FA C E S O F S S U 2 0 1 8
Aja Houle
I am Aja Houle, a mother of three small children (6 & under), a wife, a full-time student, and now a student
employee at SSU. I major in business with a concentration in marketing. I graduated from Santa Rosa Junior College with high honors in May and this is my very first semester at SSU. I am proud to be here! My title on campus is Student Programmer in Transfer Student Programs. In my position, my biggest accomplishment yet has been launching interest groups for transfer students.
The biggest challenge I have experienced here at SSU so far has been continuing with my studies after
returning from the fires. However, seeing the SSU community come together like it has after the fires has also been my most positive experience here. I look forward to being a Seawolf for many years to come, as I plan to apply for the Sonoma MBA for Professionals Program.
Business Administration Transfer Student Programmer S O N O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
FA C E S O F S S U 2 0 1 8
Lilyana Dutra My name is Lilyana Dutra but my friends call me Lily, Lil, or Lil Dut (to be funny). I am a gregarious woman who stays motivated, organized, and responsible. I am a third year at Sonoma State University studying communications and business. I am studying abroad with a program called Semester at Sea and traveling to 11 countries in a span of 4 months. I love adventure and traveling because I learn more about different cultures and learn more about myself. I am full Portuguese and my culture means a lot to me especially after spending months in Portugal with extended family. I am a first-generation college student. I have spent semesters with multiple jobs and more than the average amount of classes so that I would have the chance to graduate on time and study abroad. I work for Associated Students on campus and am on the executive board of Gamma Phi Beta. I am passionate about leadership and stay involved with leadership conferences and leadership positions. Challenges I’ve experienced at Sonoma include balancing everything on my plate, multiple jobs, schoolwork, leadership positions, and social life. But this is also my positive experience because I love staying busy and meeting new people. As Panhellenic Affairs Vice President, I interact with many other organizations on campus and their philanthropies. Staying involved and being surrounded by friends who motivate me every day makes being at Sonoma State just that more special.
Communication and Media Studies Semester at Sea
S O N O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
FA C E S O F S S U 2 0 1 8
Gabriel Duarte My name is Gabriel and I am a first-generation college student. My major is computer science with hopes to become a double major in criminal justice to pursue a future in Computer Forensic Investigation. I am involved with transfer student programs as the director of social media as well as a peer mentor and peer ambassador. I am passionate about making others’ lives easier. I became involved in the Transfer Student Programs because I have been in the position that most transfer students have been in. I was a transfer that had no idea what I was doing or how to make friends. I was overwhelmed. I love to help others overcome those fears of not making friends, being shy, and feeling like they have no one there for them. I also love helping students feel at home, less overwhelmed, and academically sound. When I first came to SSU, I struggled with making friends and I often felt out of place from the lack of diversity on campus as a Mexican-American. Having transferred from a town where a majority of the population was Hispanic, it took a bit of adjustment. My role as an ambassador has been essential in helping others feel at home. Through the Transfer Student Programs, I felt much more at ease meeting new people and making new friends as well as getting to know Sonoma State and why it’s the best. Being involved has made my college experience unforgettable. Sonoma State will always be my second home.
Computer Science Peer Mentor S O N O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
FA C E S O F S S U 2 0 1 8
Christi Kessler Hello! My name is Christi Kessler and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Filipina-American from SoCal and a third year at SSU. I am a psychology major and planning to go into psychological research and therapy to help young people that struggle with mental illness. I am passionate about people, puns, and food. My ultimate goal in life is to give a voice and platform to those who need it the most. I am involved in FAASSU as well as the peer mentor program on campus; both have given me a chance to hone my leadership skills and be a part of a community of weird and wonderful individuals, for which I am grateful. One challenge I face at SSU is learning how to take care of my mental illness while also keeping up with everything else I balance like work, school, social life, and organizations. Facing my bipolar disorder in a collegiate setting has been especially hard. Though it is difficult to manage, I have a support system on campus that helps me immensely. The most positive experience of my entire college career has been being a part of FAASSU. FAASSU has become my second family on campus, and a place where I can interact with other people of color organically. Together we have made our group a home where people of all backgrounds are welcome. I will always cherish what I’ve learned and who I have become because of the people I was able to meet here.
Psychology
Filipino American Association of Sonoma State University S O N O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
FA C E S O F S S U 2 0 1 8
Diana Bautista My name is Diana Bautista, pronouns they/them, I am from Lodi, located in the Central Valley. I am queer, Chicanx, and a first-generation student. I am currently a second year, majoring in chicano and latino studies. I am currently involved in a variety of clubs and organizations including, M.E.Ch.A de Sonoma, MALCS de SSU, Undocu-Scholars Coalition, and Sonoma State EOP Club. I consider myself a social activist, pushing for change in institutions historically not made for underrepresented communities. One of the biggest challenges I faced coming to SSU was the feeling of belonging on this campus. Although there were events that encourage students to be involved and participate within the campus community, I never felt represented. Taking part in the organizations that I am currently affiliated with has helped me cope with the struggle of doubting my presence at this school. These organizations have become more than a group on campus but an entire community and family I can count on to have my back in times of hardships. A positive experience I’ve had at SSU includes having the honor to co-lead M.E.Ch.A de Sonoma, an organization on campus dedicated to encourage Chicanx students to pursue higher education. Co-leading this organization has taught me countless lessons, the most important being that we are the change we want to see, we start the movement providing a gateway for others to continue changing norms never questioned before. I am a proud Seawolf!
Chicano and Latino Studies Undocu-Scholars Coalition
S O N O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
FA C E S O F S S U 2 0 1 8
Keila Itzun ¡Hola! Soy Keila y mi especialidad es en Español. También tengo una minoría en Estudios de Chicano y Latino. As a first-generation Latina college student, my hard-working personality motivates me to reach all short and long-term goals I have. Attending Sonoma State University and being part of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides me with leadership roles that allow me to make a difference for underrepresented groups on campus. I’m currently the Community Engagement Chair/ Event Planner for the EOP Club, and I am an EOP Assistant. In the past, I have held positions such as Event Planner, Summer Bridge Leader, Conversion Caller and Seawolf Scholars Assistant. By taking these positions, I work with diverse groups and gain confidence in team building. The challenge I have experienced at Sonoma State University is the lack of diversity. There is a low percentage of people of color in both the staff and students. The positive experience I have had at SSU is taking multiple leadership positions where we can start to break barriers and build community. I hope to support the students from different backgrounds and encourage them to continue their education. Despite the many obstacles Latinas face in regards to education, as both a first generation student and future educator, I know I will provide the underrepresented community with social and academic support, but most importantly a positive change. Now, I look back and see my progression from wanting to make a change to finally being in a position where I can.
Spanish
Seawolf Scholar S O N O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
FA C E S O F S S U 2 0 1 8
Carly Solberg What’s up! My name is Carly and I am a third-year student here at SSU. I am majoring in women’s and gender Studies and my minor is in queer studies. I (really, really) love cats, passionate conversations about gender and driving to Bodega Bay when the sky is dark grey. A huge piece of my identity is my gender; I am a nonbinary trans person and any pronouns work for me. I have met inspiring people at Sonoma State that have helped me become more thoughtful and empathetic. My journey at SSU has been one of self-exploration and hyper-involvement. In order to create a home for myself here, I went to events all over campus and pushed myself to be authentic when making friends; I encourage you to do the same! I am a Peer Mentor, a tutor at the Writing Center and a member of the Queer Student Alliance. I am really looking forward to graduate school where I will pursue a master’s degree that will support my future of nurturing a more inclusive and educated society for my trans* family. If you see me around campus, please don’t hesitate to say hi!
Women’s and Gender Studies Writing Center Tutor
S O N O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
FA C E S O F S S U 2 0 1 8
Veronica Martinez My name is Veronica Martinez and I am a senior biochemistry major. I am a first-generation Latina college student who was born and raised in Sacramento, CA. As a senior, I have grown through my experiences and learned from the relationships Sonoma State University has given me. I would consider myself an outgoing person who never turns down the opportunity to meet new faces. I have had the opportunity to serve as a Supplemental Instructor and currently work at the Tutorial Center. I am passionate about learning, more so, being passionate about helping students understand and excel. I am also involved in research in the Chemistry Department for Dr. Negru, studying spectroscopy. Doing so, I have found how I am expanding my passion for chemistry and learning complex topics in ways I’ve never expected. When it comes to school, there were always obstacles I had to face. So I would say my biggest challenge has been finding a balance of studying for upper division courses, as well as the demands of extracurricular activities. Sonoma State has given me the opportunity to build diverse relationships. The friendships and memories here will forever be a treasure to me. I have made friends with people amongst a variety of majors and I am thankful for the welcoming environment SSU has. I am truly able to express myself and share it amongst other students. My most positive moments have been those surrounded by my friends. This has allowed me to learn from them and understand the challenges all majors face. The bonds I have formed will be unforgotten and I thank Sonoma State for giving me these blessings.
Biochemistry Tutorial Center
S O N O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
FA C E S O F S S U 2 0 1 8
Briana Rodriguez My name is Briana Rodriguez. I’m a Xicana, born in Jalisco, Mexico and raised in the East Bay. I’m the oldest of three. I’m a proud first-generation EOP college student. I’m double majoring in chicano and latino studies and psychology with a minor in spanish. While navigating higher education, I have found others who share similar experiences and background as me, which empowers me to succeed and advocate for first generation students and marginalized communities. My involvement here on campus has been to help other students transition into Sonoma State and help them advocate for themselves. I have a big connection with my EOP community. I’ve had the opportunity to be a Summer Bridge Leader, EOP Peer Mentor, and AMCS Peer Mentor. I’m also a student intern for California Faculty Association (CFA). Through CFA, I have a chance to organize a student advocate group called Students for Quality Education that advocates for equal, accessible, and quality education for all students. Through that organization, I was able to organize Sonoma State’s first Undocu5k: Educación sin Fronteras. This event has helped provide scholarships for undocumented students in our community. As a first-generation college student, social justice activist, and Xicana, I have encountered the challenges of trying to validate my experience and looking for ways to balance school, work, and family. My experience here at Sonoma State has been motivational. I have been exposed to new challenges and I’m working on becoming a better self-advocate.
Psychology and Chicano and Latino Studies Summer Bridge S O N O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
FA C E S O F S S U 2 0 1 8
Evangeline Lieu Hi there! My name is Evangeline Lieu, but most people know me as Angie. I am a third-year business major, planning to pursue Human Resources after graduation. Last year, I was on the Student Panel for the AASCB accreditation within the Business and Economics department. Currently, I work as an office assistant in the Academic Senate, and serve as the President of the Business Management club. I love networking with people and connecting students to business professionals for job opportunities. One of the greatest challenges for me was embracing my differences. Coming from Silicon Valley, I was the majority -- an Asian female with black hair and brown eyes. However, I appear to be the minority here at SSU and I quickly experienced culture shock. I was so used to the highly competitive nature back home; as a result, peers were constantly trying to outperform each other, which led to a toxic learning environment. Here, at Sonoma State, everyone has such a sunny disposition, and is so supportive in each other’s endeavors. It is definitely a breath of fresh air. Now, I have a great, tight-knit group of friends that have taught me the importance of embracing my differences. Instead of feeling like a caterpillar in its cocoon, those feelings underwent metamorphosis to become a butterfly. And I have Sonoma State University to thank for that.
Business Administration Academic Senate
S O N O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
FA C E S O F S S U 2 0 1 8
Karen Vielma-Cortes My name is Karen Vielma-Cortes. I am a third-year business major concentrating in wine business strategies and marketing. I am the eldest of three sisters and a first-generation college student. I am a proud and independent Mexican-American woman. I fell in love with Sonoma State University in the sixth grade when I first saw the beautiful campus and I decided I wanted to someday graduate from SSU. I work for the Green Music Center and as a coordinator for the Human Services Coalition in Join Us Making Progress (JUMP). I am the Event Manager for the Love Your Melon Club on campus and a member of the Business Management Club. I spent my past Spring Break volunteering in Portland, OR as a participant of Alternative Breaks through Join Us Making Progress (JUMP) and have volunteered with other parts of JUMP as well. I have also worked as Event Staff for Associated Student Productions (ASP) and served on the Advisory Council for the Senator of School of Business and Economics last year. The main challenge I have faced at SSU has been learning to balance my academics and work, while still being involved on campus and with the community. Overall, I’ve had a very positive experience at SSU and I am glad I can call it my home away from home. Being involved on campus has been one of the best decisions that I have made. Sonoma State has given me many great opportunities, connections, experiences, and friendships.
Business Administration Love Your Melon
S O N O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
FA C E S O F S S U 2 0 1 8
Bianca Peralta My name is Bianca Peralta, I use she/her/ hers pronouns, and am a third year at Sonoma State University, majoring in english with a minor in political science. I am a daughter and granddaughter of migrant farm workers, so from a young age, I was instilled with the belief that higher education opens doors. My passion is education, law and social justice. My vision is to one day write public policy and laws that will protect those that have no voice, especially the marginalized groups in higher education. Sonoma State helped me find my passions and has cultivate my vision by allowing me to get involved. Leadership opportunities, such as peer mentoring and leading summer orientation, has allowed me to develop a personal connection to students as they transition into college. As a freshman, I remember feeling overwhelmed because for the first time in my life, I didn’t feel like I truly belonged anywhere. Luckily, I found my place in Alpha Omicron Pi, where I met women who have created a supportive atmosphere and encouraged female leadership. Now as I take on my new leadership role as the Panhellenic Vice President of Standards, I hope to enact bylaws that can impact and protect the community. This position will allow me to create a more inclusive environment, especially for women of color, who are not commonly associated with Greek life. I love that Sonoma is inclusive and believes in diversity and offers students so many opportunities to thrive.
English Panhellenic S O N O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
FA C E S O F S S U 2 0 1 8
Anthony Tucker My name is Anthony Tucker and I am currently a third year hutchins major. I was born in Redwood City, California and grew up all around the Bay Area until my family finally settled down in Tracy, California when I was about seven or eight years old. My parents have worked very hard to put my brother and I in a position to attend college. I sometimes take this for granted, but I do my best to make them proud. During my freshman year at Sonoma State University, I was involved in the Sauvignon Village Council. After my freshman year, I was lucky enough to get hired as a Campus Life Programmer. I would say that my classwork and my job are the only things I am really involved in anymore. I think that the biggest challenge I have had to face since coming to SSU has been learning how to become a responsible individual. I often feel that I could be doing a lot more with my life if I managed my time and money better. Another challenge that I faced was having to leave what I knew so well back home and almost start a new life. I had to leave all of the connections that I had back home and find a new community that I felt comfortable in. Most of my time at Sonoma State has been positive. I really enjoy going to SSU because there are so many supportive people. I am very proud to be apart of hutchins because the professors that I’ve had show that they really care about their students. Working for Student Involvement has also been a positive experience. I really enjoy the work I do and I am treated very well. My job has provided a lot of amazing opportunities and it keeps me involved in campus activities.
Hutchins School of Liberal Studies Village Council S O N O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
FA C E S O F S S U 2 0 1 8
Grace Martin My name is Grace Martin and I’m a second-year psychology student planning to be a women’s and gender studies minor, and a first-generation college student. I have a passion for spending time with friends and family and helping others. My campus involvement started with Join Us Making Progress (JUMP) Alternative Breaks when I was a first-year. Through Alternative Breaks, I was able to give back to the community of Las Vegas, something I never thought I would do. Alternative Breaks is an amazing program that has helped me grow, make friends, and given me job opportunities within JUMP and The HUB. I currently work at JUMP as a service leader; preparing a trip for students over their spring break. I also work at The HUB as a student assistant where I focus on communicating with the student population and off-campus entities about what The HUB does and what programs and support it can offer students. This year I became involved with Vagina Monologues; I instantly felt a connection with the people in the group and I’m excited to have performed in February. The biggest challenge for me at Sonoma State was rebuilding my support system. I’m very close to my family and friends and leaving them to come to Sonoma State was challenging. Luckily through my participation on campus, I have met many people that have become part of my new support system like my roommates, co-workers, and people I have met in the resident halls. Sonoma has definitely become my home away from home.
Psychology Vagina Monologues S O N O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
FA C E S O F S S U 2 0 1 8
Jose de Jesus Torres Navarro Wassup everyone! My name is Jose Torres, but my friends call me Chuy. I am from Richmond, CA, “ The City of Pride and Purpose.� I’m a first-generation student and a EOP student, something that I am really proud of. I am currently a CALS major and looking to minor in spanish in the near future. I am a first year Community Service Advisor (CSA) in the Sauvignon village, which I love everything about the position, because of all the new people I get to meet and interact with. Some of the challenges that I have experienced at SSU so far is a sense of belonging, being that I am a Latino male, it is very difficult to see yourself around campus if you are underrepresented. One can lack a sense of belonging if they do not see themselves being represented around campus through many positions, like faculty or any other leadership roles. Some of the positive experiences that I have had so far at SSU is all the opportunity that the campus offers, like the CSA position. It has been good to me because I feel that I am making the campus a little more diverse by having this position. It feels good when people come up to you and tell you that you motivate them just because of who you are, and that is all that I am looking to gain from this position. I feel that this position allows me to advocate for more diversity and that is a great feeling that I have had so far.
Chicano and Latino Studies Community Service Advisor S O N O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
FA C E S O F S S U 2 0 1 8
Analesia Campos-Morales I am Analesia Carmela Campos Morales, yes I have one of those ‘long Spanish names’. I am a firstgeneration college student who is apart of Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc., EOP, Student Involvement, MGC council, Panhellenic Council, and IFC council. I have held five different chairs each academic year since my freshman year. Being in these amazing programs and organizations has made me a confident student. For as long as I can remember I have had to work hard for everything that I wanted in life. Coming to Sonoma State University, I thought I would have to work even harder just to compare to other students. After getting involved in all the different programs and organizations I found other passionate women who share the same experiences as me. By finding my own tribe of strong women, this gave me the idea of helping other women. Through my work in the Student Involvement office, I developed a discussion based series called S.P.A.C.E.S (She Provides Advocacy for Cultural Educational Support). This program brings together women from marginalized identities to talk about topics such as the ‘Chilly’ Campus Climate, sexual assault, sexism, and racism in higher education. The program has given me more confidence in myself through helping similar women succeed in college. This program is meant to connect women together so that we can support one another through the struggles we will face on our way to success. Remember there is no force stronger than a women determined to rise.
Women’s and Gender Studies Multicultural Greek Council S O N O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
FA C E S O F S S U 2 0 1 8
Jorge Ruiz Gonzalez My name is Jorge and I am a 3rd year at Sonoma State University. I’m a first-generation college student, a student of Latino descent and I am from the Oakland, CA. I am currently studying chemistry and mathematics here at Sonoma State. Since freshmen year, and have grown an urge to be involved on campus. I have great aspirations to pursue higher education for myself, and support others in their academic journeys. I got involved with Residential Life and became a Community Service Advisor (CSA) my 2nd year and currently am a Themed Living Advisor (TLA) in Sauvignon village. Also, I am a member of MESA and provide free tutoring in CHEM and MATH through MESA. Being an EOP student I became Vice President for the EOP club this semester to work and interact with other first-gen and historically low-income students here on campus. What I love about SSU is that it has given me opportunities to become a student leader. I’ve done and currently am in various positions that have shaped my interest in supporting my community. I want to support my peers to all achieve their goals in their undergraduate career and my work in Residential Life, academics, and clubs have given me experiences and opportunities to build those foundations. A challenge I’ve faced at SSU is balancing academics and interest, which is a work in progress, but with the right intentions and support it’s possible to really be more involved with the campus community.
Chemistry and Mathematics MESA S O N O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
FA C E S O F S S U 2 0 1 8
Kaila Silveira My name is Kaila Silveira, my pronouns are she/her/hers, and I’m currently a third-year student at Sonoma State University. I’m a Portuguese, Filipina, Catholic, and Queer student who was born and raised in San Jose, California. Growing up in a family oriented household and being a part of various school and sports communities has shaped me to become an independent, motivated, responsible, and caring individual. My experience with sports and passion to help others has lead me to become a kinesiology student with an exercise science concentration. I aspire to attend graduate school to earn my doctorate of physical therapy and learn holistic medicine practices such as Reiki. While at Sonoma State, I have worn multiple hats. I was a student-athlete at SSU for a year and a half. For the past two summers, I held a student leadership position as a Summer Orientation leader and coached children’s soccer in the Bay Area. Currently, I am a Student Peer Advisor, CAPS advocate/attendee, and member of the Women of Color Collective. The transition to Sonoma State was challenging because I came from a diverse area, attended Catholic school for 12 years, and experienced financial hardships. I found it difficult to find my niche but eventually found loving individuals who accepted me for all of my salient identities. Sonoma has provided me with the environment to grow, learn, and accept all of my intersectionalities. I am beyond thankful for these experiences and hope to continue connecting with others.
Kinesiology Women of Color Collective S O N O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
FA C E S O F S S U 2 0 1 8
Giovanna Castellanos My name is Giovanna Castellanos, but everyone calls me Gio; my pronouns are she/her/ hers, and I am third year here at Sonoma State University. I entered SSU as an english major for my single subject credential, but I now have a double major in women’s and gender studies and a minor in queer studies. I also dance in Ballet Folklórico de Sonoma, and I just joined Vagina Monologues. I attend MEChA and QSA when I can - it’s hard to find time with school and work! Being at SSU has allowed me to fully realize myself. I work as the Youth Programs Director for Join Us Making Progress (JUMP), our student-run, student-led community service organization. I help run our after-school tutoring and mentoring programs in a leadership role I would never have imagined when I began volunteering with JUMP as a first year student. I love to see not just the impact we have, but also how we can continue to improve our service to better meet the needs of our community. I had never recognized the diversity I had back home until I arrived here, and navigating the school as a person of color has been difficult. I am also actively working to overcome my inclination towards shyness, but I have also begun to recognize that my introversion and vulnerability are assets, not weaknesses. I just have to speak up more - and it doesn’t have to be in volume, but rather in my actions.
English and Women’s and Gender Studies Ballet Folklorico de Sonoma S O N O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
FA C E S O F S S U 2 0 1 8
Manuela Gonzalez-Antonio Hola! I am Manuela (my pronouns are: she, her, hers, and ella), I am a second year at SSU. I am aspiring to earn a major in criminal justice and a double major in spanish. I came to the U.S. at age 12 and began learning my third language, as I am fluent in a Mayan dialect, Spanish, and now English. I am a first-generation college student and I am being raised and supported by my immigrant mother. In my first year at SSU, I started off as a Chef’s Assistant with Culinary Services. I moved my way up by becoming an EOP Summer Bridge Leader. I am currently a Theme Living Advisor and a future TA for UNIV 238. Living and working on campus has given me the opportunity to know more about those who make up this wonderful community. My main focus has been on helping incoming freshman make a successful transition into college life. With these positions, I have grown and gained a new understanding of the wide variety of student experiences. As a person of color, I have encountered prejudice and oppression, I have seen this happen to my professors and colleagues. Which has been surprising to me because I come from a very diverse community back home. This has motivated me to stay involved on campus and build bridges, as well as speak up about it because if we don’t, nothing will be done about it. My EOP family has been my biggest support at SSU, they have guided me and have given me a place on campus, as well as my professors and tutor Mary. They have taught me that everything is possible at SSU if we work hard and spread love instead of hate and inequality. A proud Guatemalan Seawolf y’all!
Criminal Justice and Spanish Chef’s Assistant at Culinary Services S O N O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y