SUMMER 2025
TRANSFER RESEARCH FELLOWS
ANGELICA DUARTE
GROSSMONT COLLEGE |
Angelica Duarte (she/her/hers) is a sociology major transferring from Grossmont College to San Diego State in the fall semester of 2025. She is a first generation college student and the oldest of seven children who is striving to continue her education by obtaining a bachelor's degree.
Angelica is married and a mother to three children. She is a licensed cosmetologist of 11 years. As a cosmetologist, she has encountered people from all walks of life, and their stories and perspectives fanned the flames of natural curiosity that she already had. Her desire to learn and understand the perspectives of others is what drives her to dive into the field of sociology in order to obtain a deeper understanding of the world. Angelica hopes to attain a career that would work alongside, or in aid of, unhoused peoples in San Diego. People are her passion. |
ASHLEY TAVAREZ
GROSSMONT COLLEGE |
Ashley Tavarez (she/her/ella) is a U.S. Veteran and proud first-generation Dominican student from New York City. She recently earned an Associate of Arts degrees in Sociology and Anthropology at Grossmont College and looks forward to transferring to San Diego StateUniversity in Summer 2025. Ashley is a mother of two and the proud spouse of her wife, Laura.
Driven by a strong commitment to education and community, Ashley aspires to earn a master’s degree in Sociology and a Ph.D. in Caribbean or Latin American Studies. Her goal is to become a community college professor who empowers students, especially those from underserved and marginalized backgrounds, to find their voice and embrace their experiences. Outside of school and service, Ashley fully embraces her most favorite role yet; dinosaur-superhero-princess during playtime with her kids. She’s also an avid reader and self-proclaimed crazy plant lady who finds joy in creating and establishing a safe space for everyone she meets. |
BRIANNA BROW
SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE |
Brianna Brow (she/her) is a first generation Mexican-American college student born and raised in San Diego, California. Brianna is graduating from Southwestern College and transferring to SDSU beginning in Fall 2025. She is the oldest child of her mother, who was born in Tijuana and immigrated across the border as a child. In her free time, Brianna enjoys reading, trying new restaurants around San Diego, and taking care of the stray cats in her neighborhood.
Brianna is an anthropology major who aspires to work with indigenous communities in her future career. Though she initially started under a different major when beginning college, Brianna grew passionate about anthropology and switched her major. She hopes to seize research opportunities as she completes her Bachelor’s degree and work in a research-driven field, eventually becoming a professor of anthropology. |
EVELYN JUAN
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE
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Evelyn Juan (she/her/ella) is a transfer student from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Before attending CSUN, she studied at East Los Angeles College, earning her Associate's degree in sociology, behavioral science, and Chicana Studies. Evelyn will be continuing her undergraduate career at San Diego State University in Fall 2025, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Chicana/Latina Studies. As a first-generation college student, she plans on becoming the first in her family to earn a Master’s degree, with a goal of attending the University of Washington.
Evelyn works in the nonprofit sector, focusing on education and collaborating with directors and lawyers to teach kids the importance of civic engagement. She is nurturing a group of students to develop their leadership and critical thinking skills while helping them build a supportive network. Evelyn is in disbelief at how far she has come, having been raised by immigrant parents with limited education and experiencing a challenging upbringing. She would like to express her gratitude to her mother, Pascuala Hernandez, and her brother, Luis Chavarria, for supporting her in pursuing her dreams in higher education. |
ILIANA YANEZ
CUYAMACA COLLEGE |
liana Yanez (she/her) is a first-generation college student, born and raised in San Diego, California. Iliana’s roots trace back to Mexico, where her parents grew up. After graduating from high school, she began her higher education journey at Cuyamaca College. While attending Cuyamaca, Iliana became involved on campus by working as a Student Ambassador for the Outreach Department, where she assisted students with general college-related questions. She now serves as an Outreach Assistant, helping students navigate the college admissions process and offering guidance through each step. Her experience working at the institution inspired her to pursue a career in higher education.
She is currently majoring in Social Science with a focus in Sociology, with the goal of becoming a community college counselor. Iliana has a deep passion for helping others and is committed to making a lasting impact especially for other Latino, first-generation college students by supporting those who may be facing barriers or uncertainty in their educational journey. |
INGRID QUIROZ
SAN DIEGO CITY COLLEGE |
Ingrid Quiroz (she/her) is a Spanish Linguist major with a desire to focus on International Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy. Ingrid has completed an AA in Medical Assistance and AA in Spanish at San Diego city College. Ingrid is transferring this fall to SDSU to obtain a bachelor's degree in Spanish with a minor in International Studies.
Ingrid's family's involvement in Catholic missions during her upbringing exposed her to a variety of social issues in Mexico, including international adoption, migrant / refugee shelters, and foreign charitable organizations. As a result, she is willing to aid others who require mental support and promote religion in an open-minded manner just like her family did. She has been a respite worker for over three years and has spent the previous five years volunteering, local guiding, and translating for elders and newcomer students. Her biggest dream is to be able to speak four languages and reside in numerous places such as Japan, Spain, South Korea, Italy, and Singapore. |
LANISA CHACON
SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE |
Lanisa Chacon is a transfer student from Southwestern College in Chula Vista, currently pursuing her English major with determination. Born and raised in National City, she is a proud first-generation college student whose academic journey is deeply rooted in her community. As a mother of two, Lanisa approaches parenting with compassion, patience, and a deep commitment to her children’s growth and her experiences as a parent inspire her dedication. Beyond her studies, she actively works with local elementary schools, supporting staff, students, and families through volunteer efforts and community engagement. Her involvement reflects a deep commitment to uplifting others and creating positive change.
Lanisa's love for literature and self-expression inspires her pursuit in a meaningful career in education, writing, and advocacy. She brings compassion, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose to every challenge, aiming to reach her personal goals, create opportunities for her children and future generations in her community. |
LAUREN MOJICA MERREL
DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE |
Bio Forthcoming
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LINZY CLARA RAMOS
SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE |
Linzy Clara Ramos (she/her) is a passionate youth advocate and community leader with a background in nonprofit work. Linzy earned a Sociology for Transfer CALGETC-AA in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Southwestern College and will be continuing her bachelor's degree at San Diego State University in Fall 2025.
As a program assistant with TranscenDance Youth Arts Project, Linzy supports young people in expressing themselves through creativity and the arts. Their work centers on creating safe, inclusive spaces for youth, especially those from low-income and marginalized communities. Linzy has also served as a peer mentor with the First Year Experience program, guiding college freshmen through academic and personal growth. This experience sharpened their leadership, empathy, and community-building skills. Deeply committed to dismantling systemic barriers, Linzy uses education and the arts as tools for healing and empowerment. Their dedication reflects a lifelong mission to uplift underserved communities and ensure every young person feels seen, valued, and inspired to recognize their worth and realize their full potential. |
MEGAN ALCANTARA
SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE |
Megan Alcantara (she/her) is a transfer student from Southwestern Community College who is beginning her journey at SDSU in Fall 2025 to pursue a degree in Liberal Studies.
Megan and her sister were raised by Filipino immigrants. Growing up, Megan has been told many important lessons. These lessons about family, hard work, and compassion have stayed with her and became core parts of her character. During her free time, she enjoys crocheting, reading, writing, and playing video games. |
MIRANDA CRUZ
LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE |
Miranda Cruz (she/her) is a Sociology major at Long Beach City College and will be transferring to San Diego State University in Fall 2025. Born and raised in Southern California, she is the first in her family to pursue higher education. Miranda is passionate about immigration rights and social justice, and her academic journey is grounded in a desire to uplift and empower underrepresented communities. Her lived experiences have fueled her interest in how social systems affect marginalized populations, particularly immigrant families.
Miranda is especially drawn to the ways policy and institutional structures can either support or harm vulnerable groups, and she hopes to be part of building more diverse and inclusive systems. Miranda plans to continue her education in either social work or public policy, where she can further explore the various layers of race, social class, and environments. Her ultimate goal is to advocate for transformative change and contribute to a society that prioritizes dignity, access, and allows more opportunities. |
RICARDO ROSAS JR
SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE |
Ricardo Rosas Jr. (he/him) is a first-generation college student who graduated from Southwestern College with an Associate of Arts, History for Transfer degree in 2024. He was born and raised in South San Diego to an immigrant father and a mother that came from a migrant farm worker family. His love for history started at a young age watching History channel. His pursuit of history is also one of understanding his roots and to connect back to his ancestors.
Ricardo is transferring to San Diego State University in Fall 2025, majoring in Chicana/o Studies with a minor in world history. He plans on pursuing a Ph.D. in Mexican-American Studies to become a professor at the community college level to help his community get started on their academic journey just like he did. |
SAHARA ESTRADA HERNANDEZ
SAN DIEGO CITY COLLEGE |
Sahara (She/her) is a local San Diegan who is a proud first-generation Latina transfer student and daughter of Mexican immigrant parents from the Mexican states of Hidalgo and Oaxaca. Her parents’ highest level of education was limited to primary school; despite that, they instilled in her and her younger siblings from an early age to value the importance of receiving an education for the opportunity of having a better life. During her early childhood, she grew up in the neighborhood of Colina Del Sol and then moved with her family to the Southeastern San Diego neighborhood of Encanto, where she has lived for over 19 years.
She has honed valuable decision-making and problem-solving skills as a student to help her peers establish the Students for Housing Justice Club this past spring semester, 2025. In her free time, Sahara enjoys watching PBS shows, reading webtoons, and playing RPG video games. |
VIVIAN LIZETT DIAZ
OXNARD COLLEGE |
Vivian Lizett Diaz (she/her) is a first-generation college student from Oxnard College, pursuing a Sociology major. As the oldest of five siblings, Vivian is dedicated to working towards a better future, following education and setting a good example for her family.
Aside from obtaining a Sociology AA-T degree, Vivian is transferring to San Diego State University with an AA-T in Social Justice, an AA-T in Anthropology, and a Human Service Certificate. Undecided in which specific career she will pursue, Vivian knows she enjoys helping others and her career will be sociology related. While attending Oxnard College, Vivian began participating in plenty of extracurricular activities, like volunteering and started a club on campus. As the president of the Sociology Club, Vivian learned to expand her social network, and pursue what she sets her mind on regardless of how difficult it might be. |