About Fernando

Fernando (he, him, his, él) identifies as a Chicano, first-generation college graduate, and proud transfer student. A son of immigrants from Michoacan, Mexico, Fernando’s parents instilled in him and his little brother the importance of receiving an education. He took that directive as far as he could and is currently navigating the Higher Education and Organizational Change PhD program at the University of California, Los Angeles. Drawing from his personal experience navigating community college as a Latino, Fernando hopes to increase transfer opportunities to other minoritized students at community colleges

In his personal time, Fernando can be found, listening to music, playing video games, going to concerts/music festivals, hanging out with his friends, and tending his garden. His favorite pastime is by far having the opportunity to travel the world with his wife and biggest fan, Cynthia.

Fostering a Scholar Identity

In 2013 Fernando graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelors in Communication and Psychology. While in college, Fernando fell in love with the field of higher education and the promise of making a difference for Students of Color. After two years of serving as Assistant Resident Director for the Housing Department and teaching a transfer course at UCSB, Fernando knew that it was time to further his education. Two years later Fernando earned a Master’s degree in Postsecondary Educational Leadership with a specialization in Student Affairs from San Diego State University.

​Guided by his femtor Dr. Marissa Vasquez, Fernando began to develop an interest in research and began conducting research through the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL) on the experiences of Black and Brown men in the California Community College context.

Research Interests

Thanks to the many mentors/femtors, family, and friends that have supported Fernando along the way, Fernando is now pursuing his doctorate degree in Higher Education and Organizational Change at UCLA.

​His research is concerned with improving racial equity in the Community College context by examining research, practice and policy that act as barriers for minoritized student populations. In addition to his own research agenda which focuses on Latino male transfer experiences, Fernando serves as a Graduate Student Researcher at the Graduate School of Education and Information Studies in collaboration with Pasadena City College to better understand the current functionality of institutional resources designed to support minoritized students through a Research Practice Partnership approach.