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On a personal note, I’ve been with my husband, Julio, for over 20 years, and we have two amazing kids — Phoenix Jae (10) and Giovanni Cesar (9). I’ve always had a passion for sports, both playing and watching. I grew up playing all kinds of sports and have always loved the teamwork, discipline, and sense of accomplishment that come with being part of a team. These days, I especially enjoy cheering on my favorite football team, the San Francisco 49ers. For the past eight years, I’ve also played Fantasy Football with former colleagues from CSUMB — it’s a fun way to stay connected and keep the competitive spirit alive.

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My cultural identities as a Mexican American, first-generation, binational, and daughter of immigrants are at the core of my motivation to work hard and pursue a career in higher education. Growing up in a rural border town, I witnessed firsthand the barriers that undocumented, immigrant, and working-class communities face just to access basic opportunities. These experiences shaped my understanding of resilience and inequity in ways that fuel my desire to advocate for students who are often overlooked.

As the eldest daughter in my family, I’ve carried the responsibility of leadership and felt the pressure to pave a path not just for myself, but for my younger siblings—making sure the path is strong, intentional, and full of possibility. My mother, who became pregnant at 16, never imagined her children would go to college; her greatest dream was for us to graduate from high school. Knowing that, every step I take in higher education honors her sacrifices and dreams, while expanding the vision of what’s possible for our family.

Being married to an undocumented husband has also deepened my perspective. It made me realize the privileges I hold and the systems I navigate more easily than others. It’s shown me the invisible barriers so many others face and has only strengthened my commitment to equity, advocacy, and compassionate leadership.

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I was born and raised in Calexico, California I lived in my hometown until I was 17 years old, then moved to CSU Monterey Bay, where I ended up living for 20 years. I truly loved living there — being close to the beach, breathing in the clean air, and being surrounded by lush greenery and trees. I eventually moved closer to family, which has been wonderful, but I really miss that coastal lifestyle. When I retire, I would love to move back to the Monterey or Gilroy area.

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I’ve only been to Hawaii once, but it’s a place I would love to visit again. I can be a picky eater, so traveling to other countries sometimes makes me nervous — I worry I might not find food I enjoy. But what I loved most about Hawaii was how it felt like time slowed down. Life just moved at a more peaceful pace, and I’d love to go back and experience that again. With my kids growing up so fast, it would be wonderful to simply relax together as a family on the beach, soaking in the calm and making lasting memories.

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My journey began as a peer mentor in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at CSU Monterey Bay, where I fell in love with Student Affairs. Over the past 15+ years, I’ve worked in various roles and departments across several institutions—including the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) at CSUMB, Associated Students, Admissions and Records at Gavilan College, and now as Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Student Services and Equity at Imperial Valley College (IVC).

One of my favorite parts of my career has always been the opportunity to build relationships with students—especially those who may not see themselves reflected in higher education—and help them realize their own potential. Watching students overcome obstacles, grow into leaders, and reach their goals is the most rewarding aspect of my work.