Executive Team

Hey everyone, my name is Natalie Hidalgo and I’m in the process of finishing my bachelors degree. Above is a picture of me and my girl Luna or as my dad named her Lunatica. She was given her government name due to her personality when we first adopted her back in 2021. However, she goes by her many nicknames instead ever since she became a part of the family. I have lived in Los Angeles my whole life but am grateful that my parents were able to instill our Ecuadorian culture within my childhood. My hope for the degree I will be receiving is to eventually be able to help people within the mental health field. I was the youngest in a family of five but have unfortunately lost my brother and mom due to cancer. This has become my strongest reason as to why I want to eventually devote my career to mental health. In my spare time I enjoy attempting to draw, paint, and do anything that allows me to be creative; hence my many unfinished art projects. Also, I chose a picture with my cat because she has provided me a lot of joy throughout everything that has happened within these last couple of years. Do not be fooled though, she is a handful but the stress is worth it. The most important thing about me as an individual is who I want to end up becoming after Cal State La, which is to take my bachelors in sociology and help people feel hopeful again.  

Taryn Bates is a 30-something-year-old sociologist who was homeschooled her whole life in a strict religious bubble. As the one always on the outside looking in, Taryn later discovered this works very well as a sociologist, especially for the sociological imagination. Having felt alone and lacking in support from this childhood, Taryn hopes to use her sociology degree to help those who are most in need of compassion and guidance to connect to curated resources. She currently holds multiple Associate of Arts degrees in Sociology, Liberal Studies, and Behavioral Sciences after graduating Summa cum laude with Honors from Irvine Valley College. A non-traditional transfer student to Cal State LA, she is currently a senior undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology under the Inequalities and Diversity track while also participating in the Honors College. For the 2023-2024 academic year at Cal State LA, Taryn holds the positions of Sociology Club President & Social Media Manager, Student Homie Union (SHU) Treasurer, and the role of Managing Copy Editor for CSF. Additionally, Taryn was honored to be a 2023 recipient of the Cal State LA campus-wide Annual Distinguished Women Award. When not on campus, Taryn loves social partner dancing to Blues music. Social partner dancing is a cross-cultural experience that fuels her main hobbies, volunteer organizing opportunities, and research passion for her Honors College BA Thesis on cross-cultural interactions at the intersections of patriarchy and matriarchy in Black American Vernacular dance forms.

My name is Alejandra Cortez Espinoza. I am a first-generation college student; I was raised by a strong independent mother who was widowed when I was just 13 years old. My mother raised my younger sister and I to be strong, fearless, and humble. Since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be in the healthcare field, my passion for helping others is what inspired me to pursue a career as a nurse. I am studying sociology to learn more about the community that I grew up in and the people that surround me. As a Latina I want to encourage other people from my culture to pursue a higher education and encourage them to never give up on their dreams. When I’m not in school or at work I enjoy cooking and reading. I consider myself to be an advocate for the elderly and hope to one day become an amazing nurse.

Greetings, 

My name is Sandra Vega . I'm pursuing my bachelor's degree in Sociology. I’m debating whether I should work in the Human Resources field or simply become a social worker. Only time will tell. If everything goes well I should be able  to finish by Fall 2023. My first language is Spanish even though I was born here in Los Angeles California. Both of my parents were born in Michoacán, Mexico. A fun fact about me is that I’m not allowed to go out with friends even though I’m 25. In order for me to enjoy life,  I  need to sneak out. Therefore, I only go out with my family living within my  household . I used to get bothered but over the years I could say that I’ve gotten used to it. I don’t  mind it at all. I’ve realized that they’re all I have and we have fun times every time we’re all reunited . One of my few interests would be cooking and uploading my recipes to tik tok in order for people to find cooking easy and fun just like how I see it from my point of view. During the year of 2017 I was looking for work non stop because I wanted to give my  family members  Christmas presents. That was my only reason to seek out for work. I began to do mission  work in South East Asia, I was able to meet a group of deaf women that led to meeting a whole community. Although I wasn’t able to have experience in any social work or counseling, I was asked to help in the social services department at a local NGO. This opportunity allowed me to witness different behaviors and situations that the deaf faced on a daily basis.

Greetings everyone, my name is Karen. I am a Sociology major. After I complete my BA degree, I plan to continue my education and pursue a Master’s degree in Public Health. I have yet to define what I want to do with my education, but one thing is for certain, I want to utilize my education to be a service to others and find solutions to the most prevalent social issues. This picture was taken at one of the most beautiful national parks I have visited so far, Yosemite. I am an avid concert goer, love to read and travel. I hope the next students feel inspired to evolve this space, your ideas and stories are very much needed. May you find inspiration in your educational journey at CSULA. May you feel called to use your creativity and skills to inspire and change the world for the better. 

 Hello everyone, my name is Nakeya Jackson, I am a current student at Cal State LA majoring In Sociology. I will be graduating in spring of 2023 with my bachelor’s degree. I am a mother of a brilliant five-year-old son. I am a small business owner of De Boat Potatoes & Taco Shack. I make Tacos, and load baked Potatoes with your choice of meats, and all the trimmings. I enjoy cooking and this is something that I do as therapy for myself. I plan to have a storefront. I also take out time and my means to help feed and clothe the less fortunate in the LA area. I am a Christian; I attend and am a member of Ward AME church. I hope to land a career position in social services or in the criminal justice system after I graduate from college. My goal is to become a homicide detective because I am a great investigator, and this is something that I find interest in as my future career. 

  Nallely is a first-generation college student at CSULA majoring in Sociology. She is currently on the Dean’s List and is scheduled to graduate on Fall 22. After graduation, her goal is to work in the legal field with an emphasis on immigration where she hopes to advocate for marginalized groups and provide new opportunities for themselves and their families. Contributing to the start of WeAreLAToo has been a pleasure and she looks forward to seeing it become a place where every person is represented and celebrated. 

 Born and raised in Mexico City, till the age of sixteen, migrated here in September of 1986, attended Narbonne High School, Graduated from the police explorer academy in 1988, was discharge for a legal situation from there and worked with my church as a choir director as well of religious formation across the Archidiocesis of LA  for some years. Got married in 1994 father of five children.Also Open a business in same year  focused on servicing office equipment, maintain that while working security at Marymount University for five years, Transfer to San Antonio in 2017 and work for an export company in the same industry for a year, came back to LA in 2018 and continue my education at Harbor College, South West College and East LA College. Graduated in 2021 with an ADT in Sociology and AA in Humanities also got a certification as addiction and preventive specialist in Social work.I am a TIme Done Delegate of the LA chapter here in California first generation working to help our brothers and sisters that are impacted by the prison system. This year hoping to pass SB 731Criminal record relief. We also advocate for Prop 47 that recategorized some nonviolent offenses as misdemeanors and  the expungement of records in 2014 also Called Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act.I am the life coach of my twenty five year  autistic son named Marcos Padilla while I am still pursuing a career.My major is Sociology and will continue my education towards my PHD either at UC or any available university here in Southern California.

Hello everyone, my name is Yessenia B Arauz, I am a current student at Cal State LA majoring in Sociology with an option in Law and Society. I will be graduating in Fall 2022. I am a mother of an amazing little girl who just turned 5. I am also a small business owner of Rogue Crafting. I make custom tumblers, stickers, and tee shirts, you name it and I can custom make it. I would like to dedicate my life to helping people from a legal standpoint. My ultimate goal is to become a lawyer and advocate for children with special needs.

 Hello everyone! I have been given a great opportunity to be a part of a community to start up an online page called WEARELATOO. Within the page we break down stigma and as well hope to give resources for those who are in need of it. Unfortunately the timeline of this startup was only a month and things are not yet finished. I leave this unfinished work to other individuals who would like to contribute and help their communities. I hope it brings much joy and happiness as it did for me. Thank you.  

 Hello, my name is Miguel Cortez and I am a first-generation undergrad student at CSULA. I will be graduating next Summer of 2023 with a degree in Sociology. My plans for the future are to obtain a career as social worker in child welfare. As a father of two boys, I want to make a difference in my community by protecting our children as much as possible. In addition, I am also a part-time DJ on the weekends. DJ’ing has been a part of my life for the past twenty-four years and has given me the opportunities to travel and make friends in different cities. I have been featured on some of Los Angeles best radio stations such as Mega 96.3 FM, Cali 93.9 FM and Power 106. Within the next couple of years, I also plan to open up an afterschool program where children and teens can learn the art of DJ’ing and Music Production

 Hello everyone, my name is Nakeya Jackson, I am a current student at Cal State LA majoring In Sociology. I will be graduating in spring of 2023 with my bachelor’s degree. I am a mother of a brilliant five-year-old son. I am a small business owner of De Boat Potatoes & Taco Shack. I make Tacos, and load baked Potatoes with your choice of meats, and all the trimmings. I enjoy cooking and this is something that I do as therapy for myself. I plan to have a storefront. I also take out time and my means to help feed and clothe the less fortunate in the LA area. I am a Christian; I attend and am a member of Ward AME church. I hope to land a career position in social services or in the criminal justice system after I graduate from college. My goal is to become a homicide detective because I am a great investigator, and this is something that I find interest in as my future career. 

 My name is Amber Rosales. I am a current student at Cal State LA majoring in Sociology. I will be graduating Fall 2022 with my Bachelors in Sociology. After receiving my bachelors I will be going for my Masters either in Special Education along with my credentials or Social Work. I am currently working at a high school as an Instructional Aide and it is the best job. I want to make a change for children and let them know that there is always someone there for them when they think no one is. Making a change in anyone's life is what makes me happy. 

 Cal State LA student pursuing my B.A.in Sociology option in Gerontology. I am a proud Latina and a first generation college student. I have 4 years working for the geriatric population. My previous roles include working as a receptionist for the PACE program and customer service representative for a Durable Medical Equipment/Supply company. I’m interested in becoming a social worker. In the future I would like to study mental health issues and learn how I can help others. 

 Hello my name is Astrid Cordoba I am a student at CSULA majoring in Sociology, scheduled to graduate Spring 2023. I work as a program supervisor for Los Angeles Unified School District, and I also work as a behavior interventionist with students one on one. I am a dog lover, who loves watching movies, and traveling the world. I love to give back to my community and spread nothing but love and positivity. 

 Hello, my name is Cindy Felipe, and I am currently a student at CSULA. I am majoring in Sociology with a Minor in Criminal Justice and will be graduating in Spring of 2023. My goal is to work within the criminal justice system as a Forensic Specialist. Although my educational road has been a long one, I can safely say I would not have it any other way, it is never too late to accomplish your goals. Through this road I was able to grow as a student and as a person. I was also able to be part of this great project, WeAreLAToo, which I know will grow and be of great assistance to individuals in need of support and an effective way to continue to break down stigma. 

 My name is Danisa Chavez, a first-generation undergraduate student at California State University, Los Angeles. I will be receiving my bachelor’s degree in sociology in the fall of 2022. After completing my undergraduate degree, I will pursue a master’s degree in social work. I am currently a substitute teacher assistant in head start programs and elementary schools. My goal is to provide families in underserved communities with resources to help them meet their information needs. Furthermore, I want to be an advocate in my city’s diverse communities. 

 My name is Marta Sanchez Gallardo, pronouns she, her,ella. I am the first in my family to migrate to the U.S. to pursue my dreams. I am the paw parent to two lovely paw babies. I have been working in the healthcare field for over 18+ years now. During that time have been in and out of school- taking one or two classes per semester.  Until the start of the pandemic, with the possibility of distance learning, I was able to find a balance between my job and family responsibilities as well as my education. I am moving full steam ahead.  Always remember that our roads may be full of obstacles it is up to us to find a way around them and reach our goals. 

 Hello, my name is Connie Herrera, I am a first generation CSULA student majoring in sociology. I will be graduating this Summer, 2022. I am a behavioral interventionist for children with autism. I hope to further my education and obtain my masters degree in ABA. My goal is to continue working with children with autism and become a BCBA. As a student who struggles with anxiety and depression, I hope WeAreLAToo becomes a safe space for any CSULA student. 

 Ellie is a first generation college student at CSULA studying Sociology. She is expected to complete her undergraduate program Fall 2023. After completing her undergraduate program she will be initiating her graduate program in School Psychology. Ellie is currently a Case Manager for the Department of Mental Health and working with children and families. When not working or studying, Ellie enjoys hiking, nature, yoga, and loves helping children improve their quality of life. 

 Born and raised in Mexico City, till the age of sixteen, migrated here in September of 1986, attended Narbonne High School, Graduated from the police explorer academy in 1988, was discharge for a legal situation from there and worked with my church as a choir director as well of religious formation across the Archidiocesis of LA  for some years. Got married in 1994 father of five children.

Also Open a business in same year  focused on servicing office equipment, maintain that while working security at Marymount University for five years, Transfer to San Antonio in 2017 and work for an export company in the same industry for a year, came back to LA in 2018 and continue my education at Harbor College, South West College and East LA College. Graduated in 2021 with an ADT in Sociology and AA in Humanities also got a certification as addiction and preventive specialist in Social work.

I am a TIme Done Delegate of the LA chapter here in California first generation working to help our brothers and sisters that are impacted by the prison system. This year hoping to pass SB 731Criminal record relief. We also advocate for Prop 47 that recategorized some nonviolent offenses as misdemeanors and  the expungement of records in 2014 also Called Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act.

I am the life coach of my twenty five year  autistic son named Marcos Padilla while I am still pursuing a career.

My major is Sociology and will continue my education towards my PHD either at UC or any available university here in Southern California.

 Nallely is a first-generation college student at CSULA majoring in Sociology. She is currently on the Dean’s List and is scheduled to graduate on Fall 22. After graduation, her goal is to work in the legal field with an emphasis on immigration where she hopes to advocate for marginalized groups and provide new opportunities for themselves and their families. Contributing to the start of WeAreLAToo has been a pleasure and she looks forward to seeing it become a place where every person is represented and celebrated.