SUMMER 2021
COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH FELLOWS
PATRICIA BECERRAFRESNO CITY COLLEGE |
Patricia Becerra (she/her/ella) is a first-generation college student raised by an amazing hard-working mother born in Penjamo, Guanajuato, Mexico and a loving Gran Ma. She was born, raised and is currently living in the Central Valley with her husband. She is the eldest of six siblings and mother of six children.
Patricia is a student at Fresno City College and will be returning to California State University, Fresno this fall. She will be pursuing her B.A. in Chicano and Latin American Studies. Serving the community as an EMT-Paramedic for the last 19 years, she has first-hand experience of the various inequalities within her community. She hopes to continue serving her community after earning her multiple subject teaching credential with a bilingual authorization in Spanish to teach K-6 in a Dual Immersion program. |
Alma Cuevas is a student at MiraCosta College and is triple majoring in Administration of Justice; Sociology; and Psychology. Upon transferring, she intends to also minor in Russian Studies. Alma is part of the Associated Student Government, where she holds the position of Student Trustee. Her career aspiration is to become a Supreme Court Justice of the Unites States. Alma has presented her research at OMNI and HTCC. Some of her hobbies include sewing, reading, going to the beach, and ice skating.
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ALMA CUEVASMIRACOSTA COLLEGE |
NATALIE GONZALEZIMPERIAL VALLEY COLLEGE |
Natalie identifies as a Latinx community college student from the Imperial Valley in California. The eldest daughter of
Mexican immigrants, Natalie's parents raised her in a progressive household that let her wildest dreams flourish, emphasizing education. From this, she became driven to pursue higher education by majoring in computer science. She currently attends Imperial Valley College and plans to transfer to a four-year university in 2022. Attending her community college in the Imperial Valley is a particularly unique experience due to its proximity to the Mexican border, as she is exposed to a mixture of cultures. She hopes to achieve her goal of attending a graduate program focusing on computer science ethics. |
Fatima Jimenez is a student at Southwestern College where she is double majoring in political science and economics. For the past two years she has worked as a political campaign assistant on both sides of the San Diego-Tijuana border. She also worked at the San Diego Workforce Partnership as a youth advocate and is an alumnus of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. Fatima intends to transfer next year to a four-year university and later pursue a law degree, specializing in international public law. She aspires to one day work for the United Nations or run for office.
Fatima is passionate about promoting change and progress in our communities. As a Latina, she hopes to empower others, while leaving a mark in the world by supporting social assistance programs and participating in our democratic process. Her goal is to create awareness about key issues to create a more inclusive and empathic society. In her spare time, Fatima enjoys teaching dance! |
FATIMA JIMENEZSOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE |
ASHLEY VALDEZ CARRIZOZASOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE |
Ashley was raised in a small town (pop. 500) named “Ejido Mi Ranchito” outside of Tecate, Baja California, Mexico. At 18 years old, she received her residency and moved to the U.S. Ashley's godparents gave her the opportunity to live with them, which allowed her to earn her GED and then enroll at Southwestern College. As a native Spanish speaker, she enrolled first in courses that helped strengthen her English, which gave her the confidence to express herself.
Ashley joined the Puente Project, which made her a stronger student and provided an opportunity to learn about her culture. This experience sparked an interest in Anthropology, as she sought to learn more about humanity. Ashley is excited for her future as she looks for more ways to give back to her community. |
Born and raised in the border town of Calexico, California, Valeria's interest in social science research began early in life. Being raised between two distinct cultures and countries caused Valeria to reflect on the multiple sociological factors that affected her life. As a first-generation American and first-generation college student, Valeria has navigated these difficult roles, especially while enrolled at Imperial Valley College.
Her interests in research stem from her own experiences and motivate her to identify solutions and create spaces for students like herself. |
VALERIA VILLAFUERTEIMPERIAL VALLEY COLLEGE |