I am the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants who instilled in me the transformative power of education. My mother inspired my resilience and perseverance, while my father fueled my determination to pursue my academic goals. During high school, I faced a significant setback when an illness prevented me from attending school regularly. As a result, I was removed from honors and accelerated learning courses, which altered the educational path I had envisioned for myself. What felt like a roadblock at the time ultimately became a blessing in disguise, leading me to Pasadena City College. At PCC, I discovered that my journey in higher education was only beginning. Through the Puente Project and the Center for Community College Partnerships (CCCP), I found mentorship, community, and a renewed sense of purpose. These programs not only transformed my educational experience but also changed the trajectory of my life. My pursuit of higher education has always been shaped by my intersectional identities. I am the daughter of Mexican immigrants, a first-generation transfer graduate, and a woman of color navigating institutions that were not designed with people like me in mind. Yet, through hard work, dedication, and the support of mentors and femtors who believed in me, I have achieved many firsts in my family. My journey reflects not only my personal determination but also the sacrifices of those who came before me and the communities that helped me thrive.

I had the privilege of participating in one of the first CCCP SITE programs at UCLA in the summer of 2008. Throughout that transformative week, I realized that attending a prestigious university like UCLA was not just a distant dream—it was an attainable reality. The SITE program demystified the transfer and college application process, providing me with the knowledge and confidence to navigate higher education successfully. More importantly, it helped me envision myself as a future university student—someone who could build meaningful community, engage in academic research, and thrive in a rigorous academic environment after transferring from community college. For the first time, I saw myself reflected in a space that had once felt out of reach. The experience expanded my sense of possibility and reaffirmed that I belonged in higher education. It became a pivotal moment in my educational journey and strengthened my commitment to pursuing opportunities that would ultimately shape my future. A huge shout out to Santiago Bernal! Santi, I will never forget when I walked into the PCC Career Center and you told me, “you can do it, we are here to support you!”

Some of my most cherished memories at UCLA stem from the communities and opportunities that shaped both my personal and professional growth. As a member of La Gente Newsmagazine, I found a sense of belonging and built lifelong friendships that continue to enrich my life today. I was also deeply involved in Latinas Guiding Latinas, where I had the privilege of mentoring middle and high school Latina students. Through this experience, I learned the importance of representation, empowerment, and creating pathways for future generations of Latina scholars. Serving as an AAP Peer Counselor was another defining chapter of my UCLA journey. In this role, I mentored fellow transfer students, helping them navigate the hidden curriculum of higher education while sharing my own experiences as a first-generation college student. Supporting students as they found their place at the university reinforced my passion for mentorship and student advocacy. One of the greatest highlights of my academic journey was receiving a scholarship through a partnership between AAP and CCCP to participate in a study abroad exchange program in the Netherlands. Traveling across the world and connecting with students who were also the children of immigrants—and who shared many of the same experiences, challenges, and aspirations—was a transformative experience. It expanded my worldview and affirmed the value of my own story. That experience empowered me to continue advocating for students and underserved communities, a commitment that remains at the heart of my work to this day.

In June 2013, I made history in my family by becoming the first woman to earn a bachelor’s degree. Graduating from UCLA represented far more than a personal achievement—it was the fulfillment of a dream shared by my parents, who sacrificed so much to create opportunities for their children, and by my grandmothers, whose resilience and hopes laid the foundation for my success. Walking across that stage was not only a celebration of my accomplishments, but also a tribute to the generations of strength, perseverance, and unwavering belief that made that moment possible.

I am currently an Academic Advisor in the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts at Loyola Marymount University.

I am forever grateful for the foundation that CCCP helped build—one rooted in mentorship, community, and the belief that students like me belong in higher education. The opportunities, relationships, and confidence I gained through CCCP continue to shape who I am and inspire my commitment to supporting the next generation of students.