Equipo Alumni

Alfredo

Alfredo, a proud Mexican-Salvadorean majoring in business administration, is a dedicated leader on campus. He serves as PCC’s Associated Students President and also works in the FYE Center and in various committees and working groups.

Alfredo joined Equipo to connect with his culture and become a dependable leader for students, staff, and faculty alike. For him, being part of Equipo has been transformative, enhancing his sense of belonging at Pasadena City College.

As he puts it, “Don’t be afraid to meet new people, because you never know who you’ll meet and how they will affect your future.”

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Ami

Major: Health Sciences

HSI Work is imperative to Latinos breaking societal barriers. Being in a room where few people look like me serves as a powerful reminder that I am representing my community in those spaces. HSI work means being able to create new opportunities for the people who come after me and recognize the resilience of the people who came before. Overall, HSI work means acknowledging how important latine voices are in bettering the spaces that we are deserving to be in.

Do not be afraid to ask questions, you are your own advocate! It is hard to speak up but be confident, someone will hear you and see you! You are never alone, there are always people who will support you!

Favorite Song: Window Seat by Erykah Badu

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Brianna

Brianna, a proud Mexicana majoring in cultural anthropology, serves as the Vice President of Student Equity for PCC’s Associated Student Body.

Her leadership on campus reflects her passion for transformation—changing the way equity is approached and ensuring that students are empowered.

Brianna’s vision for Equipo is clear: “to continue fostering transformation, uplifting Latine and diverse students, and ensuring equity is at the forefront of campus culture.”

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Bryan

Bryan, a proud Salvadoreño double majoring in biology and psychology, works in the Pathways Center and contributes to our student-faculty pedagogical partnership program.

He joined Equipo to advocate for Latine and historically marginalized voices on campus. “For me, being part of Equipo means having my voice heard and being a voice for groups on campus that lack representation or support.”

Bryan envisions a future where even more students contribute their perspectives, making Equipo stronger and more impactful.

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Bryant

Recognizing the problem is the first step in solving said problem, and that is what HSIs do. Recently, this country has been trying to manipulate people into thinking their problems are caused by something that they are not, while they go behind their backs and take everything from them. College is one of those tools you can use to fight back against these oppressions, and HSIs open up those doors for ALL students, not just those privileged. HSIs do not give everyone an even platform to stand on, but by opening that door and recognizing that students come in all colors, we can work on getting to the root of the problem and make real change. HSI work matters because it gives power and a voice to those who have been underrepresented.

Spend time getting to know yourself. College is a chapter in your life where learning about yourself should be prioritized. Take that risk, change your major, take that class, meet that person. Taking that chance can be intimidating, but when you fully commit and put everything into whatever you’re doing, you will succeed — if you don’t, you will learn. Don’t be scared to be embarrassed; people will judge you regardless, so might as well be yourself and speak what’s on your mind.

Favorite Song:  Location by Playboi Carti

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Catarina

Major: Communications

While serving as a student leader and scholar in EQUIPO, I hope to make other students feel comfortable and welcomed at PCC. I hope to create and work on activities, workshops, and spaces that will help our campus reach more equitable outcomes.

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Crystal

Major: Biology

I believe that the work of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) is vital because it affirms that Latine communities have a rightful place in higher education. These institutions not only recognize our presence but actively uplift and support us through the unique challenges we face. The work done empowers Latine students across the nation and strengthens the communities we come from. In this way, HSI work is more than education, it’s about equity, opportunity, and building a future where all voices are heard and valued.

As a Latina in STEM, one of the most important pieces of advice I can offer is to fully embrace every opportunity that comes your way and to confidently take up space in your community. When resources are available, don’t hesitate to use them, and always ask questions when you need clarity: curiosity is a strength, not a burden. Most importantly, recognize that your unique perspective adds value, so never shy away from making your experiences truly your own.

Favorite Song: Tren al Sur by Los Prisioneros

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Diego

Major: Sociocultural Anthropology

As a student leader within the Equipo, I hope to enlighten fellow students about the influence they possess and the uniqueness of their individual journeys. I aspire to share our collective knowledge and insights with others within the institution, showcasing the outcomes we’ve achieved over time in our effort of centering student voices.

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Edna Mexican

HSI work has allowed me to see my culture reflected in academia — a part of society that has historically underrepresented the Latine community. The most substantial barrier to entry in academia is just knowing that that world exists beyond white conventions. This realization has empowered me to challenge existing norms, advocate for greater inclusivity, and continue my academic prowess. The work we do has shown me that I am deserving of leadership positions and that I should be proud of my history and heritage.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Having friends and family around you who want to see you succeed makes a big difference. People aren’t truly independently successful. I’ve done a lot of things out of pride and competitiveness, but the best things I’ve done in my life, I’ve done out of love for my community. In reality, it is the support of my community that has given me the strength to continue.

Favorite Song: Song to Keep You Company by Bridget St. John

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Emilia

Major: Sociology

Becoming a part of a student’s social and navigational capital is an essential step towards change.  Encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to take up space in places they were historically not welcomed is an inspiration. My core reason for being a part of this team is to help others realize that the change we have longed for is in us – We are the change!

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Emmanuel

Major: History

I joined Equipo because, in my educational journey, I struggled to receive assistance. My mom was also a CTE student at PCC while pregnant with me, and she was unable to continue her ESL class, so I decided to represent her and myself and dedicate my educational journey to her.

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Erika

Erika, a proud Salvadorean-American majoring in accounting, is a dedicated leader on campus. She works in the Pathways Center, contributes to student voice projects, participates in our student-faculty partnership program, and collaborates on tech tools to make them more student-centered.

Erika joined Equipo to foster a stronger sense of comunidad on campus and ensure students have access to the resources they need to thrive. As a first-generation college student, she has found empowerment in building connections and advocating for equity.

Her vision for Equipo is to grow and inspire other marginalized student populations, expanding student-led advisories and amplifying student voices everywhere.

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Estrella

Estrella, a proud Mexican-American majoring in political science, is an incredible force on campus, working in the Pathways Center, serving on the Student Success Team, and contributing to PACTS and student voice projects.

As the oldest daughter and a first-generation college student, Estrella joined Equipo to uplift Latine/x and minoritized student voices.

Estrella’s vision for Equipo is powerful: “to continue amplifying diverse voices, collaborate with other student advisories, and stay active in advocating for equity on campus.”

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Feri

Major: Studio Arts/Linguistics

As a Equipo student leader, I aim to be involved with my peers at PCC by providing students educational, as well as personal, resources and information through workshops and events where they can feel included. I’m proud of being Queer and Mexican. I believe that understanding and advocating for intersectionality is essential for a sense of unity since we might share similar struggles, identities, traditions, stories, ideas, or even be completely different. The diversity in the voices speaking up should be heard, so we can learn and form connections simultaneously. Lifting each other up enhances our experiences, I hope I can serve as a voice for, not only Latine students, but everyone too.

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Gustavo

Major: Computer Information Systems

As a student leader in Equipo, I aim to become a better leader in my community while also helping and supporting my peers, and educating others on who I am and what we bring to the table.

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Jake

Major: Music

During my time in EQUIPO, I hope to be a part of events and activities that further the empowerment Latinx community and other marginalized and underrepresented communities. As a Queer Latino, I hope to contribute to the conversation about intersectionality and how certain parts of our identity can influence how we experience other facets of ourselves. Along those lines, I also feel I have much to learn about those whose life experience differs from mine, and I hope to not only gain knowledge and understanding of these differences but also use my privilege to further equity.

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Jose C

Major: Aerospace Engineering

I joined Equipo to work with other Hispanics/Latinxs, organizing events for the college community and uplift the voices of our Hispanic/Latinx community. In addition, I plan to inspire future Hispanic/Latinxs students to be involved in their community and change it for the better.

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Jose D

Major: Business

I joined Equipo to help build a safe space for all students navigating the higher education system. As a member of the Student Advisory EQUIPO, my goal is to inspire the next generation of students in my community to chase their dreams no matter what obstacles may stand in their way.

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Juan

Major: Bioengineering

I hope to engage more students in their school community, encouraging them to actively participate in their education and confidently navigate the resources available to them. My ultimate goal is to see students succeed, particularly by inspiring more Hispanic/Latine students to pursue careers in STEM fields.

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Luis

HSI work matters to me because it provides a lot of community support to students and staff that work endlessly to bring up historically marginalized communities. HSI is a form of expression and network that students seek to successfully bridge Hispanic identity into higher education. Lastly, our goal is to increase the statistics of latine scholars!!

Advice for a peer would be, to advocate for yourself throughout your higher education journey. But to also not worry about the quality of things. It’ll naturally come as you progress. Always dedicate some time to stop and appreciate yourself and all the things of life.

Favorite Song: Venezia by Hombres G

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Mariana

Major: Social Justice

HSI work matters because the work being done helps close the equity gap for brown students. HSIs recognize the latinos in institutions which helps first gen latinos and latino students feel included and welcomed in college. This helps them know they ARE meant to be in these spaces and helps them grow. It shows the importance in advocating for ourselves and for others since now more than ever Latinos are being attacked at big rates; not only is this true in the streets but also in colleges and universities.

Always make sure you’re okay mentally. Mental health is very important and helps you get far. Make sure to advocate for yourself and others if anything ever bothers you don’t stay with the regret that you never said or did anything. Even with a shaky voice, tears in your eyes, speak your truth.

Favorite Song: Over and Over by The Altons

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Nallive

Nallive, a proud Mexican-Salvadorean majoring in public health and psychology, is an active leader at PCC. She works in Pathways, is a member of our student-faculty pedagogical partnership program, and contributes to various student voice projects.

“I joined Equipo because I wanted to uplift my cultural community at PCC, as well as find like-minded students who come from similar backgrounds,” Nallive shares.

Nallive’s goal is to promote equity among her peers and PCC faculty, ensuring that Latine/x and other underrepresented voices are at the center of decision-making and campus culture. “I want to ensure my peers feel a strong sense of belonging in every space they enter and know their academic and professional success is attainable.”

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Natalie

Major: Psychology

I joined Equipo to inspire students to be proud of their cultural heritage and utilize their inner strengths to overcome barriers as they navigate college. Con ganas todo se puede!

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Natalie

Major: Public Health

HSI work matters because it motivates students, especially Latine students, to pursue higher education. Additionally, HSI work focuses on cultural programs and equitable opportunities that allow students to feel seen and valued, creating a ripple effect for other underrepresented groups. Overall, HSI work allows for a community connection, equity, and empowerment.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, there are many programs and opportunities available to all! It is equally important to network and meet people; you never know when you’ll need a letter of recommendation! Lastly, have fun! You don’t have to focus on work or school all the time, make sure you’re taking time for yourself!

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Paula

Major: Biology

I want my community to feel included and have a sense of belonging, even if those community members were not raised in the US.

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Richard

Richard, a proud Mexican-American majoring in political science, has taken on impactful roles in Equipo, including contributing to our pedagogical partnership program and leading student voice initiatives.

He joined Equipo with a clear purpose: “to spark meaningful conversations about equity on campus and turn those discussions into actionable change.”

Richard’s vision is to continue placing students in positions of influence while reducing the stigma surrounding student input in college transformation.

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Saida

Major: Administration of Justice

I strongly believe that Hispanic Serving Institution work matters because such efforts help make education more accessible and support Latine students. Serving Latine students advances the contributions they make within higher education. Through this work, institutions celebrate and most importantly open doors for students to succeed academically and strive for a better future.

An advice I would give to a peer is advice I tell myself everyday — making mistakes should never be seen negatively. Without failing, you would never discover your strengths and areas for growth. They allow you to embrace challenges and accept criticism with an open mind. Overall, making mistakes is proof that we are trying our best, signifying we are striving to persevere and learn to improve.

Favorite Song: Otro Atardecer by Bad Bunny y The Maria’s

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Stephany

Major: Business Administration

As a student leader, I aim to create a welcoming experience and safe place for students throughout the year. Whether it be through sharing resources or interacting with activities, I would like for PCC students to feel inspired.

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Tati

Major: Public Policy and Law

HSI work matters because it provides support and uplifts students who have immense potential but lack access to resources that would enable them to receive an empowering education and open new doors. HSIs and HSI work allow for a focus on students who have been historically underrepresented and marginalized and now face threats beyond their accessibility to schooling. Latine people and students have the power to change the world, and their intelligence and skills must be nurtured, not minimized.

Be a leader! Don’t be afraid to take up room, be loud, or come off strong; the world needs more people who are willing to represent their cultures and people proudly without resignation. It’s okay to be scared because only then can you be brave.

Favorite Song: Sutphin Boulevard by Blood Orange

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Wilmer

Wilmer, a proud Salvadorean, Honduran – American student majoring in natural sciences, is a dedicated member of PACTS and serves on the Student Success Committee.

“I joined Equipo not only as a means to advocate for the Latine and historically marginalized student body on campus but to genuinely learn and research what initiatives are at work to serve this population and evaluate their effectiveness,” Wilmer explains.

For him, being part of Equipo is especially meaningful as a first-generation student. “Growing up, opportunities can be scarce, so being able to advocate for individuals from similar backgrounds and create a campus culture that embraces all diverse paths of life means a lot.”

Looking ahead, Wilmer hopes Equipo will continue its impactful research and “keep asking those pivotal questions that matter not only to our campus but that can someday translate to other campuses across the nation.”

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Yosany

Major: Nursing

As an Equipo leader, I want to help Latine students find a sense of belonging. It’s really important that when we focus on sense of belonging or representation, we view it in an intersectionality manner. As Latine, it’s important to recognize that we are extremely diverse. Unfortunately, because of racism and ignorance, we tend to focus on certain type of Latine, rather than others. In our culture we see aspects of colorism, homophobia, and sexism, and although we ourselves do consider these aspects as harmful, there are some things that we internalize. My hope for Equipo, is to be able to talk about the faults in our culture and be able to help dismantle these aspects that we have internalized.

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