Join us as Dr. Lina Safa and Dr. Maria Brahme speak to Ileana Muniz, who is a dedicated higher education professional. She speaks about her research on mothers pursuing higher education and the sense of belonging they feel while attending as students in various universities.

Ileana holds a Master of Science in Leadership in Higher Education from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Chicano Latino Studies from California State University, Long Beach. With a robust background in Student Affairs, she has excelled as a Financial Aid Counselor and Student Services Coordinator, demonstrating her commitment to student-centered practices and a focus on holistic student development. Ileana’s passion is deeply rooted in supporting underrepresented students and fostering their academic success and personal growth through guidance, motivation, and empowerment. This passion stems from Ileana’s journey as a first-generation Mexican American and working mother pursuing higher education. Ileana’s most cherished role in life is being a wife and mother to her three wonderful children, who are her biggest inspiration in life and the driving force behind her dedication to empowering and uplifting others.