2025 Graduating Seniors

	Jose Juan Andrade Diaz Chicano & Latino Studies Major Psychology Major CHLSSA Event Coordinator I am deeply grateful for the CHLS department here in Long Beach, the professors and their courses have truly added allowed me to grow. The genuine connection I found here in CHLS and it’s staff has truly allowed me to call CSULB home. I would also like to thank all of my friends here at school, my family, and my parents; I truly was never alone.
	Yanel Vanessa Galindo Chicano & Latino Studies Major Psychology Major Being a CHLS major means connecting to the history of my people in the United States that is constantly being uncredited and dismissed. With the current political climate, it is very important to be culturally aware, especially in a diverse state like California. I plan to take a year off to gain more experience in the behavioral health field before applying for my masters in School Psychology. I would like to thank my parents and family for their support. Este logro es para ustedes!
	Maria Salinas Chicano & Latino Studies Major Sociology Major What CHLS means to me is love, education, appreciation, and motivation. Love of my culture; education of our histories; appreciation of all the struggles that our ancestors have experienced and motivation to continue with the battle. My future plan is to work with and help Latino parents that have children with disabilities. I want to thank my husband Rosendo, my daughter Lynda, my sister Araceli, and all my family and friends that have supported me through this journey. I also want to thank my classmates, Katia Nolasco and Heiddy Ussery, for not letting me quit and helping me to stay strong. To all my professors, I appreciate your guidance and teachings; and for guiding me through my path. To my daughter Darleene, my sister Sonia, mom, and dad, who from heaven continue to watch over me; hope I am making you proud.
	Evelyn Gonzalez Chicano & Latino Studies Major Chicano and Latino Studies has meant so much to me. All of the wonderful professors that I have had throughout my time here at CSULB have taught me more about my culture than I had ever known. As a professor once mentioned, “Just because you have a Mexican last name, does not mean you know everything about your culture.” Through my CHLS education I feel as though I have found my voice and will to fight for those that are unable to use theirs, further confirming my identification as a Chicana. After graduation I plan to work in an educational setting, gaining as much experience as possible, before I return to school to work on my teaching credential. I would like to thank my family, especially my daughter Bianca who has pushed me and helped me throughout my educational journey. This degree is for my daughters Bianca and Charlotte, as well as for myself. Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank each and every professor that I have had, as I have learned so much from them, for their patience and support. Thank you.

	Ashley Marquez-Briseno Chicano & Latino Studies Major Sociology Minor Equity & Education Studies Minor To me, CHLS represents history, culture, unity, and resilience. The experiences of Chicano and Latino communities, shaped by race, class, gender, and immigration, highlight the need to uplift marginalized voices and fight for equity. As a future educator, I want my students to feel seen, valued, and empowered in a classroom rooted in inclusion and cultural pride. I believe embracing culture helps break barriers, build bridges, and celebrate our differences in cultures. I am deeply grateful to my family, especially my parents, for their unwavering support. To my professors: thank you for being a source of inspiration and guidance. The knowledge I carry forward is because of your dedication and passion.
	Jasmine Anguiano Chicano & Latino Studies Major Political Science Major As a CHLS major, it has meant a lot to me, as I have had the opportunity to learn a lot. CHLS, to me, not only means fighting for your rights and making your voice heard, but also means building a sense of community and, most specifically, culture and education. Taking courses in CHLS has allowed me to learn more about my culture and the struggles people faced. As a first-generation college student, CHLS provided a sense of community for me, feeling like a second home. As I finish this chapter at CSULB, I plan to pursue my Master’s in the field of Chicano and Latino studies. On starting the journey to becoming a Paralegal, since my end career goal is to one day become an Immigration Lawyer, focusing on Family Law as well. I would like to formally thank all my professors during my time at CSULB because without their knowledge, I would not have been able to learn more about my culture and the struggles people faced in history. Most importantly, my family, thank you for always being there for me and supporting me in every way. Without your support, this accomplishment would not have been possible. As I leave CSULB, I will always remember what Dr. Jose Moreno once mentioned, “We are all smart and we do belong here!”
	Gerardo Salazar Chicano & Latino Studies Major CHLSSA Historian CHLS is something that I am thankful for because before this I did not know much about the Latino culture. I knew my own experiences but now I have a deeper understanding of the culture because it has given me the ability to reconnect. I plan to put the skills and knowledge that I have acquired from CHLS to use by becoming an educator. I do want to get a master’s degree to teach at the Community college level where I plan to teach Chicano studies. Thank you to everyone, friends, family, and professors that have helped me stay motivated.
	Kaylee Cuevas Chicano & Latino Studies Major
	Fatima Marlene Cruz Chicano & Latino Studies Minor
	Ivan Enriquez Chicano & Latino Studies Minor
	Omar Arellano Gonzalez Chicano & Latino Studies Minor
	Stephanie Nicole Lozano Chicano & Latino Studies Minor
	Aileen Iris Perez Chicano & Latino Studies Minor
	Gabriela Alejandra Santiago Chicano & Latino Studies Minor
	Marilu Vera Chicano & Latino Studies Minor
	Isabel De La Torre Chicano & Latino Studies Major
	Ana Berenice Estrada Chicano & Latino Studies Major