AV狼

Marie Alexandra R. Ibarra, M.A.

Pronouns: She/Her

Coordinator, Undocumented Student Resource Center

Phone: (510) 885-2840
Email: mariealexandra.ibarra@csueastbay.edu

Marie is a #ForeverPioneer. She shares a range of experience working with diverse student populations: from international affairs in Japan, supporting K-12 leadership development and special needs students, as well as contributing to postsecondary academic support services from the Midwest to the West Coast (e.g., writing centers and resources, first-year and first generation student experiences, undocumented/DACAmented communities, and transfer student programs). She strives to support the holistic development of students in the face of adversity and oppressive institutional structures, and works to further empower students to believe in themselves and their strengths. 

Valeria Barrios, B.A.

Pronouns: She/Her/Ella

Assistant Coordinator, Undocumented Student Resource Center

Phone: (510) 885-4311
Email: valeria.barrios@csueastbay.edu

Valeria Barrios (She/Her/Ella) is the DISARC Assistant Coordinator for the Undocumented Student Resource Center. Valeria is a daughter of immigrant parents from Zacatecas, Mexico and first-generation Chicana alumni from California State University, East Bay. #GoPioneers! 

Valeria has a Bachelors in Ethnic Studies with a Chicanx/Latinx Studies concentration and a minor in Sociology.  As a first-generation Chicana and community college transfer student, she understands the immediate challenges experienced by first-generation BIPOC college students, such as the need for college/career tools, guidance, academic readiness, imposter syndrome, financial barriers, and lack of representation and community while also balancing the cultural and familial responsibilities of being a child of immigrants. As she navigated the world of higher education and overcame these obstacles, she came across two realizations: the need for more representation and the profound impact that mentorship and community have on an individual.

Valeria was also a DISARC student assistant for the Undocumented Student Resource Center during her time at CSUEB and she’s happy to be back with her DISARC family! Her goal is to continue fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where students are allowed to be unapologetically themselves while receiving guidance and support ensuring their success.

Emmanuel Centeno

Pronouns: He/Him

Class: Senior

Hobbies: Model kit building, reading, fishing

Major: Art BFA Video and Animation

Languages: English and Spanish

What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?

Being a Pioneer of color means that I am not alone in my experience. It is learning that there are those who were here before me that have paved the way for community, support, and opportunities that bring me closer to my peers. I am happy to have solidarity with my identity and motivation to include my culture in my academics. I hope that when I graduate, I leave behind a similar path of support and opportunity for others who need help in showing their colors. 

How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?

The Center needs creatives no matter the medium. Likewise, creatives like me need the Center. It has pushed me to find more clever ways of communicating my ideas and catching the attention of students. Before working at the Center, I always hoped to have more of an open mind and an open heart. Now I am grateful to have such a diverse group of intelligent and beautiful minds that proudly display their cultures in ways I never could have imagined. 

Serinity Rubio

Pronouns: She/Her

Class: Sophmore

Major: Psychology

Hobbies: Reading and drawing

Languages: English

What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?

To be a pioneer of color means to represent your own heritage while also celebrating others. When doing this, we cultivate a diverse and accepting community in East Bay.

How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?

Even when I was only a visitor to the center, I’ve always felt accepted and welcome in the space. One of my personal goals is to make people feel like they belong and intentionally create community, so I am happy to be a part of the USRC team. I have always loved volunteering and advocacy work, working at the center I feel that I am contributing to a mission which is bigger than myself. I enjoy connecting my personal values with my professional goals, and my role as a student assistant keeps me aligned with this. 

Ayush Nilesh Moghe.

Pronouns: He/Him

Class: Junior

Major: Health Sciences

Hobbies: Playing Sitar, Music, Traveling.

Languages: English, Marathi, Hindi, Sanskrit.

What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?

Being a Pioneer of color has significance in my life. I am a proud Asian and really glad to be able to represent my culture and ethnic values in a diverse school setting. This is an inclusive campus and I strive to be a part of that inclusivity and contribute to maintaining it. 

How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?

Working with DISARC, I have learnt a lot specially about diversity and inclusion and what it truly means. I consider this as an opportunity or a privilege which helped me develop a broader vision while I am on my path to be a healthcare provider, a vision of inclusion and contribution to the vast human community while maintaining the identity of self and others. 

Yamilet Deniz

Pronouns: She/Her

Class: Sophmore

Major: Psychology

Hobbies:Running, Art (henna, facepaint, drawing, painting), Pickleball, Soccer, Music (piano, ukulele, cello, flute)

Languages: Spanish, English

What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?

To me, being a pioneer of color means representing a strong and beautiful culture. It means working hard and making the most out of every chance we get, because things are not always given to us easily. As a first-generation student and only child, I’ve learned to believe in the power of honest work. I also believe that blessings are around us every day, and it’s up to us to choose how we use them.

How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?

 I’m excited to work with the center because I love building community and being part of something bigger than myself. Helping others and lifting people up inspires me to grow and be better in my own life. It reminds me that a lot can be done in just one day. When it comes to school, I know that building relationships on campus can really help—not just with classes, but with learning from others and finding support when it’s needed.