Life of a Latinx Leader

Evelyn Porras | 2024-25

Dual Language Immersion Spanish Teacher
Logan High School

Evelyn Porras, born in Mexico City, embarked on a remarkable journey defined by resilience and perseverance. Despite facing early challenges, including a traumatic brain injury and personal losses, she immigrated to the United States without knowing English. Eventually becoming a mother of 13 children, Evelyn navigated the difficulties of raising a large family while working graveyard shifts and pursuing her dream of obtaining a bachelor's degree. After 8 1/2 years of hard work, she achieved her goal. Today, as a teacher at Logan High School, Evelyn inspires her students with her unwavering spirit and positive attitude, teaching courses in intro and advanced Spanish. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience in overcoming life's obstacles to pursue one's dreams. 

Andy Góngora | 2024-25

Academic Advisor
College of Humanities & Social Sciences, USU

Andy Góngora was born in Oxkutzcab, Yucatan, Mexico. At age seven Andy, his sister, and mother immigrated from the Yucatan Peninsula to the Pacific Northwest to join his father in the state of Oregon. Doing nothing more than manual labor at a berry farm from age 7 to 18, Andy failed his way through K to 12th. Having attended high school for five years and graduating with a 1.6 GPA, no one expected him to attend college. Many years later, Andy would complete not only an associate degree but a bachelor’s and master’s degree as well. The latter, while learning to live with a severe case of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, General Anxiety Disorder, and Tourette Syndrome. Andy now works at USU as an academic advisor for the Department of Communication Studies and Philosophy, where he enjoys helping students navigate their own educational journey.

Juan Hurtado | 2023-24

Master's Student, USU;
Human Resources

Juan Hurtado was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia. He came to the United States to attend Brigham Young University in Idaho, earning a bachelor's degree in international studies. After graduation, he worked in HR for a year before enrolling in the MHR program at USU, where he is currently in his last semester. Despite facing multiple challenges from a young age, including the passing of his mother when he was 15 and financial difficulties, Juan has been able to overcome them with the love and support of others. After much effort, he is proud to say that there is a brighter tomorrow ahead.

Marcos Suárez | 2023-24

Cinical Social Worker;
The Family Place

Marcos Suárez is a clinical social worker at The Family Place. He is passionate about using his clinical skills to make a positive impact on the mental health of the Latin community. Suárez believes that with dedication and the right resources, we can create a brighter future for those in need. He graduated from Utah State University with a Master's degree in social work in 2023. His family's heritage from Zacatecas, Mexico has instilled in him a deep sense of compassion and understanding for those from diverse backgrounds.

JC Vázquez | 2023-24

Lecturer;
School of Teacher
Education & Leadership,
USU

JC Vázquez, faculty member in the School of Teacher Education and Leadership, shared his experience pursuing his goals while affirming his cultural identity. JC Vázquez was born and raised in Mexico City and has been with USU since 2022. He has served in a variety of capacities while pursuing his primary aim of becoming a faculty member at the College of Education. He has vast experience in pedagogy and delivers training seminars across several disciplines in cultural diversity.

Nataly Baquerizo | 2023-24

LCC Student Worker;
Bachelor's Student, USU;
Marketing

In a presentation titled "Be Yourself", Nataly Baquerizo, student worker for the Latinx Cultural Center and Senior studying Marketing and Sociology, spoke on the challenges she faces being a minority. She also discussed the importance of staying true to yourself. "It's easy to fit in on what the majority is doing - instead, stand out as a minority.

AJ Vongphachanh | 2023-24

USU Football Team Captain; Bachelor's Student;
International Business and Finance, USU

In his presentation AJ spoke about the challenges he faced growing up multicultural and how these obstacles got him to where he is today. He also discussed how this aspect of his identity affects his life as team captain for USU's football team.

Dr. Álvaro Ibarra | 2022-23

Assistant Professor;
Art + Design, USU

In his presentation titled "Production and the Iterative Process", Dr. Ibarra spoke on the contemporary disconnect between production and the iterative process, and how understanding this concept can increase individual productivity. In his professional work, Dr. Ibarra focuses on curatorial projects and critical writing, especially regarding Latinx art. His scholarly writing and archaeological projects engage marginalia in ancient Rome.

Claudia Méndez Wright | 2022-23

Doctorate Student, USU;
Sociology

In her presentation titled "Cow Stories of Resiliency and Passion", Claudia spoke about her educational and personal journey, spanning from her time as an undergrad in Colombia to her Ph.D candidacy at Utah State. Through storytelling, she explored the importance of killing our "cows" or the mental blocks that keep us from progressing.

Dr. Crescencio López González | 2022-23

Department Head;
World Languages & Cultures, USU

Dr. López González, the department head for World Languages & Cultures at USU, shared his story pursuing education as an undocumented immigrant. He highlighted some of the challenges he encountered as a minority especially in the midst of institutional racism. He emphasized his efforts as a community organizer and his conviction to work towards social change. Dr. López González asked his presentation not be recorded.

Officer Jesse Cardena | 2022-23

Police Officer;
USU Police

In a presentation titled, "Changing your stars", Officer Cardena, a member of the USU police department, talked about the challenges he overcame as a son of a single mother immigrant. He emphasized the importance of having an attitude of free will and the ability everyone has to "rewrite" their stars despite their background. He mentioned how his attitude, loved ones, and experiences growing up helped push him to go into law enforcement and become a student at USU.

Bryan Joseph Armajo | 2022-23

Master's Student, USU;
Data Analytics

Bryan, a graduate student researcher in data analytics, spoke about the resiliency of Latinx and Indigenous peoples. In his presentation, he emphasized their powers of research and innovation in making the world a better place.

Dr. Christopher González | 2021-22

Latinx Cultural Center Founding Director;
Associate Dean;
English, USU

I'm Dr. Christopher González, and I'm the founding director of the Latinx Cultural Center. I wanted a place on our USU Logan campus to be dedicated to Latinx culture and community. I also wanted to connect the Center to the wonderful Latinx community in Cache Valley. Along with being the director of the Center, I am an associate dean of the graduate studies in our USU Department of English. 

George García | 2021-22

Bachelor's Student, USU;
Finance

George García is a current student here at Utah State and has been involved in many different organizations throughout the school. We had the pleasure of hearing his story and how he got to where he is now. Click on the link below to view a recording of George's presentation.

Alfonso Torres | 2021-22

Assistant Professor;
Civil & Environmental Engineering, USU

Dr. Alfonso Torres, a current professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, shares how he followed a path in academia and STEM as a first - generation Latino immigrant from Peru and now as an assistant professor at USU.

Dr. Celina Wille | 2021-22

Latinx Cutlural Center Associate Director;
Assistant Professor;
Extension, USU

Dr. Celina Wille is the current Associate Director of the Latinx Cultural Center, and Assistant Professor, USU extension. Click on the link below to hear Dr. Wille speak about her up bringing and about how to reach personal and professional goals.

Dr. Silvana Martini | 2021-22

Aggie Chocolate Factory Director;
Professor;
Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences, USU

Dr. Silvana Martini is a current professor at USU in the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences as well as Director of Aggie Chocolate Factory. Dr. Martini will describe her journey that brought her to Logan, UT. She will share her story, including challenges and successes that she encountered along the way.

Liz Alcalá | 2021-22

Masters Student, USU;
Business Administration

Liz Alcalá is a current student at USU, getting her Masters degree in Business Administration. She is also a current assistant at the Latinx Cultural Center and has a passion for helping all students. Liz shared her story about how her life was affected growing up as a minority and how she learned to embrace her culture and Identity.

Monique Dávila | 2021-22

Master's Student, USU;
History

In an interactive presentation titled "Reach For the Sky: A personal Journey of Overcoming Difficulties and Pursuing Goals", USU graduate student Monique Dávila spoke on her experiences in education and beyond. Monique discussed her non-traditional educational journey, overcoming stressful life experiences, and how her Mexican-American identity inspired her to work in public history and community engagement.

Ernesto López | 2020-21

Logan Municipal Council Member;
Director of Online Programs;
Extension, USU

Ernesto López, USU Alumnus, is one of the first Latino representatives on the Logan Municipal Council. Come join us to listen to the story of his journey from "Sí se puede" to "¡Sí se pudo!"

María López | 2020-21

Bachelor's Student, USU;
Psychology

María López, a graduating senior and a DACA student, María tells us a little bit about her journey coming to USU. Come join us as we listen to her story and hear about her true meaning for dreaming and perseverance.

Nefi Reyes De La Paz | 2019-20

Author;
Bachelor's Student, USU;
Spanish

Being a published author as an undergrad student requires a great deal of drive. In his presentation "Conquering the World One Book at a Time", Reyes shared his personal story of how literature and books changed his life and helped him succeed.

Joseph Banks | 2019-20

Assistant Director;
Career Services

To be successful, college students must learn to network effectively to enhance employability and help launch their careers, while associating with those who value diversity and are strong proponents of multicultural input. Mr. Banks' presentation "Leveraging the Knowledge, Customs, and Perspectives Provided By Your Unique Heritage" covered the importance of making lasting connections while in college, for careers as well as social lives.

Moisés Díaz | 2019-20

Social Worker

Díaz has experienced several firsts in his family, in his life, and his career. Please join us for this engaging talk "Siempre Para Adelante, Always Moving Forward", where Mr. Díaz will discuss his journey as an immigrant from Latin America, to his upbringing in New York City, to his career in Social Work, and the challenges along the way.

James García Porras | 2019-20

USU Alumnus

James Porras was one of the first Latinx graduates from Utah State University. In his presentation "Say Yes to Your Life: What Do These Words Mean to You?" he shared his key elements to success: help, fear, choices, goals, plans, understanding, service, and joy.

Rigo Chaparro | 2019-20

Local Buisness Owner

There are unique challenges that come with a Latinx Heritage. In his presentation "If I Can, So Can You" local business owner, Rigo Chaparro, shared his story of immigration and overcoming his personal obstacles.

Dr. Angela Díaz | 2018-19

Assistant Professor;
History, USU

In her presentation, "The Failures and Frustrations of a Young Latina and How I Learned From Them", Dr. Díaz spoke about struggles in her past and how she learned to overcome them. She also discussed about how the experiences of her life influenced her choices to become a historian and professor.

Dr. Marisela Martínez-Cola | 2018-19

Assistant Professor;
Sociology, USU

Being the first in your family to attend college can be a blessing and a curse. In her talk, "The Burn and Benefits of Being a Trailblazer", Dr. Marisela Martínez-Cola will share about the phenomenal benefits and very real challenges that accompany being “The First".

Raúl Guevara Ballesteros | 2018-19

Master's Student, USU;
Range Science

In his talk, "A Different Colombia Than What You See On Netflix", graduate student Raúl discussed many of his life experiences facing stereotypes and how he managed to overcome them.

Luis Rodríguez | 2018-19

Multicultural Program Coordinator;
Inclusion Center, USU

In his talk, "Navigating impostor syndrome in the land of make believe", Luis discussed his experiences of feeling "not good enough" to attend, much less graduate, from college and the experiences that have helped strengthen his sense of belonging.

Ketzel Morales | 2018-19

Latinx Student Union President;
Bachelor's Student, USU;
Global Communications

President of the Latinx Student Union, Ketzel Morales, gave a presentation titled "The Doors Have Opened, I'm In...Higher Ed Through Resiliency", Ketzel spoke about her journey as a student trying to navigate the higher education system and the adversity that she has to face as a Latina, and the way in which she has had to push outside her comfort zone to help out her community.

Dr. Guadalupe Márquez Velarde | 2018-19

Assistant Professor;
Sociology, USU

Dr. Márquez-Velarde is an assistant professor of Sociology. In her talk, "Refocusing Narratives of Achievement to Empower our Communities", she discussed how we can refocus our achievement narratives to empower our communities while recognizing the pivotal role different communities play in students' success.

Dr. Melanie Domenech-Rodríguez | 2018-19

Professor;
Psychology, USU

Academic journeys are social, and our ties to others can help or hinder our achievements. Professor of psychology, Dr. Melanie Domenech-Rodríguez, shared the importance of mentoring in her professional development and success, and how she pays it forward, in her presentation, "On the Shoulders of Giants: On Being Mentored and Mentoring."

Dr. Samuel Rivera | 2018-19

Currently, immigration policy and the naturalization process are being reformed. Dr. Rivera shared in his talk, "How did I get here? A path to US citizenship thru H1-B visa and National Interest Waiver (NIW)," about his experience with petitioning for a US legal permanent residence by establishing academic evidence of national interest, with the hopes of helping others in similar circumstances.