On Thurs., Oct. 7, the Sonoma State Alumni Association celebrated Latinx Heritage Month with a virtual Latinx Alumni Panel. Five SSU alumni honored their Latinx heritage and shared their personal backgrounds, educational journeys, and professional careers with students and faculty. 

The panelists included Chicano Studies and Organizational Development graduate Richard DeLeón, Hutchins Liberal Studies graduate Jesús Guzmán, Sociology graduate Ariana Aparicio Aguilar, Psychology graduate Cerbelio Rodas-Reyes, and Psychology graduate Monica Cornejo. 

Roughly 40 people attended the event, and the crowd was mostly made up of SSU students and faculty. A facilitator asked questions to the panelists, and the audience could respond or ask their own questions directly through the Zoom.

Alumni Association Director, Tiffany O’Neil, expressed the significance of the event, and stated that, “hosting these panels is one of our favorite things to do. The alumni joining us today are providing opportunities that volunteer and support the advancement of Sonoma State. We are proud to be honoring and recognizing Latinx Heritage Month through this event and conversation.”

The panelists described how SSU helped them individually, while also discussing how the university provided various opportunities and prepared them for their future professional careers. 

Jesús Guzmán graduated from SSU in 2015 with a Bachelor’s in the Hutchins Liberal Studies program. Guzmán went on to share how SSU benefited his personal and educational life. “As an undocumented student, I faced a lot of challenges and struggled to pay for college out of pocket. I had to work two full time jobs, but Sonoma State allowed me to work and get an education in the Hutchins program at the same time.”

Ariana Aparicio Aguilar graduated in 2011, and went on to credit her positive experiences with Sonoma State to the Sociology Department. “The Sociology Department was supportive and they really cared for me. The department was a gift, and I was able to make long lasting connections. SSU taught me to hustle and to navigate things on my own, but also to push forward and keep growing. Now, I hope to become an administrator in higher education so I can be a resource and mentor to other students.” The alumni also encouraged audience members to take advantage of school opportunities and utilize resources. 

Richard DeLeón graduated twice from the university and spoke on the ways he became involved on campus. “I wanted to take advantage of all the opportunities that came in my direction. I got involved in everything I could and took on leadership roles. I worked at the EOP office, I did summer orientation work, I was involved in my fraternity, and I was elected vice president of student government. My undergrad experience was a stepping stone to get me to do the work that I am achieving now.” 

Guzmán voiced, “For me, a tremendous resource at SSU was using professors’ office hours. Having those one on one conversations with your professors influences you and opens doors for the future. Take office hours seriously and use them to your advantage.”

The panelists engaged in conversation about the obstacles Latinx individuals face. They reflected on their hardships and gave the audience advice about what they learned as Latinx students. 2017 graduate, Monica Cornejo, conveyed that, “the Latinx community faces imposter syndrome and feeling like they aren’t good enough or don’t belong. Don’t be afraid to knock on doors, and if those doors don’t open, knock them down yourself. We have the power ourselves to make change. It is very important to have these panels to talk about more opportunities for Latinx.” 

DeLeón mentioned that the support and connections he made with others helped him persevere. “There was a small number of Latinx students, but we were able to build such a strong community with those who stuck around. Tell yourself to keep going and remember that you have people to help you figure it out.”

Audience members expressed their thoughts on the conversation and thanked the panelists. SSU alum and foundation board member, Anita Christmas, commented, “you are all so inspirational and I am so proud of you. Stay strong and keep moving forward.” Marge Limbert, Senior Director of the Green Music Center, said, “I am so inspired by this incredible group of humans. Thank you for all you do.” To stay informed and connected with SSU alumni, be sure to visit ssu.alumni.org. For more information on Latinx Hertiage events at SSU, go to diversity.sonoma.edu.