Mathematics has always been an integral part of my life. Mathematics was a subject where my parents could provide assistance despite our language barrier; it became our common language. Many students grow up fearing math, but I grew up loving it; I find it challenging and exciting. However, while applying to undergraduate programs, I never considered majoring in math although I excelled in the subject. I was unfamiliar with professions in mathematics; I did not have role models nor understood how it could be applied to the real world. Arriving at the University of California, Santa Barbara, was overwhelming and a culture shock. As a Latina growing up in a conservative household and community, going off to college far from home was beyond my parents’ expectations. I grew up in Delano, in the California San Joaquin Valley, a place where many students have limited access to formal education. As long as I can remember, my parents would tell my sisters and me, “The key to success is education.” My parents have always worked in agriculture and did not earn enough to live above the poverty line. Their selflessness and determination motivated me to be a role model in my community. My overwhelming passion for knowledge encouraged me to pursue opportunities that challenged my creativity via leadership. I took my academics very seriously knowing that whatever I learned could never be taken away from me and would only help me get to college and be successful. I took Advanced Placement courses, was involved with extracurricular activities and sought out help from teachers and mentors when necessary. My efforts paid-off. I graduated high school valedictorian and successfully won a Gates Millennium Scholarship among other community scholarships.

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However, on the first day of Linear Algebra I noticed I was the only Latinx student in a class of thirty students and one of only four females. Having been in predominantly female math courses I felt intimidated, discouraged, and underprepared. This affected my performance. Fortunately, a Profesora encouraged me to continue to pursue mathematics. I struggled my first year, and as time progressed I grew accustomed to university coursework and my performance steadily improved. The resilience from my previous years began to resurface. This resilience helped me through my undergraduate program, to gain admission to the Stanford Graduate School of Education and the Masters in Statistics program. Given my experience I understand the struggle of being a first-generation college student, what it is like to be a woman in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), balancing family, culture and ambition. I continue to experience the emotions and challenges that numerous students share within our education system.

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During my time at UCSB I participated and gained exposure to a world that was completely foreign to me - research and graduate school. Through the Los Ingenieros/MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement) program, McNair Scholars Program, Arizona State University REU-Summer Research Program in Mathematical and Theoretical Biology, and internship at the US Department of Education I learned what I could do with a mathematics degree. Along with this exposure I became more conscious about inequalities in our communities, such as the lack of African-American and Latinx students in college, particularly in STEM. During a leadership panel I participated in, a professor in education heard about my confusion as to how to apply my mathematical skills with my interest in education and welcomed me as his McNair advisee. He introduced me to statistical analysis in education and my interest in education research developed. Through mixed methods research and policy work I make the stories and needs of marginalized students heard and address equity around STEM access and education.

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These experiences have motivated me to want to change the system and raise awareness about the inequalities in the STEM community. As I move forth in my journey I will continue to advance, empower, and support students in STEM disciplines, especially students of color.  Through my life experiences, skills, and research I have the ability to inspire others through my stories and serve as a mentor and a voice for students who struggle navigating the education system. I know that wherever I go I bring a unique background and perspective. I bring persistence, resilience, and success. Qualities that have helped me branch outside of Delano into a field where women, especially Latinx women are underrepresented – in mathematics, statistics and the doctoral level, qualities that are critical to my success in any work that I partake in.