Speakers & Presenters

Distinguished Professor of Social Science and Comparative Education and Chicana/o and Central American Studies, University of California Los Angeles

Chief Diversity Officer, Office of Inclusive Excellence, CSUSM

Dr. Aswad Allen is the Chief Diversity Officer at California State University San Marcos, where he leads the Office of Inclusive Excellence. With over 30 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Allen is a nationally recognized leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). His work centers on fostering inclusive environments that promote student success, institutional effectiveness, and social mobility, especially for historically marginalized populations.

At CSUSM, Dr. Allen collaborates with university leadership, faculty, staff, and students to implement strategic, systemic, and sustainable DEI initiatives. His leadership philosophy is rooted in a “partner-leader” approach, emphasizing collaboration and shared responsibility. He oversees a team of professional staff, faculty associates, and student assistants, and serves on the President’s Administrative Team, advising on key decisions that shape campus climate and equity efforts.

Before joining CSUSM, Dr. Allen served as the inaugural Chief Diversity Officer at Emporia State University in Kansas, where he played a pivotal role in advancing inclusive excellence across campus and within the broader community. He also held the position of Assistant Dean of Diversity Affairs at the University of Colorado Denver, where he integrated DEI frameworks into academic and administrative strategies.

Dr. Allen holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration and a Master’s in Student Affairs in Higher Education Administration from Colorado State University. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Dr. Allen’s commitment to equity is not only professional but deeply personal. He often acknowledges the legacy of those who have labored for institutional change and remains dedicated to amplifying traditionally marginalized voices in higher education.

Undergraduate Student, Biotechnology, CSTEM, CSUSM

Monica Ambrocio is a first-generation college student entering her third year studying Biotechnology. As a freshman in the BEARS (Building Early Awareness and Research in Science) Program, she began working alongside Dr. Carlos Luna Lopez studying cytoskeletal dynamics in breast cancer utilizing fluorescence imaging. Over her first two years, Monica participated in the CSUSM REU, presented her research at the CSUSM Summer and Fall Symposium, the 2026 Southern Regional CSU Biotechnology Symposium, and was awarded as one of the 2026 Howell-CSUBIOTECH Scholars for her dedication to researching women's health. Entering her junior year, she was accepted into the competitive, NIH-funded U-Rise program. 

Beyond her research, Monica aims to build a community on and off campus. She served as the external representative of MEChA de CSUSM during her first two years, an organization that focuses on education, cultural immersion, and political discussion that impacts the Latinx community. She is the current treasurer of the First-Generation club, where she strives to empower underrepresented students through discussions with first-generation alumni. After graduating, she aims to get a PhD in Bioengineering with a continued focus on women's health.

Undergraduate Student, Psychological Sciences, CHABBS, Co-Chair, M.E.Ch.A., CSUSM

Yolotzin Aquino is a current undergraduate student majoring in Psychological Sciences and is expected to graduate in Spring 2027. At CSUSM, Yolotzin serves in several student leadership roles, including Co-Chair of M.E.Ch.A de CSUSM and Rapid Response Team Student Representative. Through these positions, she has brought a stronger sense of belonging for students, strengthened the student voice, and brought the community together on and off campus through community events, outreach, and volunteering. Additionally, Yolotzin is a Student Research Assistant at the National Latino Research Center (NLRC) and the Community Well-being & Prevention Research Lab (CWPR Lab), where she is a lead researcher in several projects and contributes to community-based research. Her academic research centers on community‑based research, immigrant health and well-being, student psychological well-being, and public health within Hispanic/Latine populations. She is also a TRIO McNair Scholar and plans on applying to graduate schools this upcoming application cycle. As a member of the HSI Summit Planning Committee, Yolotzin hopes to uplift student voices and contribute to programming that reflects the resilience and self-determination of the Hispanic/Latine communities at CSUSM and the larger community as a whole.

Senior Director, Student Life Cycle, CSUSM

Dr. Natacha Cesar-Davis is a distinguished academic and seasoned practitioner, embodying a wealth of experience across diverse post-secondary roles on both the East and West coasts. Her unwavering commitment to student success is evident in her dynamic collaborations with faculty, staff, and administrators, fostering research-practice partnerships that amplify student learning and retention. Dr. Cesar-Davis has delved into the intricate dynamics of students' intersectional identities, illuminating the path to vocational identity development. Her research explores faculty pedagogies shaping student engagement, the pivotal role of services like financial aid in fostering student belonging, and how faculty life histories enrich students' navigational and social capital. Holding Bachelor's in Art History and History and Master's in Developmental and Educational Psychology from Boston College and a second Master's in Higher Education and Organizational Change and Ph.D. in Education from UCLA, she has worked as a full-time tenure track faculty at two community colleges, counselor and advisor at both public and private universities, Director of an HSI grant and most recently as Assistant Dean of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Black Life at UCLA's School of Education and Information Studies. Currently, she serves as the Inaugural Senior Director of the Student Life Cycle at California State University San Marcos, reporting to both the VP of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, overseeing the strategic planning and coordination of success and retention initiatives. Natacha was born in Argentina and spent her childhood in this country.

Vice President for Student Affairs, CSUSM 

Dr. Viridiana Diaz is the Vice President for Student Affairs at California State University San Marcos, bringing over 25 years of experience in higher education. A proud first-generation college graduate, she is deeply committed to advancing student success by closing opportunity gaps, fostering belonging, and promoting retention and graduation.

Her leadership spans a wide range of student affairs areas, including enrollment management, student life, well-being, Title IX/DHR, and student conduct. At CSUSM, she has led a division-wide reimagination initiative, launched a new 2025–2030 strategic plan, and co-led the university’s strategic enrollment plan.

Dr. Diaz holds a doctorate in educational leadership and policy and multiple advanced degrees in communication, Latin American literature, and history. She is also a graduate of executive leadership programs at UC Berkeley, Stanford, and Harvard.

Pride Center Counselor Coordinator, San Diego Mesa College

Dr. Lucio (he/they/él) is an experienced educational practitioner who has worked as a multicultural, gender-affirming, and academic counselor in community colleges for over five years.  Lucio is known for his leadership in creating inclusive environments and transformational healing spaces supporting the educational journey of LGBTQIA+ students, such as affinity spaces and academic learning communities.

Lucio grew up in Tijuana and is a first-generation student/professional.  As a transborder student, Lucio crossed the border daily to attend school.  As a proud product of the community college system, Lucio’s persistence led him to earn his AA in Psychology from Southwestern College, BA in Psychology from UC Davis, and MS in Multicultural Counseling from SDSU.  Lucio completed his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the joint doctoral program at UCSD and CSUSM, where he researched the role of queer-focused student support programs in transforming queer students' sense of belonging in California Community Colleges.

Professor, Anthropology, CSUSM, Faculty Director, National Latino Research Center

Dr. Martinez is an applied anthropologist with over 20 years of experience working with Latino immigrant communities in the U.S. Mexico Border Region.  Her areas of expertise include transnationalism, critical medical anthropology, border health, health disparities, disaster preparedness for vulnerable communities, and culturally and linguistically appropriate services in health care.  Dr. Martinez completed her Ph.D. at UC Riverside under the mentorship of Dr. Michael Kearney.  As a graduate student, she studied transnational communities with a focus on Mixtec communities from the Southern Mexican state of Oaxaca.  In 1999, she was part of the first health needs assessment of agricultural workers in the state of California.  Her dissertation research took her to the Mixteca Baja region of the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, where she studied the clinical health care experience of a transnational community.

Prior to her position as faculty, Dr. Martinez served as health projects coordinator at the National Latino Research Center at CSUSM.  She is a founding member of the Farmworker CARE Coalition, a collaborative of over 40 agencies dedicated to improving the health and well-being of farmworkers and their families in San Diego, California.  Dr. Martinez collaborated in an assessment of the experience of farmworker and migrant communities during the wildfires that raged through Southern California in October of 2007.  Dr. Martinez joined the Department of Anthropology in 2007. In 2017, she was appointed to the California Department of Public Health's Advisory Group for the Office of Binational Border Health.

Her research examines how immigrant and transnational communities navigate the structures of health and social service agencies in California. She is currently researching the impact of shifting policies related to immigrant health in California.  In 2023, she began a new research project investigating the history and cultural significance of "La Virgen de las Nieves," celebrated in Southern Mexico.

She is currently the Faculty Director at the National Latino Research Center on campus and teaches courses in general anthropology as well as in specialized areas including immigrant and farmworker health, health disparities, and health equity.

 

President, CSUSM

Since becoming the fourth president of California State University in July 2019, Dr. Ellen Neufeldt has focused on engaging, interacting, listening, and building relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni and community constituents. A champion of innovation and entrepreneurship, President Neufeldt oversaw the opening of CSUSM’s Innovation Hub, an on-campus home for meeting societal needs, less than a year into her tenure in March 2020. But her commitment to innovation goes beyond a physical space, encompassing an entire ecosystem that includes a critical focus on social innovation. Dr. Neufeldt is also firmly committed to ensuring that Cal State San Marcos is a diverse, inclusive and welcome home for students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. Focusing throughout her career on student success and student social mobility, she cares deeply about being part of the solution to creating pathways for students to achieve their dreams.

Director of Student Equity and Success Programs, CSU East Bay

Jose Padilla is a first-generation college graduate and transformative higher education leader who believes opportunity can change the trajectory of a life. As Director of Student Equity and Success Programs at California State University, East Bay, he has dedicated more than a decade to removing barriers and empowering students to recognize their potential. Shaped by his own first-generation journey, Jose leads with purpose—transforming systems, cultivating belonging, and creating pathways for future generations to thrive, lead, and redefine what is possible.

Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership and Administration, School of Education, CEHHS, CSUSM

Dr. Paredes is an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Administration in the School of Education at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM). Her scholarly work is deeply informed by her experiences as the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, a first-generation college student, former student affairs practitioner, and proud product of California public education from Kindergarten through her Ph.D. As a higher education scholar, Dr. Paredes uses critical approaches to examine how colleges and universities, particularly Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), can become more equitable and responsive environments where systemically marginalized students and communities can thrive.

She is a proud member of the CSU HSI Action Research Network, the national HSI Research Colectiva, and a recent American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE) Faculty Fellow. Prior to joining CSUSM, she served as the lead research associate for the University of California’s HSI Initiative and contributed to research with UCLA’s Center for Critical Race Studies in Education and the UndocuScholars Project. Dr. Paredes earned her Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Race and Ethnic Studies and M.A. in Education from UCLA, and her B.A. in Gender, Ethnicity, and Multicultural Studies with a concentration in Chicana/o Studies from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Director of Divisional Initiatives & Partnerships, Office of Student Affairs, CSUSM

Dr. Ramirez joined Cal State San Marcos in April 2024 and leads high-impact initiatives that advance student success, strengthen institutional capacity, and further the university’s mission as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. He manages a federal grant focused on Latinx and first-generation student achievement, coordinates the annual HSI Summit, and serves as one of the campus leads for the Seal of Excelencia—a national recognition for institutions that intentionally serve Latinx students.

His portfolio also includes building cross-divisional and community partnerships, guiding divisional projects such as the Student Affairs Strategic Plan, and leading efforts that expand resources and support for immigration-impacted communities.

Grounded in his background as an immigrant and first-generation college graduate, Dr. Ramirez approaches his work with a deep commitment to equity, belonging, and social mobility, centering students and the diverse communities they represent.

Undergraduate Student, History B.A Single subject and Political Science, CHABBS, CSUSM

Germán Reyes is a first-generation Chicano entering the third year of his undergraduate career. After starting as a Camp Student in Fall 2024, he immediately felt welcomed into an inclusive, understanding, and supportive community.

Germán comes from the small city of Calexico, where he mentored elementary and middle school students. This eye-opening experience influenced his decision to become a Community Advisor on campus in Fall 2025, a role in which he helps incoming freshmen feel accepted and supported. Now in his second year serving as a Community Advisor, Germán strives to empower incoming freshmen, including members of his Hispanic community, by creating learning opportunities that foster tech fluency, career preparation, leadership skills, and healthy living.

Through this role, Germán has developed essential skills, including public speaking and community building, that will support his future career in local politics and his ultimate goal of becoming a state senator. He is grateful for the family members, mentors, and others who have supported him throughout his journey, and he appreciates the opportunity to share his experiences with everyone today.

Graduate Student, Social Work, CEHHS, CSUSM

Hazel Soriano is a first-generation Chicana in the final year of her Master of Social Work program. She joined the CSUSM community in Fall 2025 after earning her bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from UC San Diego.

Driven by her interest in community organizing, Hazel joined the CSUSM Committee for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (CIDE), where she contributes to creating safe spaces in which students feel welcomed and supported. She also serves the CSUSM community as a Peer Health Specialist with the HOPE & Wellness Team, creating opportunities that support students’ overall well-being.

Hazel is currently completing her practicum at TrueCare and looks forward to continuing her growth as a Behavioral Health Intern. She feels privileged and grateful to be in a position where she can increase access to resources and empower others, especially those from historically underserved communities. Hazel is grateful for the opportunity to share this space with everyone today.

Deputy Chief Diversity Officer, Office of Inclusive Excellence, CSUSM

Ariel Stevenson is a higher education professional with over 20 years of experience advancing student success, institutional effectiveness, and inclusive practices. Currently serving at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), she has dedicated her career to supporting diverse student populations through student-centered leadership, program development, and strategic collaboration. She is a current student in the Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership (EPOL) program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), where she is deepening her expertise in education policy, systems change, and leadership. Her scholarly work reflects a strong commitment to connecting theory and practice to improve institutional structures and student outcomes. As an equity practitioner, she believes that equity work must be collaborative to be effective. Ariel is an advocate of cross-functional partnerships that engage stakeholders across departments to create sustainable, meaningful change. She leads with approaches that center data-informed decision-making, shared responsibility, and a focus on historically marginalized student communities. Through both professional practice and continued study, Ariel remains committed to fostering environments where all students can thrive. Her work is grounded in collaboration, authenticity, and a clear vision for advancing equity in higher education.

Interim Director of Prevention & Education for the Office of Title IX/DHR, CSUSM, CAMP Director, CSUSM

As of January 2026, Maria Venegas Escobedo serves as the Interim Director of Prevention & Education in the Office of Title IX and Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), while continuing to serve as Director of the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), a role she has held since 2020. Since joining CSUSM in 2013, Maria’s work has evolved from direct student support to institution-wide leadership focused on advancing equitable, inclusive, and safe campus environments. With nearly 20 years of experience in higher education and federally funded programs, Maria brings expertise in program development, outreach and training, curriculum design, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development from CSUSM and a master’s degree in Postsecondary Educational Leadership, with a specialization in Student Affairs, from San Diego State University. As a proud CAMP and first-generation CSUSM alumna, Maria’s leadership is shaped by lived experience and a commitment to student voice, belonging, and opportunity. She is known for building meaningful cross-campus partnerships, identifying opportunities for systems improvement, and translating ideas into sustainable practices. Her approach centers accountability and care while creating pathways that recognize students’ lived experiences, strengthen institutional support, and advance social mobility.

Graduate Student, Social Work, CEHHS, M.E.Ch.A Communications Chair, CSUSM

Fernando Vasquez Rendon is a Research Assistant with the National Latino Research Center (NLRC) and a current Master of Social Work student at California State University San Marcos. His academic and professional work centers on community engaged research, immigrant health, and culturally grounded approaches to student well-being. At CSUSM, Fernando serves in multiple student leadership roles, including Peer Ambassador with the Cougar Care Network, Rapid Response Team Student Representative, and Communications Officer for M.E.Ch.A. Through these positions, he supports students navigating basic needs, crisis response, and campus belonging, while strengthening partnerships with community organizations across North County San Diego. Fernando’s research experience includes contributing to the Community Wellbeing & Prevention Research Lab, where he supports qualitative and quantitative data collection focused on the lived experiences of mixed‑status and immigrant families. He is committed to bridging academic inquiry with community knowledge, elevating student voice, and expanding culturally responsive support systems within higher education institutions. As a member of the HSI Summit Planning Committee, Fernando hopes to uplift student perspectives, strengthen cross‑campus collaboration, and contribute to programming that reflects the resilience, and diversity of Latinx communities at CSUSM and community.

Administrative Support Coordinator, Library, CSUSM 

Arely Villalobos Ayala is a proud graduate of California State University San Marcos, where she earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Criminal Justice Studies and Sociology. She currently serves in the CSUSM Library as an Administrative Support Coordinator, where she focuses on facilities and personnel strategy. Arely is also pursuing dual master’s degrees in Public Administration and Latin American Studies blending policy and cultural studies to create systemic change. Her research explores educational inequities and centers the voices of immigrants, with a particular focus on breaking down bureaucracies of the education system. Guided by her passion for social justice, equity, and access to higher education, Arely  would like to help build a future where access and representation in education are not the exception, but the rule.