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2011 Martinez Fellows The Martinez Foundation is very pleased to announce the newest members of our Family. Congratulations to the following students!!
Ben Crandall University of Washington Ben joined the University of Washington’s Master in Teaching program because he was “impressed by its commitments to working with schools having diverse minority populations.” Originally from Texas, Ben lived as a Latino minority in a 99% white community and realized by junior high that he had lost fluency in Spanish and most cultural ties. After moving to a more diverse community for high school, he “began reconnecting with his heritage and became interested in other languages and cultures.” Classes in Child Development and History of American Minorities gave Ben a strong sense of “the intersection of education and diversity in our communities.” He felt able to “compare and contrast his own search for identity with his classmates and realize how their learning experiences are impacted well beyond public school.” Ben’s graduate program will build upon the two degrees in business he already has, as well as a career managing technical operations at an airline. This experience has given him a perspective on the importance of skills in communication, reading, and mathematics. As he notes, this perspective is one of his motivations for becoming a teacher, “As I look back, the need for these skills was always there, from school to college, from college to the workplace. So, as I begin my studies anew, I hope to focus in these areas to become a better educator and to bring these skills to my students.”
Hilary Edwards University of Washington Hilary Edwards is a student in the UW’s Secondary Teacher Education Program. She intends to earn her MIT, as well as an endorsement in Language Arts and ELL, by the end of next summer. Edwards transferred into the UW’s MIT program last spring, after receiving her Masters in English Literature from the UW. Although she had intended to pursue a PhD, after working at a tutoring clinic for Korean American students Edwards realized that what she really wanted to do was teach at the high school level. A Washington native, Edwards attended Annie Wright School for prek-8th grade before transferring to Bellarmine Prep for high school. Growing up in these private schools, she had a first-hand opportunity to witness the ways in which schools with ample resources and small classrooms still fail for many students, particularly African American students. Although Edwards did well throughout high school, she observed how many of her fellow students of color were isolated from the main school community. AP and honors classes were, as elsewhere, predominantly white, and racism and mutli-culturalism were dealt with as issues that primarily concerned the black students. Edwards is excited to be on the track to her MIT, and hopes that she can help to remedy classroom inequalities.
Emily Ezpeleta University of Washington Emily is a candidate in the Masters in Teaching Program at the University of Washington. Originally from Georgia, Emily is now student teaching at West Seattle High School and focusing her MIT studies on English Language Learners. Her first formal experiences in teaching came as a volunteer at a Shorecrest High School. Emily learned through volunteering that she had a talent for communicating ideas, which, when paired with a great understanding of the craft of teaching, would make her an excellent leader in the classroom. “My goal is to help students understand that school and reality are not mutually exclusive. One does not stop learning when school ends; likewise, things learned in school are not frivolous.” Emily acknowledges the role that teachers play outside the classroom in keeping youth “out of trouble” and guiding them “in the right direction.” She looks forward to “entering this profession with clarity of reasonable expectation, purpose, and excitement.”
Israel Martinez Washington State University Israel Martinez will be pursuing his Master in Teaching Degree with an Endorsement in Health and Fitness at Washington State University. Raised in a migrant family, Israel’s personal background and life experiences made him place a high value on education. He was the first in his family to graduate from high school or attend college. As a sophomore in high school, he had an English teacher pull him aside and state that he “should forget about attending college because (his) English-speaking skills were not high enough and to open (his) eyes and take a close look around. The odds were against (him) as six out of ten Latinos would drop out.” Israel responded that he understood the destiny that society had chosen, but he would realize the destiny that he had chosen. “It was at this point,” recounts Israel, “that I fully understood education as the exercise of freedom.” Israel wants to bring his story to struggling students to demonstrate that even against the most difficult adversities, earning a higher education is possible. He plans on pursuing an additional Endorsement in Health and Fitness to highlight the dangers of high obesity rates among youth in the United States, especially in Latino communities. He envisions himself, after acquiring a fuller knowledge of educational pedagogy and praxis, advocating for improving fitness education in public school curriculum. Helping children lead healthy lives, Israel believes, will lead to healthy minds and healthy communities.
Consuelo Palmer University of Washington Consuelo is entering the Master in Teaching program at the University of Washington with a special focus on teaching history through the arts. As a dancer, Consuelo explored themes of slavery and African American History through performance and realized that art forms could be powerful educational tools. At Briarcrest and Meridian Park Elementary Schools, Consuelo obtained Artist-in-Residence positions and taught culture and history from the Caribbean islands to children. Tutoring reading, spelling, and math students, Consuelo interacted with English Language Learners that inspired her to make teaching her lifelong profession. She has committed herself to “translating an eagerness and enthusiasm for learning” that will set “foundations for the future” of her students. She also realizes that being from the Caribbean means she “understands the need for, and the importance of, teaching multiculturalism and diversity in the classrooms.”
Isaac Pan University of Washington Isaac is a Taiwanese American currently in the UW Elementary Master in Teaching Program. This fall Isaac is looking forward to student teaching placement at Wing Luke Elementary School. Growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii among many other Asians and Pacific Islanders, Isaac didn’t think much about race until he moved to Seattle and took an American Ethnic Studies Class at the University of Washington, where he says he “was awoken to a past littered with racial discrimination.” Isaac first became interested in teaching through a UW service learning project where he dicovered a passion while volunteering as a tutor in the afterschool program at the Chinese Information and Service Center, an organization that helps Chinese and other Asian immigrants throughout King County. After graduating from the UW with an American Ethnic Studies degree in 2008, Isaac committed a year to the Washington Reading Corps as an AmeriCorps member, serving as a tutor at Beacon Hill International School. That year solidified his conviction that education plays a vital part in ending racism, and inspired him to become a teacher who will fight for social justice.
Jose Perez Seattle University Jose is working in child care while he works towards his Washington State teaching credentials. Jose has 14 years experience
working in diverse communities including five years teaching on an emergency credential in California. Jose taught at high needs
elementary schools that served low-income, non-English speaking families, many in transitional housing. For the past seven years he has been in child
care providing enriching programming to diverse communities in Seattle.
Sara Zielinksi Washington State University Originally from Hilo, Hawai’i, Sara will be completing her Masters in Teaching this year at WSU. Sara says “From the time I was a small child, I have always dreamed of being a teacher.” Sara graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor degree in Children’s Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education Learning Environments and a minor in Special Ed from Eastern Washington University. She worked with children from infants to sixth grade at a learning center while attending college and says she always looked forward to spending time with children and learning from them. While pursuing a teaching career Sara will continue studying hula dancing. Through her involvement with the Pacific Islander Association and Northwest Hula Company she has had the opportunity to learn to dance hula and connect with her Hawaiian culture. She finds this cultural connection to be very meaningful and hopes to further her skills after completing her education.
2009 - 2010 Martinez Fellows
Betzabeth Alvarado-Jurista
Update Fall 2011: Betzabeth will be substitute teaching this year in the Bellevue Public School District Betzabeth, a native of Valencia, Venezuela, completed her Masters in Teaching from the University of Washington in the winter of 2010. Alvarado-Jurista believes teachers are responsible for encouraging students to use academics as a tool to reach both their educational and life goals. "Students of color do not have enough role models who can motivate them to be successful in school and I want to be an example that would make a difference for them." One of her biggest goals for her classroom is to teach her students to be responsible, respectful and meet high expectations regardless of their background. "All students can succeed-they may do it in different ways, but they can all do it."
Bridgette Bethea Update Fall 2011: Bridgette will be teaching this year at Federal Way High School Bridgette received her Master in Teaching with an endorsement in Secondary Education and Language Arts at Seattle University. In her undergraduate career, Bethea was recognized on both the President’s List and the Dean’s List for her outstanding academic record. She was also a member of the English Literature Honor Society and the Psychology Honor Society. Even more impressive than her academic excellence is her proven commitment to helping students – “During my time volunteering in a local juvenile detention school, I have met several extremely bright students… but a few of them are involved in gangs and others simply lack a desire to go to school. My goal as teacher is to keep these students interested in school. Every student has a story and they all have varying motivations for making certain choices.” Bethea also volunteered at Garfield High School and found that she could use her own personal stories and struggles to relate to students and shape her instruction to fit their needs: “In my experiences, the most effective teachers are those who work to meet students’ needs rather than attempt to get students to meet their needs.”
Erica Castro Update Fall 2011: Erica will pursue a EdD at WSU Congratulations to Erica! Erica Castro has been accepted into WSU's EdD program on a full tuition scholarship!!! Castro graduated with her Master in Teaching from Washington State University in 2011. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, specializing in Women’s Studies and Dance, and she also obtained a certificate in Social and Environmental Justice. Outside of her academic success, Castro teaches in an outreach program, At Home At School. She has danced since the age of 2 and has served as faculty at the Evergreen Dance Center in Longview, WA, and at Vancouver City Ballet in Vancouver, WA. She has also held the directorship of Burklyn Ballet’s Intermediate Program in Johnson, Vermont. She shared with us at the annual institute that she views dance as a powerful teaching tool and intends to incorporate movement into her classrooms to help her students gain skills and confidence. In recognition of her work in her school and community, Castro was awarded the 2010 Distinguished Woman of the Year award at Washington State University.
Joana Chacon
Update Fall 2011: Joana will continue teaching this year at Cascade Middle School in the Highline School District Joana Chacon, a Seattle native who has been drawn to teaching since she was a young child, graduated with a B.A. in education, as well as a Masters in Teaching degree from the University of Washington. She is now a Language Arts teacher at Cascade Middle School in White Center, Seattle. As the first in her family to attend college, Chacon understands the barriers students of color encounter in their academic career. "All around them, students hear 'no'," Chacon says. "When their parents work manual labor and get paid minimum wage, students hear 'no'; when their cousins and brothers and sisters drop out of high school, they hear 'no'; when the school that they go to sends the white kids to advanced classes and the black and brown kids to special education classes, they hear 'no'. These students need somebody to yell 'YES' into their ears, and to keep yelling it until they graduate from college."
Monico De León Update Fall 2011: Monico will continue teaching Special Ed at Garfield High School in the Seattle Public School District De Leon was born and raised in Tijuana, Mexico. He received his Master in Teaching degree with a specialty degree in special education from Seattle University. He is currently teaching at Garfield High School. He grew up in Southern California as a non-English speaking student and is the only member of his family of six children to graduate from college. He became a teacher because of three teachers who made a strong impression, not only seeing potential in him, but also helping him to be successful. Although it is emotionally and physically demanding, De Leon chose to teach special education because it is exceedingly rewarding. “One of the most important things I can do for my students is to teach them to believe in themselves, to show them how to get up again if they stumble. I want to advocate for my students when I see that they are not being provided with the same tools for success.”
Luis Gabriel Escamilla Update Fall 2011: Luis will be teaching this year at Foster High School in the Tukwila School District Luis, originally from San Gabriel Valley, California, graduated from the Masters in Teaching program at Seattle University. Escamilla says the tragic events of September 11, 2001, made him stop and evaluate what he wanted to do with his life. The answer was clear-he would become a teacher. To Escamilla, being a teacher comes with a sense of urgency and responsibility. "I want to engage high school students in topics revolving around democracy, fascism, resistance, prejudice, racism, multiculturalism, their past, their present and their future," Escamilla says. "I believe students of color have unique experiences," Escamilla says, "and we need their thoughts and voices in places ranging from classrooms to board rooms."
Treneicia Gardner Update Fall 2011: Treneicia will be teaching this year at Leschi Elementary in the Seattle Public School District Help Treneicia fund needed projects for her classroom! Treneicia received a Master in Teaching degree from the University of Washington. She is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and aims to be a public voice of mathematics education. She has also led reading groups and tutored at Bryn Mawr elementary in Seattle and East Hill Elementary School in Kent. After volunteering in a Title I school, Treneicia realized the impact that teachers have on their students, “I found a deep passion within myself that I never knew existed. Teachers often spend more time with the students than their families do. I realized that helping students attain a quality education, being a mentor and a role model, and motivating them to succeed may change their future, as well as create outstanding members in the community.”
Elida Guevara Giron Update Fall 2011: Elida is a bilingual reading para-educator at Edison Elementary in Kennewick Elida Guevara Giron, who hails from Othello, Washington, received a B.A. in Spanish from Washington State University and a Masters in Teaching at Washington State University as well. Her desire to be a teacher stretches back to her childhood, when she volunteered in schools and enjoyed her interactions with both teachers and students. Giron's classroom goals are to make sure her students have fun while learning and to also encourage all of her students to consider continuing with higher education. "I have been through a lot of challenges," Giron says, "but I have managed to overcome these challenges and follow my goals and I want to offer myself to my future students and their families so they achieve a better life."
Shannon Christine Gleason Update Fall 2011: Shannon is continuing her studies pursuing a PhD in Education at Washington State University Shannon, a Los Angeles native, graduated with a Masters in Teaching at Washington State University and holds a bachelor's degree in English literature from Loyola Marymount University. Looking back on her own school career, Gleason remembers one teacher in particular who believed in her potential for success, and showed her that with determination, the possibilities are endless. Fittingly, Gleason's biggest classroom goal is to help her students rise above low expectations and set lofty goals. "By encouraging young people to do their best in school, we are helping them reach beyond the imaginary limitations imposed on them by negative influences or other outside factors," Gleason says.
Silvia Gomes Update Fall 2011: Silvia will be teaching PreK-5 Language Arts at Matheia School in Seattle Silvia, a Seattle native, graduated with a Masters in Education at Seattle University. Gomes says her early childhood struggles with the English language have been instructive in her decision to go into education. "Having been a student whose language acquisition needs were not adequately supported and encouraged by the teachers of my formative years, I personally understand the difficulty that it can bring to your life to not have a voice in your own education," Gomes says. Gomes is excited to encourage students and their parents to be active advocates of their education and encourage them to find their own unique voice with which they can change the world. "I am motivated to be a positive first experience for all students and an unending advocate for students with no voice to represent themselves."
Wade N. Graves
Update Fall 2011: Wade will continue teaching at Kent's Mt. View Academy, in the Kent School District
Wade, who grew up in Fairfield, California, received a Masters in Teaching at the University of Washington. He is currently teaching elementary students at Kent's Mt. View Academy. He has long been compelled by the significance of teaching and has enjoyed volunteering in a number of educational settings, which sparked his interest in becoming a teacher. "I enjoy my interactions with the students and watching them gradually grow," Graves says. "I also love hearing about teachers' experiences and how they find their jobs to be so fulfilling and rewarding." Graves says he is looking forward to being a leader and role model in his community. "I am especially exciting about reaching out to minority children to show them all of the opportunities that lie within their reach with hard work and a positive attitude," he says.
Kevin Henley II Update Fall 2011: Kevin will be teaching this year at Showalter Middle School in the Tukwila School District Originally from Kent, WA, Kevin completed his Master in Teaching program at Seattle University in June 2011. At Highline Community College, Kevin delivered the 2005 commencement address, graduating with honors and earning the Shirley B. Gordon Award for Academic Excellence. He continued his education at the University of Washington, where he was elected President of McCarty Hall and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. In addition to his academic commitments, Kevin volunteered at the Strategic Mentoring Center, assisting 6th graders with homework and encouraging them in extracurricular activities. He also directed Outdoor Education programs and Career Exploration programs for middle and high school students with the Learning for Life program for the Boy Scouts of America. Kevin’s history as a role model for youth extends back to his days as a camp counselor in 1996, and these same leadership qualities have led him to pursue a career in raising expectations from the front of the classroom.
Megan Lashley (formerly Megan Valencia) Update Fall 2011: Megan will be teaching 3rd Grade at Maple Elementary in the Seattle Public School District Megan graduated from University of Washington with a double B.A. in psychology and drama, and completed her Master in Teaching degree at Seattle University. Megan’s decision to pursue a career in education has been influenced by her experiences volunteering locally and abroad over the last 5 years. As an effective program manager and project leader, Megan developed and implemented a literacy program for at-risk youth on the Quileute Reservation. She has also assisted teachers in Tulalip Elementary School, special education classrooms, first-generation college-bound workshops, and professional learning communities in Jakarta, Indonesia. These opportunities have motivated Megan to inspire students to explore on their own: “I believe in the philosophy of respecting a child’s individuality and encouraging each child to develop the confidence to explore the world. It is my goal to create a rigorous and challenging classroom environment that supports and develops a child’s intrinsic motivation.”
Anthony Longoria Update Fall 2011: Anthony will continue teaching at Garfield High School in the Seattle Public School District In addition to teaching, this fall Anthony begins studies in the UW's PhD program in Multicultural Education. He graduated from the Master in Teaching program at Seattle University in 2010. Anthony grew up in El Centro, California, and holds a bachelor's degree in English from San Francisco State University. He hopes to open the eyes of his students, to show them their potential is bright and unlimited and to make them aware that they share a world with many people, and with many cultures. "A good teacher helps his students realize that knowledge knows no color or socioeconomic barriers," Longoria says. "As teachers, we can be agents of this enlightenment."
Jimnie Lorca Update Fall 2011: Jimnie will be teaching this year at John Muir Elementary in the Seattle Public School District Jimnie graduated with a Master in Teaching at Seattle University. Known by his friends as “Jay-R”, Jimnie immigrated to the United States from the Phillipines in 1990 and grew up in a single parent household with two sisters in South Seattle. He was the first in his family to graduate from High School and College, earning a B.A. in Communications from the University of Washington. He explains his commitment to serving students, “My mission in education is to be a source of knowledge and inspiration for my students. I want to inspire students to go beyond their city streets, and explore the endless possibilities that life holds. As a teacher, my responsibility is to not just show my students the possibilities, but to show them how to get there.”
Patti Lozano Update Fall 2011: Patti will be pursuing an endorsement in Special Ed at UW Patti graduated this year with a Master in Education degree from the University of Washington where she will be pursuing an endorsement in Special Ed this fall. Her journey to becoming a teacher is inspired by her experiences as an immigrant and from the front of the classroom: “I worked with the English Language Learners and felt a huge…connection with these students as I was also in their shoes many years ago. I found that my fluency in Spanish was most beneficial to the parents who did not speak English, yet had a deep need to be involved in their child’s education.” On June 12, 2010, Patti graduated from Western Washington University. She states, “My mother was there, along with my two children. Even as a divorced single mother, I have huge hope for myself and for the future of my children because of my pursuit of education.”
Ruby O'Connor
Update Fall 2011: Ruby will be teaching 3rd grade at Beverly Elementary in the Edmonds School District
Ruby enters her second year of teaching and is excited to be teaching third grade. She earned her Masters in Teaching from the UW in 2010. O'Connor was born in Alabama, and despite moving often throughout her childhood, she considers Washington State her home. Her desire to teach goes back as far as she can remember. "I honestly can't remember a time where I didn't want to be a teacher," O'Connor says. "I have always had a desire to teach." O'Connor's biggest classroom goal is to teach her students to set high standards for themselves and then believe they are attainable. "I believe that it is important for every child to be given the chance to fulfill their potential and to never settle," O'Connor says. "I have been lucky enough to have a support system that always encouraged me to go beyond my own expectations and I only hope that I can do the same for my students."
Ana Maria Ochoa Rivas Ana Maria Ochoa Rivas graduated from Washington State University's Masters in Teaching program. She received her bachelor's degree in foreign languages and culture from WSU in December 2009 and holds a bachelor's degree from WSU in business administration. Rivas grew up in White Salmon, Washington, and says she was very fortunate to receive encouragement from her family and teachers while in school. She became interested in teaching when she realized many of her Hispanic friends lacked such support. "I realized how few Hispanics from my community had actually attended college and many times it was due to the lack of encouragement from their families, friends, teachers," Rivas says. "I have seen first-hand how important and influential teachers can be on their students." Rivas says her biggest classroom goal is to make each and every student feel empowered and capable of succeeding in college.
Marina Pita
Update Fall 2011: Marina will be teaching this year at Concord International School in the Seattle Public School District Marina was offered the 4th grade Spanish Dual Language position after student teaching at Concord International Elementary School. Marina, the daughter of Argentinean immigrants, earned her Master in Teaching degree at the University of Washington in June 2011. She graduated from the UW with a B.A. in Latin American Studies and minors in Spanish and Environmental Studies. Her volunteer history demonstrates her passion for working with children; Marina tutored underprivileged children across Washington State as a volunteer with Literacy in the Community, and she taught bilingual ecology lessons to students at the Seward Park Environmental & Audubon Center. She says she applied to the Martinez Fellowship because of its “focus on producing great teachers for high need schools.” In addition to the Martinez Fellowship, Marina has received five other scholarships and awards in recognition of her academic and civic achievements. She states that her goal as an educator is “to establish stronger educational foundations in disadvantage communities.”
Debra Salas-Haynes
Update Fall 2011: Debra will be teaching this year at Maple Elementary in the Seattle Public School District Debra brings an impressive range of academic and professional experience to her Master in Education program at the University of Washington where she completed her studies this year. She had already completed a Master in Student Development Administration, as well as a Bachelors in International Studies. Firm in her commitment to public service in the field of education, Debra has also volunteer-assisted with reading, writing, and math projects in classrooms in Northgate and Olympic Hills. As the Undergraduate Counseling Services Coordinator at the University of Washington, she advised and supported over 250 new and prospective students and earned the University of Washington Distinguished Staff Award nomination in 2008. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Debra took on a volunteer position as a mentor group co-leader for low income students on scholarship to ensure they were adjusting to college life. Debra’s obvious dedication to the field of education will be an asset to the Martinez Fellow cohort and to her future students.
Angelica Sauceda Update Fall 2011: Angelica will be teaching science this year at Mercer Middle School in the Seattle Public School District Angelica completed her Master of Education program, focusing on high school chemistry at the University of Washington in June of 2011. Growing up in a small migrant farming town, Angelica heard her Latin peers commenting, “I can’t do it. School is not for me.” Inspired by memorable teachers who reached out to her, Angelica aims to overcome stereotypes of Latina women to be a role model for all children. “By teaching in a diverse classroom,” says Angelica, “I want to help students who feel out of place or underrepresented to know they deserve an equal chance to further their education.” A first-generation student, Angelica embraced the mix of backgrounds in her student cohort and cofounded a multicultural sorority dedicated to community service and cultural awareness. She also pursued study abroad options and taught English in Ecuador. Angelica’s academic and extracurricular experiences have led her to believe, with conviction, that every student is capable of succeeding in the classroom. She wants to give others the chance that teachers gave to her.
Kevin Takisaki Update Fall 2011: Kevin will continue teaching at Hazen High School in the Renton School District Kevin Takisaki is currently employed as a Spanish teacher at Hazen High School. Kevin holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish with a secondary major in theater from Washington State University. He is also a graduate of the Masters in Teaching at Washington State University. Takisaki grew up in Spokane, Washington, and realized he wanted to be a teacher when he was in junior high school. Takisaki says he considers the classroom to be a special place. "An encouraging teacher can often be the motivation a student needs to take a step towards being the best person they can be. This can be especially true for students of color who often times come from unstable, poor or discriminatory backgrounds. I hope to show them the importance of hard work and helping others."
Carlito Gil Umali Update Fall 2011: Carlito will be student teaching this year at Kent Meridian High in the Kent School District Carlito will be teaching 4 sections of 11th Grade American Literature and 1 section of Technology/LA. Carlito Gil Umali, self-described as Asian-American Filipino, will complete his graduate degree in Education at Seattle University. As an undergraduate student, Carlito proved his commitment to educational justice is absolute. Hearing stories of students overwhelmed with the academic rigor, financial demand, and administrative complexities of college life, he created three workshops to address study and stress management, the scholarship process, and the post-grad application experience. "We knew we were successful when students brought family, partners, and friends to events and to the office," says Carlito. He has also presented the scholarship workshop for Campana Quetzal, a local Latino non-profit, FilStar a local Filipino non-profit, and the Annual Washington State Students of Color Conference in Yakima. Carlito was recognized for his work as an advocate for students of color and was asked to speak at commencement. He continued to lead within his community by working for the Center for Service and Community Engagement and by serving for AmeriCorps. Driven by a desire to teach high school language arts in Seattle’s south end, Carlito volunteered with Sartori Education Center an Alternative School in Renton, helping at-risk students complete their high school education. Carlito says that his students motivate this work, “In the smiles, proudly lifted heads, eager rising of hands, and the growing quality of their work, I can see my students are gaining knowledge, skills, and confidence.”
Jenna Visoria
Update Fall 2011: Jenna will continue teaching in China Jenna Visoria will be returning to the Seattle area next summer after spending two years teaching in China. Jenna is a graduate of the Masters in Teaching program at Washington State University and holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from WSU. A native of Vancouver, Washington, Visoria says she always wanted a career through which she could help people and make a difference in her community. "It is absolutely essential young students of color be told they are capable of achieving their dreams," says Visoria. "Students of color might lack some of the opportunities other children begin their academic journey with. We must ensure that these students are given the confidence and the tools they need to succeed." |
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