Role Model 2008-09
Category: Staff
Lupe Medina, Assistant to the Dean, College of Education
Lupe Medina has greatly contributed to the Latino community. Lupe provides excellent service and support to a diverse population at the College of Education, including the Latino community. Lupe is an ethical person who contributes to the campus by supporting and "walking the talk" regarding issues related to social justice. The work she continues to provide in support of underrepresented students is recognized as exemplary work. It is an honor to recognize Lupe Medina's outstanding contributions and welcome her to the Latino Association of Faculty & Staff Gallery of Role Models.
Lupe's brief autobiography: My parents emigrated from Mexico, La Paz, Baja California to be exact, at a very young age. I am the youngest of five children born in Brawley, California (not too long ago) I, therefore, always say I am a true Californian. My hometown is only some 30 miles from the border town of Mexicali, Baja California, therefore, I was very fortunate to have experienced firsthand a small part of Mexico. My parents were hard working people that honored and respected their new home, yet never lost their love for their country of origin, Mexico. I am proud of my heritage and have a deep love for Mexico, a feeling that was instilled by my parents.
I have lived my life not only as a Latina, but also as a Latina woman who supports and fights for the rights and equality of all women. I have never concentrated on being discriminated against because of being a Latina; I consider that thinking very counterproductive and conducive to more negativity. I am proud of who I am. I have taught my children to live their lives knowing that there are no obstacles to achieving their goals, except those obstacles they place before themselves. The best role modeling any one can do is to live a life that exemplifies integrity, respect of others, compassion, and reliability.
Lupe's accomplishments:
Member of the College of Education's Teacher Diversity Advisory Committee, 1999
President of the Latino Association of Faculty & Staff, 2002
Member of the Hispanic Advisory Council, 2001-2002
Instrumental in acquiring LAFS' affiliation status with the University, 2002
Exemplary Fundraiser for the LAFS Scholarship Student Fund Award
LAFS Auction Webmaster, 2003
Student Mentor
