Cynthia A Torres is the proud daughter of an immigrant woman, who came to the USA undocumented, with a 7th-grade education, to provide a better life for her future family. Cynthia was born and raised in East San Diego, a low-income community, which is now known as City Heights. Her father was 1st generation and attended Memorial Jr High and lived in Logan Heights (before the Coronado bridge was built). She attended Herbert Hoover High School, SD City, and Mesa Community Colleges and then transferred to San Diego State via the EOP program. 

In addition to the EOP program, Cynthia participated in the Faculty Mentor Program with Professor Ortiz, was involved in MEChA, AChA, and served as AS Vice President of Finance. Cynthia is the 1st in her family to attend and graduate from a University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree! Cynthia is a double alum from SDSU with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and masters from the Postsecondary Educational Leadership in Student Affairs (PELSA) program

Cynthia identifies as a Chicana and loves low riders, has an extensive Wonder Woman collection, Sagittarius, and is a thyroid cancer survivor. Cynthia served as an advisor to the student organization Education Without Borders (EWB) from 2010-2022. EWB served as the only on-campus entity that guided many undocumented students and those of mixed immigration status to navigate the maze of higher education. Cynthia has dedicated her life to serving under-represented students and has worked at SDSU since fall 2001. 

 

 

Angel Rocha is a 2 time SDSU first generation graduate. He has a bachelors in Communications with a minor in Spanish, and a Masters from the Postsecondary Educational Leadership in Student Affairs program.

Angel was born in Bakersfield California, started school in Tijuana Mexico, and grew up in South Bay San Diego. He comes from a undocumented/mixed status household with a low socioeconomic upbringing, and is thankful to his family for his accomplishments. He graduated from Chula Vista High School and is proud of his Southbay community. Angel has over 10 years of higher education experience advocating for underrepresented students and guiding students on how to maneuver university policies.

Angel is an enthusiast of video games, coffee, and traveling. He does his best to always have his door open for students in need of support, a check in, or a quick chat.

 

 

Ingrid Clara Gonzalez is an alumna of Southwestern Community College and San Diego State University. She earned an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Arts and Humanities, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences with an emphasis in Sustainability and a minor in Public Health. She also holds a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Counseling and an Advanced Certificate in Restorative Justice Practice and Trauma-Informed Care. 

Through her work with Monarch Unity Resource Center, Ingrid is dedicated to supporting students and creating spaces where they feel welcomed, respected, valued, and heard. She is proud to contribute to a space where students can feel safe, supported, celebrated, and empowered to pursue their goals. Seeing students build confidence, advocate for themselves, connect with resources, and take steps toward the future they envision.