Welcome to the season finale of Inspired Conversations, where we've embarked on an incredible journey of exploring inspiring stories and thought-provoking conversations. In this final episode of Season 1, we have the privilege of sitting down with an extraordinary individual who is making a profound impact in the world of higher education and mentorship.

Our guest, Jennifer Cabrera, is a true trailblazer. She is a first-generation Latina, and the proud daughter of immigrants from Sinaloa, Mexico. Currently, Jennifer is on an academic quest to earn her doctorate degree in Sociology with a special emphasis in Chicano/Latino Studies. But her journey doesn't stop there.

As a researcher, Jennifer's focus is on the supportive social relationships and academic achievement of Latinas in doctoral programs. Her work is not just about the pursuit of knowledge; it's about the empowerment of Latinas to shatter ceilings and achieve their academic dreams.

In 2020, Jennifer took her passion to new heights by founding Academic Latina, a dynamic social media platform designed to support Latinas in higher education. Through Academic Latina, Jennifer has touched the lives of thousands, both virtually (on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter) and in-person through personalized mentorship, academic coaching, and scholarship opportunities. Her authenticity shines through in the inclusive support and guidance she provides, uplifting and motivating Latinas to excel in their academic pursuits.

But Jennifer's commitment doesn't end there. She's also a dedicated first-generation faculty member leading courses at the California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC). Her courses help underrepresented students prepare and submit competitive graduate school applications, bridging the gap and paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive academic landscape.

Jennifer Cabrera is a bold and passionate change-maker, and her mission is clear: to uplift the Latine community through education. Join us in this inspiring conversation with a remarkable woman who's not just pursuing her own dreams but making it her life's work to help others achieve theirs. This season finale of Inspired Conversations is sure to leave you feeling inspired and motivated to make a difference in your own way. Don't miss it!

This captivating episode introduces Sonia Salazar, a remarkable higher ed changemaker with a passion for mental health and education. Sonia's journey is deeply rooted in her Mexican heritage and the vibrant communities of Lincoln Heights, Bell, and Echo Park, California.

As a bilingual mental health therapist, Sonia's work extends across generations, serving children, adolescents, and adults in various settings, from outpatient community mental health to school-based services and private practice. She firmly believes in the profound connection between mental health and education. Sonia emphasizes that when a student embarks on their college journey, they also carry with them the stories, experiences, and unhealed intergenerational trauma of their families and communities.

In this episode, Sonia shares her insights into the critical link between mental well-being and educational success, offering valuable perspectives for both students and those who support them. Her dedication and personal story towards helping young people reclaim their narratives is truly inspiring.

Beyond her impactful work in mental health, Sonia actively volunteers as the Co-Director of Recruitment & Engagement for the UCSB Chican@/Latinx Alumni Network. This network serves as a bridge connecting Chican@/Latinx alumni with the current student body at UCSB, fostering networking opportunities, professional growth, and the celebration of alumni success stories.

Join us for a thoughtful and engaging conversation with Sonia, as we explore the intersections of mental health, education, and community. You won't want to miss this episode!

Resource Links:

Book for Teens on Anxiety: I love this book! It is written in simple language for students to understand and learn about anxiety. There's information about the brain, mind-body connection, emotions-thoughts-behaviors and most importantly mindfulness meditation practices.

Link: Anxiety Relief for Teens

Book: Coping Skills Workbook for Teens on Stress, Anxiety, Anger! This is a book students can do alone or with friends.

Link: Coping Skills Workbook

Instagram Pages to Follow:

@letstalk.mentalhealth

@latinxmentalhealth

@mentalnotitas

@calm

Podcasts:

Verywell Mind Podcast

This captivating episode introduces Melissa Rodriguez, who shares incredible advice on how to stand out in your college application.

Having walked the first-generation path herself, Melissa earned dual bachelor's degrees in Philosophy and Gender Studies from California State University, Fullerton. However, her thirst for knowledge led her further, culminating in a master's degree in education from the esteemed Teachers College, Columbia University.

With an extensive background as an adjunct professor and hands-on involvement in the college prep and curriculum design realm, Melissa's insights are nothing short of invaluable. Her journey has now led her to a pivotal role as an Admissions Officer at none other than the renowned California Institute of Technology, where she contributes to shaping the futures of tomorrow's trailblazers.

Tune in as we delve into a thought-provoking discussion with Melissa, unraveling the secrets of standing out in the competitive landscape of college applications. With her wealth of experience and genuine dedication to guiding students, Melissa shares practical advice and insider tips that every student and parent should hear. We discuss topics such as testing policies, finding your best fit, activities lists, college essays and tons more! Whether you're a student navigating the road to higher education or a parent seeking to unravel the complexities of the admissions process, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge and advice for college applications and inspiration.

Check out the latest update from Caltech HERE.

Get ready to be inspired by the incredible journey of Zulma, a true trailblazer in the world of finance and community empowerment!

Join me as we dive into the life of Zulma, a Financial Analyst at BMO, where she's not only providing financial solutions but also leaving a lasting impact on her community. Beyond her professional role, Zulma's dedication to uplifting others shines through her work with The She League, a nonprofit committed to advancing women of color in corporate and entrepreneurship spaces. She's the driving force behind FlourisHER, a transformative mentorship program shaping the lives of minority women, guiding them towards their full potential and leadership.

Zulma's journey from Guadalajara, Mexico to La Salle County, Illinois is a tale of passion for education and community. From an Associate's degree at Illinois Valley Community College to a Bachelor's in Finance from DePaul University, Zulma's academic achievements are matched only by her commitment to social impact. Her advocacy for cystic fibrosis awareness, inspired by a close friend's life-saving double lung transplant, is a testament to her unwavering dedication to making a positive difference.

Through leadership roles and impactful initiatives, Zulma has shattered barriers in minority lending and paved the way for future generations to flourish. Her co-authorship in "Today's Inspired Young Latina" exemplifies her fearlessness in sharing her journey, inspiring others to believe in their potential. Zulma's story is proof that with community support and determination, remarkable transformations can occur.

Zulma's journey isn't just inspiring; it's a roadmap for anyone driven by compassion and the desire to uplift others. Don't miss this podcast episode where we explore the extraordinary impact one individual can make!

NOTE: The information presented in the episode is not financial advice but personal perspectives.

Meet, Maria José, lovingly known as MJ. MJ is a true trailblazer in the realm of higher education, representing the spirit of resilience and determination. A first-generation Latina, she holds two degrees from Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles, in Counseling Psychology and Psychology with a focus on Child and Adolescent Psychology.

Currently serving as an Assistant Director of Undergraduate Career Education and Development at UCLA's Career Center and an Adjunct Faculty for MSMU-LA's Psychology Department, MJ's journey has been marked by overcoming challenges and championing the cause of equitable education and career development.

Her passion radiates through her work, not only in her roles within higher education but also in her impactful online presence. Through her social platform, @CareerConfidence, and her role as a co-host on the Coffee and Career Hour Podcast, MJ empowers individuals with career knowledge and the confidence to pursue their dreams.

Join us as we delve into MJ's extraordinary journey, her dedication to inclusivity and support, and her commitment to creating meaningful career focused journeys for her students. This episode promises to be a source of inspiration and empowerment for all!

This captivating episode features Audrey, the remarkable co-founder of Curious Cardinals. Join me as she takes us on a journey through her inspiring story as a first-time, female entrepreneur and her experiences speaking at prestigious events nationwide, advocating for project-based learning and near-peer mentorship. Audrey's dedication to empowering K-12 students to unlock their greatest potential and her passion for providing college students with meaningful work will leave you feeling motivated and inspired.

In this candid conversation, we dive deep into Audrey's vision to create a community of lifelong learners and doers. From her impactful workshop on mass incarceration for high school students during the pandemic to mobilizing her ambitious peers to share their passions with K-12 students, Audrey's commitment to making a positive impact is truly admirable. Discover how Curious Cardinals is making a difference by pairing students with mentors to explore their curiosities and pursue passion projects in any subject they desire. Get ready to be uplifted as Audrey shares her journey, from raising $6.8 million in seed funding to being recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 Education and Youngest category. Tune in now to embrace the power of curiosity and find inspiration in Audrey's unwavering pursuit of creating a brighter future for students and learners everywhere.

For more information about Curious Cardinals visit: https://www.curiouscardinals.com/

Tune in to this Inspired Conversation with Kenny Lopez, host of the More Than the Numbers Podcast. Born into a low-income Mexican household of 12 people, Kenny faced numerous challenges while growing up. From a young age, he understood the importance of hard work and determination. Despite living in a garage with his parents and two younger brothers until the age of 18, he was determined to create a better life for him and his family. In pursuit of his dreams, Kenny graduated from Rio Hondo College in 2016 with an Associate of Arts degree in Kinesiology. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Cal State Fullerton in 2018.

Following his academic achievements, Kenny embarked on a career path as a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator, specializing in residential home refinances and purchases. Since 2019, he has been dedicated to assisting individuals and families in achieving their homeownership dreams. This role has allowed him to contribute positively to the community while gaining valuable experience in the financial industry.

In 2021, Kenny achieved a significant milestone by purchasing a home. This accomplishment not only provided stability for him but also served as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination.

Kenny now serves as the Director of Programs at Kaimore, where he spearheaded the Free Tax Prep LA initiative, which aimed to provide tax filing assistance to low-income individuals and families in underserved areas of Los Angeles.

Through his podcast, Kenny aims to bridge the wage gap by promoting financial literacy education. By sharing knowledge and personal experiences, he aspires to inspire others to embark on their own journeys towards eliminating financial insecurity and building generational wealth.

Tune in for this powerful conversation and Q&A with Jaclyn Rodríguez, a Professor Emerita of Psychology and Latino/a American Studies at Occidental College and a member of the Board of Directors at the Difficult Dialogues National Resource Center. In this podcast episode, you'll hear her inspiring story and gain valuable insights into the power of dialogue. Discover meaningful ways to engage in difficult conversations and foster understanding.

Dr. Rodríguez's journey began in East Los Angeles, attending local schools before finding her passion for psychology at Occidental College. Fulfilling her dream, she became a professor at her alma mater and taught a range of impactful courses, including Social Psychology, Sociopolitics of Race, and Intergroup Relations and Dialogue. Her interdisciplinary interests encompass social identity, politics, culture, and inclusive pedagogies. Dr. Rodríguez's commitment to dialogue-based teaching led her to establish the Intergroup Dialogue Program at Occidental, providing students with peer-facilitated, credited courses. Currently, she continues her work in promoting dialogue as a member of the board of directors at the Difficult Dialogue National Resource Center. Join us for an insightful conversation and explore the transformative potential of dialogue.

#DialoguesThatMatter #EmbracingDiversePerspectives #PowerOfConversation

Below is a ist of resources mentioned in the episode. For a full list of resources around Intergroup Dialogue, please contact Andrea Cova-Bernal at [email protected] or Dr. Rodriguez at [email protected]:

Anna Yeakley is an excellent and active dialogue trainer who operates as an independent consultant. https://annayeakley.com/

Colleges with Intergroup Dialogue Programs

University of Michigan

https://igr.umich.edu/

https://igr.umich.edu/research-publications

The "5 college consortium " in Massachusetts (Amherst, U Mass Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, Smith) often come together to offer Intergroup College courses. Ximena Zuniga at UMass is a trailblazer: https://www.umass.edu/education/about/directory/ximena-zuniga

Syracuse University in New York offers an excellent dialogue program led by Gretchen Lopez

https://intergroupdialogue.syr.edu/

Mount Holyoke College

https://www.mtholyoke.edu/student-experience/community-and-belonging/social-justice/social-justice-education-intergroup-dialogue

https://www.mtholyoke.edu/directory/faculty-staff/kristie-ford

Furman University in South Carolina

https://www.furman.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/intergroup-dialogue-program/

UCLA

https://igr.ucla.edu/about/intergroup-dialogue-courses

Cal State University Long Beach

https://www.csulb.edu/academic-affairs/diversity-equity-inclusion/intergroup-dialogue

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

https://cla.calpoly.edu/student-resources/IGD

Interesting Dialogue Articles

Power of Personal Stories

Keehn, M.G. (2015) "When You Tell a Personal Story, I Kind of Perk up a Little Bit More": An Examination of Student Learning From Listening to Personal Stories in Two Social Diversity Courses, Equity & Excellence in Education

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/10665684.2015.1056712?needAccess=true&role=button

Dialogue Across Ages

Halter, J.M., Hampshire, E., Sutton, A., Boyer, M.D. & King, L.J. (2022). Intergroup Dialogue in a High School Classroom. International Journal of Critical Pedagogy. https://libjournal.uncg.edu/ijcp/article/viewFile/1743/1627

Michael D. Kaplowitz, Donna Rich Kaplowitz & Yuqing Liu (2023) Intergroup dialogue success in racially diverse high school classrooms, Multicultural Education Review https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/2005615X.2023.2193923

Minkoff, A.C. (2020) Exploring Intergroup Dialogue as a Sociocritial Pedagogy in Preservice Early Childhood Education. Teacher Education Quarterly, Summer.

https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1263343.pdf

French, P., James-Gallaway, C., & Bohonos, J. (2022). Examining Intergroup Dialogue's Potential to Promote Social Justice in Adult Education. Journal of Transformative Education, 20(1), 44–61.

https://doi.org/10.1177/15413446211000037

Tune in for this powerful Conversation and Q&A with Maria Linares- member of California State University, Board of Trustees where we talk about navigating the Cal State System to ensure academic success.

Maria Linares, a Latina first-gen college grad, overcame adversity growing up in a working-class neighborhood in Santa Ana, marked by gang violence and shootings. Despite struggling with an undiagnosed learning disability and overcrowded schools, Maria's resilience propelled her forward.

Now a mother of three and Girl Scout volunteer, Maria serves as a member of the California State University Board of Trustees, appointed by Governor Newsom. With pride, she supports 23 universities, impacting 460,000 students, 56,000 faculty, 19,455 staff, and 4 million alumni.

Throughout her higher education journey, Maria held leadership roles in student government and advocated as a grassroots activist. Recognized as ASI Student Advocate of the Year in 2019, she continues her advocacy work for basic needs, student parents, scholarships for undocumented students, and support for marginalized groups. Maria recently received her Master's in Public Administration at Cal State Fullerton and aims to advocate for vulnerable populations in higher education through legislation. In five years, she envisions pursuing a doctorate in public policy or an EdD, or contributing her expertise to legislative affairs.

List of resources mentioned in episode:

California State University Basic Needs website

California State University, Fullerton Basic Needs Services & Eligibility Criteria

California State University, Fullerton Associated Students, Inc (student government)

Maria Linares LinkedIn

Dr. Luke Wood and Dr. Phil Show

Tune in to this powerful conversation with Economics Professor (Jesse Mora) and Alumna (Andrea Cova-Bernal) about Occidental College and why we believe liberal arts colleges are such a transformative places to earn your degree. During the interview, you'll hear our stories, as well as gain insight about what it's like to attend a liberal arts & science institution.

Guest Bios:

Professor Jesse Mora is a first-generation economics professor with a remarkable personal story. He was raised in Mexico and immigrated to the United States at the age of nine, speaking only Spanish. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new country and culture, he excelled academically and went on to attend a liberal arts college where he double majored in economics and International Relations.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Professor Mora spent over two years in Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer, teaching English in a rural town in Mozambique. This experience deeply impacted him and shaped his perspective on global development issues. Following his time in the Peace Corps, Professor Mora earned a Master's degree from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and worked in Washington DC at the Inter-American Development Bank and the U.S. International Trade Commission. He then pursued a PhD in Economics from UC Santa Cruz.

At Occidental College, Professor Mora is known for his innovative teaching style and his expertise in international trade and economic development. He has also gained some notoriety for his "unhealthy obsession" with shipping containers and an active TikTok account. Despite his eclectic hobbies, Professor Mora remains a respected scholar and mentor to many students.

Andrea Cova-Bernal (Oxy Class of 2008) is a proud graduate of Occidental College where she credits her amazing professors for introducing her to the world of social justice and education. During her time at Oxy, she served as the director for a women's empowerment program called WYSE (Women and Youth Supporting Each Other). She was also a member of MechaALAS (now called Latinx Student Union), did research in Costa Rica as Richter Grant recipient, and was a co-recipient of the Mortal Board Award for the Promotion of the Status of Women.

Andrea formally began her career in College Access in 2009. Since then, she has worked for several non-profit organizations, helping them create, build, and grow sustainable College Access, Scholarship, and Alumni programs. Some of those non-profit organizations include Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), Southern California College Access Network (SoCal CAN), New Village Girl's Academy, and College Bound Today.

Andrea is extremely honored to work for College Match Los Angeles as the High School Program Director. She also works with a cohort of students each year as their college access counselor and was the host of The College Match Podcast, where she thoroughly enjoyed sharing a glimpse of CMLA students' incredible stories.

Andrea is a Venezuelan American originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico. She earned a Master's in Educational Leadership from the University of La Verne in 2015. She believes in the power of storytelling, so she recently started Inspired Conversations, which is a space for amazing change-makers in higher education to share their personal journey and inspire others.