Originally from the Central Valley, my home community is Dinuba (about 25 miles south east of Fresno). My parents worked in packing-houses, as I did in my early years. I owe my many career options to the outreach efforts of the late 1960's to the many University students who worked with a program called "Mobile Guidance".  This program preceded EAOP like efforts and  helped many Raza students understand that College/University options were real and attainable.  I am indebted to them for my life.

The transfer experience is one I am personally familiar with. I was one of the first EOPs students in the State of California, attending Reedley College and participating in the Summer Readiness Program (a type of summer bridge program). While at Reedley College I was involved with MeCha, which introduced me to political life as a student. I danced folkorico for two years and still feel very proud that my grandmother, Victoria Cabrera always encouraged me to learn cultural traditions.  When I transferred to San Jose State, my commitments shifted and I focused my activity in recruitment for EOP and outreach efforts within the community with at risk kids through a program called Sí Se Puede. I joined coalition groups that crossed ethnic lines and that introduced me to the broader political issues and the interconnectedness of people of color. My identity as a Chicana has always informed my interests and commitments.

I have a BA from San Jose State University, where I majored in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology. I continued more advanced work in Clinical Community Psychology at SJSU as well.

Educational work has always been central to my professional efforts. My experience over the past 30 years has included advising Ex-Offender students, coordinating a BA program for inmates at the correctional facility at Soledad on behalf of San Jose State University, worked with Upward Bound, EOP at both San Jose State and UC Santa Cruz. I have had the privilege of working with over 18 classes of Summer Bridge students and over 14 classes of Faculty Mentor Program students. In 2003 new doors opened and I found myself starting my work at the Chicano Latino Resource Center (El Centro).

Working within an environment where I can take my collective experience, my cultural sensibilities and focus my energy on the interests of Chicano and Latino students has been very much like "coming home". I feel very fortunate and honored to be able to contribute to the well-being and interests of students.  The work is exceptionally challenging and gratifying.  I often feel like I have one of the best jobs on the campus!

At El Centro, we strive to organize events and activities that are educational, social and cultural.  We strive to support your advancement in a career or graduate and professional school.  We work with outstanding students who intern with us each quarter, and who are central to the organization of our events.  We invite your involvement, participation and hope that you will utilize us a navigation resource as you find your way through the University maze.

On a more personal note I have a daughter, "Anastasia" who is in college and my husband "Richard" is retired, and is an avid and passionate Capoierista.  We are a mixed heritage family, and are blessed to embody Mexican, African American and Muscogee Creek lineage.  My father "Raul" still lives in Dinuba, and even in his eighties, continues to fix lawn mowers for Raza in our community. I am the oldest of four siblings, and have two nieces and one nephew. Although my mother "Eufemia or Effie" and my brother "Tomas" are not longer living, they are with me in spirit daily. My family is HUGE, with many extended family members. 

You are invited to stop by El Centro any time.  You may have questions or concerns that need to be addressed, or you may have no reason at all other than wanting to check us out!!!  I look forward to meeting you and discovering your story!