Staff

María Venegas Escobedo, M.A.

Interim Director
mescobedo@csusm.edu

Maria Venegas Escobedo has been a dedicated member of the California State University San Marcos staff since 2013. Over the years, her role has evolved, encompassing a range of responsibilities in student support services and higher-level administration. Maria began her role as Interim Latinx Center Director in Spring 2023. Concurrently, since 2020, Maria has assumed the position of Director of the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). In this capacity, her primary focus is on facilitating access and retention for a historically underrepresented student population: incoming first-year freshmen with agricultural or farm working backgrounds. Maria's prior experience includes working in public health research, where she served as the Outreach and Retention Coordinator for the southwest region of the national Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, operating under the San Diego State University Research Foundation.

Maria is a proud first-generation alumna of CSUSM, earning her bachelor’s degree in Human Development, emphasis in Counseling, and completing a master’s degree in Postsecondary Educational Leadership with a specialization in Student Affairs from San Diego State University. Maria’s passion for student support services is rooted in her unique experiences as a Latina, first-generation student, and her commitment to leaving a legacy where students graduate CSUSM feeling visible, empowered, and dedicated to their ongoing personal growth.

Mikel Luque Jimenez

Centro Programs Advisor - Graduate Assistant
mluquejimene@csusm.edu

Mikel Luque Jimenez is a proud first generation Latino who was born and raised in San Diego CA. Mikel has recently earned his bachelor's degree in Criminolgy and Justice studies with a minor in Sociology at CSUSM. Mikel will be entering his graduate program, M.A Sociological Practice in fall of 2023 at the California State University San Marcos. Mikel follows the framework of uplifitng, encouraging, standing with our communtities to be a voice for change for the betterment of our world. We're rich in culture and it must be acknowledged and embraced Mikel indicates. His life experiences have provided him with the tools to be an advocate through social and racial justice efforts. Mikel is very family oriented, and if he's not spending time with family you will find him in the gym, trying new foods or at a sports event since he's a big sports fanatic.

Samantha Bautista

Lead Program Specialist
sbautista@csusm.edu

Samantha Bautista is a first generation latina college student. She calls Santa Ana CA, her home along with California State University San Marcos being her "home away from home". Samantha is completing her bachelors degree in Human Development emphasis in Counseling with a minor in Sociology and Women Studies. Samantha has been heavily involved on campus and strives to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and advocacy. Samantha loves to spend time with her three younger brothers, going to Disneyland, a passionate Dodgers fan, and enjoys trying new coffee shops!

2023-2024 Cultura Educators

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