MEET OUR PEOPLE
APISSC Staff
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Marie Alexandra R. Ibarra, M.A.Pronouns: She/HerCoordinator, Asian Pacific Islander Student Success CenterPhone: (510) 885-2840
Marie is #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.
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Michelle VangPronouns: She/HerAPISSC Student AssistantClass: 3rd Year (Junior) What does it mean to be a Pioneer of Color? For me, being a Pioneer of Color means challenging the unknown, as we will never know what may be put in front of us. I understand that it is sometimes hard to fit in with others, but it does not mean that no one is like me. There will be people that are in the same situation as me, and I know that each of us will try our best to go against these challenges that are put in front of us, whether that be stereotypes or set standards based on our color. Being a Pioneer of Color is something that I am proud to be a part of, and I feel that it is something I can use to my advantage as I will not look at it as a roadblock in my path but as something that will allow me to grow from as a person who may be different from others. How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals? Working in the Asian Pacific Islander Student Success Center connects with my personal and academic goals in several ways. Firstly, the center provides me with various opportunities to enhance my interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills, which are tied to my goal of fostering connections with other individuals on campus. Additionally, engaging with people from diverse backgrounds helps me develop meaningful connections with my peers and staff/faculty, enhancing my overall college experience. The experiences and skills I gained from working at the APISSC have contributed significantly to shaping me into who I am today, as the center provided me with many valuable resources to help me achieve my goals.
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Matthew Alexander P.Pronouns: He/Him/HisAPISSC Student AssistantClass: 5th Year What does it mean to be a Pioneer of Color? Being a Pioneer of Color allows me to show my intersectionality in multiple ways. Diversity is an important aspect being at 绿帽换妻 & having the ability to exhibit my cultural identities allows me to have some reign or power over my voice. It’s understandable to know that not every area or campus is as diverse as 绿帽换妻, let alone the Bay Area, however, I feel that we are a great example towards how we should be interacting with each other. I love that I have many opportunities to meet multiple individuals with unique backgrounds which teach me the different cultures & identities they may identify by. How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals? Working with the center has taught me how to go outside of my comfort zones & push myself past my limits to learn skills I would have never thought I’d be able to obtain. The most important skill I feel that I’ve secured through working here is the ability to publicly speak or voice out my opinions. Especially being an introvert previously, now an extrovert, I feel this skill has helped me excel in not being fearful of making mistakes & not being afraid of what others may think of me. I’ve grown to have a more confident persona & learned to understand that although one individual may be scared to express themselves, being an example brings comfort to them & allows people to feel less intimidated by the thought of being embarrassed.
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Rhayna M.Pronouns: She/HerAPISSC Student Assistant - AANHPI GrantClass: 3rd Year (Junior) What does it mean to be a Pioneer of Color? Being a pioneer of color means overcoming challenges and facing the unexpected while embracing myself culturally in the Cal State East Bay community. My fellow Pioneers before me were the mentors who inspired me to give their courageous energy and love to nurture others to fit in as a POC. I strived to be the best role model and ate (big sister) to represent my cultural identity wherever I go as I continue to shelter my Asian Pacific Islanders here in College. How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals? Being one of the student assistants here has allowed me to speak confidently about my academics and preparation to be an educator. I loved that I saw the liberating aspects that gave me an expanded vocabulary to describe my major and my career goal.
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Zenji T.Pronouns: They/Them/HeAPISSC Student Assistant - AANHPI GrantClass: 2nd Year What does it mean to be a Pioneer of Color? The meaning of being a Pioneer of Color for me, is allowing myself to interact and see what I missed with both my Filipino side and Chamorro side. Being able to spend my first year learning and experiencing Filipino culture made me want to do the same with my Chamorro culture as well. I want to be able to represent my Chamorro identity as well as teaching others about it. I didn't allow myself time to understand who I was from the Cultural Identity aspect when I was younger. Despite the late start, I'm forever grateful to be given the opportunity to explore more of both cultures. How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals? It gives me the open door to learning more about my Chamorro side. I’ve been introduced to my FIlipino side majority of my life, but I felt as if my other side of my culture was in the shadows. I want to be able to bring the Chamorro community more light, as well as Pacific Islander community in general. For an academic sense, I want to appreciate my culture through my education, and wanting to help advocate for a better opportunity for the API community as a whole.
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Tahoe R.Pronouns: He/HimAPISSC Student Assistant - Volunteer InternClass: Senior What does it mean to be a Pioneer of Color? To be a person of color in this space to me means being able to help create a space that feels like home, but also other Pioneers of Color. As a student staff of the APISSC, I feel a responsibility to leave my limited time here with a more inclusive space of belonging, and inspire others to continue being agents of change in the world. How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals? Working with the center connects with my goals of continuing to be a student activist and help create the future I want to see. As a student I consider this part of my experience and related to my major. |