraduate: BA Business Administration | Morehouse College 
Graduate: MA Sport Management | University of San Francisco 
Research interests: African American students achievement gap, education technology, equity centered organization leadership, and resource allocation 
Personal interests: Basketball, fashion, music, film, and art. 

Randyn A. Heisserer-Miller 

Hometown: San Diego, CA 
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts | Music | Oklahoma State University 
Graduate: Master of Music | Vocal Performance & Pedagogy | New England Conservatory of Music;Master of Library and Information Sciences | University of Missouri  
Research interests: change management, organizational culture, strategic collection development, DEIA 
Personal interests: concerts, national parks, hiking, running, and cooking 

Roberto Ruiz 

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA 
Undergraduate: Sociology, CSULB 
Graduate: Social & Cultural Analysis of Education, CSULB 
Research interests: Community College transfer rates, First Generation student persistence, the California Master Plan 
Personal interests: Advising pedagogies 

Ronald Towns 

Hometown: Oakland, CA 
Undergraduate: BA - Statistics and Secondary Education, Columbia University 
Graduate: M.Ed - Teacher Leadership, Elmhurst College; M.Ed - Instructional Leadership, REACH Institute of School Leadership 
Research interests: How Principals build inclusive schools where students with disabilities achieve at high levels 
Personal interests: Live music, triathlons, Spartan races, local DJs, politics 

Shawn Calhoun 

Hometown: San Francisco, CA 
Undergraduate: BA, English | San Francisco State University 
Graduate: MA, English | San Francisco State University  
Research interests: My research interests center on reader-response theory, rhetorical effectiveness, and English education, particularly within first-year composition and community college classrooms. I am interested in how students make meaning through reading and writing, and how culturally responsive and inclusive pedagogies can support critical thinking, reflection, and student agency. 
Personal interests: I enjoy spending time with my three cats, visiting museums, thrifting, and collecting first edition books. 

Skyelar Crubb 

Hometown: Sacramento, CA 
Undergraduate: Undergraduate B.S. political science and psychology from Portland State university 
Graduate: M.S. criminal justice university of Southern California 
Research interests: Federal and private funding and its impact on students 
Personal interests: Allocation of funding to schools and its impacts on students and other area of interest is the no child left behind program and its impact on student progression 

Tanisha Fitzgerald 

Hometown: San Jose, CA 
Undergraduate: BA/MATHEMATICS/UC SANTA CRUZ 
Graduate: MA/EDUCATION/UC SANTA CRUZ  
Research interests: My area of interest focuses on the experiences of Black women in leadership in secondary schools in California. My aim is to gain an understanding of how these administrators navigate Predominantly White Institutions and to determine which types of support are most effective in helping them overcome the challenges of being both Black and a woman in today’s education system. 
Personal interests: When I'm not teaching Math or working with student leaders, you’ll usually find me spending time in community with family and friends or walking my dog while listening to an audiobook but I try to take a trip at least once a year so that I can hear the sound of street musicians in New Orleans, catch a sunset on Kauai, or root for the Raiders in Las Vegas. 

Thomas Vernesha

Hometown: Northridge, CA 
Undergraduate: B.A. | Psychology | California State University, Northridge 
Graduate: M.B.A. | Business Administration | University of Phoenix
Research interests: My research interests focus on how school leaders create organizational coherence to improve teaching and learning. Throughout my career, I have observed schools implementing multiple initiatives intended to improve student outcomes, but those efforts are not always connected through a cohesive framework. I am interested in understanding how school leaders create alignment across a school and how that alignment influences student outcomes, particularly for historically underserved student populations.
Personal interests: Outside of education, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, supporting my daughter in her journey as an ice skater, and traveling. I especially enjoy cruising and hope to cruise my way around the world one destination at a time. I also enjoy café brunches, golfing, and finding time to just relax and recharge. 

Xiaozhen Li 

Hometown: Santa Clara, CA 
Undergraduate: BA in Chinese with a Minor in Education, UC Davis 
Graduate: MA in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, Beijing Normal University; California Teaching Credential – Chinese 
Research interests: My research focuses on teacher development and bilingual education, especially supporting educators working with multilingual learners. I am interested in how mentorship and leadership systems can improve teacher retention and strengthen bilingual programs. 
Personal interests: I love traveling and have explored 11 countries. I enjoy immersing myself in different languages and cultures. Honestly, who can resist authentic local food? I also love fitness dance, which keeps me energized and happy. 

Yesenia Vargas-Navarro 

Hometown: Vista, CA 
Undergraduate: B.A. Liberal Studies, Mathematics Concentration, 
Graduate: M.A. Multicultural & Multilingual Education, CSU San Marcos 
Research interests: I am passionate to study and explore how systemic structures can be redesigned for multilingual learners of underrepresented backgrounds. Specifically, I want to focus on how current systems create barriers for multilingual learners like acquiring English proficiency, access to reclassification, and meeting A-G requirements for college and career readiness. 
Personal interests: In my free time, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and beach walks. I also love learning about different cultures and trying new foods from around the world. I enjoy being spontaneous, exploring new places, and having experiences that keep life exciting and meaningful.

Yesenia Marquez-Beas 

Hometown: Guadalupe, California 
Undergraduate: Bachelors of Science | Psychology | California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo 
Graduate: Masters of Science | Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs | California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo 
Research interests: I hope to explore how first-generation and underrepresented students develop a sense of belonging, engage with institutional systems, and navigate their academic pathways. 
Personal interests: My personal interest are supporting underrepresented students and marginalized communities in higher education. Outside of work, the most important aspect of my life is my family, God, traveling, and learning new topics. 

Zulema L. Garibo Gonzalez 

Hometown: Menlo Park, CA 
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts | Communication Studies | San Jose State University 
Graduate: Master of Arts | Teaching | University of Southern California 
Research interests: My research interests are centered on the impacts of immigration on educational systems and the overall quality of education experienced by students, teachers, and families. I would like to explore the unique challenges faced by immigrant students pursuing higher education, including significant language and systemic barriers, as well as their access to opportunities such as scholarships, mentorship programs, and college readiness resources. Understanding how these opportunities can be improved or expanded to better serve immigrant students is crucial for enabling their academic success and integration into the higher education landscape. Additionally, I am interested in examining educational equity and culturally sustaining pedagogies that could enhance the educational experiences of multilingual learners. Overall, I aim to pursue impactful research that fosters equitable educational practices and policies for students from historically marginalized backgrounds. 
Personal interests: Quality family time is one of my biggest priorities! I love spending time with my husband and our four children. I love being the biggest cheerleader and number one fan at my oldest daughter’s soccer tournaments and at my younger daughter’s Baile Folklórico performances. On weekends, we gather with family to play lotería and enjoy my husband's popular Nayarit-style ceviche or aguachile, along with my mother's famous Morisqueta, an authentic dish from our hometown of Apatzingán, Michoacán, Mexico. I genuinely cherish embracing our culture through family gatherings, sports, dance, and, of course, delicious food. Additionally, I love traveling, exploring new places, hanging out with friends, trying different restaurants, going on hikes, visiting the beach and different parks, and doing arts and crafts with my kids.