• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Features
  • Campus News
  • CSUDH.edu
  • Contact
  • People
    • Staff Spotlight
    • Faculty Highlights
    • Alumni
  • Magazine
  • For Journalists
    • CSUDH In The News
    • Press Releases
    • Facts and Figures
    • Find Media Experts
    • Gallery
    • News Reporting on Campus

CSUDH News

The primary source of news and information about California State University, Dominguez Hills, its students, faculty, and staff.

Sociology

CSUDH History Woven into New Book about Los Angeles Street Groups

October 13, 2022 By Lilly McKibbin

Collage of photos of individuals and groups (taken from book cover)

More than 30 years ago, CSUDH Professor Emeritus of Sociology John C. Quicker and alumnus Akil S. Batani-Khalfani began a sociological and historical deep dive into the origins of street groups in South Los Angeles. Their years of research, which began during their time together at CSUDH, have turned into a new book: Before Crips: Fussin’, Cussin’, and Discussin’ Among South Los Angeles Juvenile Gangs (Temple University Press, July 2022).

In 1970, when Quicker began teaching sociology at what was then known as California State College Dominguez Hills, the campus and surrounding community were in the throes of change. It was five years after the 1965 Watts Rebellion, and only two years after the campus had moved from Palos Verdes to the new city of Carson, incorporated in 1968. Then-governor of California Pat Brown had deliberately chosen the campus’ location in the aftermath of the Rebellion in order to provide an accessible college education to the underserved, mostly minority local population.

Quicker soon realized that many of his students had invaluable firsthand insights into the economic, political, and social factors specific to street life in South Los Angeles.

“Many of my students were older than me and fresh off of the Watts Rebellion,” Quicker says. “Our university was just south of where all this happened. I started learning about these local street groups, and knew that there was no existing research done on them.”

Quicker used South Los Angeles as a subject in his sociology classes, with students contributing observations of their lived experiences. He developed a close rapport with one student, Batani-Khalfani. Better known as “Bird,” Batani-Khalfani (’85, Spanish; minor, Mexican-American Studies) had been a member of the Slausons–a street organization formed in the late 1940s that grew to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s.

“I knew he knew a lot,” Quicker says. “Bird introduced me to people, and was willing to invite me into the community.”

Bird began collaborating with Quicker on research, and the pair conducted interviews and data collection in South Los Angeles between the late 1980s and early 1990s.

John Quicker and Bird
Left to right: Professor Emeritus of Sociology John C. Quicker and alumnus Akil S. Batani-Khalfani (’85), better known as Bird.

“I took Quicker all through our neighborhood, and where I’m from, everyone’s always checking you out,” Bird says, adding that they got some raised eyebrows from time to time. “When people see a Black guy and White guy running around together, they think something’s going on.” 

However, people were willing to talk to them because they “knew and trusted Bird not to bring any ‘poot butt’ into the community,” Quicker says. “South Los Angeles had been mostly ignored by almost all of the existing literature on gangs, so we had a vast urban laboratory waiting for us.”

Their research focused on street groups of non-White adolescents formed before 1970, with Bird and Quicker providing theoretical analysis and context alongside their collected oral histories. CSUDH students also contributed research, analyzing newspapers from the 1930s through the 1960s. One of their findings was that the term “gang” was imposed on groups, and not a term they chose to describe themselves.

“Without exception, the people we spoke with did not self-identify as gangs,” Quicker says. “They became ‘gangs’ because of external naming by law enforcement or by others in positions of power, giving the concept a racial connotation. The term ‘gang’ is subjective.”

The pair continued their project throughout the 1990s and 2000s, but often had to put the work on hold due to other obligations. When Quicker retired from teaching in 2012, he says, it was to devote more time to research and writing.

The result is a book which, in many ways, is the first of its kind. Before Crips focuses on an area and time previously unexamined within scholarly gang research, and utilizes the personal interviews Bird and Quicker conducted to bring context to life.

“[Readers] will get the actual and factual, as opposed to hearsay,” Bird says. “That’s what the difference of this book is. There’s no fantasy–we spoke to real, live-talking individuals.”

Quicker hopes that the book will dispel myths and misconceptions about gangs–including the term “gang” itself–and allow readers a glimpse into the complexities of life in South Los Angeles.

“I took the same kind of hope to this book that I used to take into my classes: I hope it opens eyes,” Quicker says. “I hope readers can grow in their learning, and learn what is, what was, and why.”

Graduating Class of 2022 Scholars Share Reflections of CSUDH

May 19, 2022 By Kandis Newman

2022 Graduates FeaturedThe Class of 2022 has navigated more than their fair share of trials and challenges on their road to commencement. Below, graduates from the CSUDH Presidential Scholars, McNair Scholars, and Toro Guardian Scholars programs share their thoughts on their student experience at the university, inspirational faculty members, future plans–and what makes being a Toro so special. 

Angela Coates

Angela Costes, Presidential Scholars Program
(BS, Kinesiology)

What have you valued most from your college education?

I valued the opportunities and support I’ve received from DH. I wasn’t born in the U.S., and am very much aware of the struggles and lack of support that many students in the Philippines face. I feel very grateful to go to a college that not only values its students, but the cultural diversity and knowledge that its student community has to offer.

How has CSUDH changed you?

CSUDH has changed me in many ways, but most importantly, I think it has made me more confident in myself. CSUDH is actually the second university I’ve transferred to. I went to nursing school at another university, but I realized that path wasn’t for me. I lost a lot of confidence in myself and my academics during that experience.

CSUDH’s supportive, compassionate faculty completely changed my life and how I viewed myself. I truly don’t know where I would be without this experience.

What was the most important thing you learned?

I’ve learned to be compassionate to others, especially your peers. Each person lives a different journey and we truly do not know what people live through on a daily basis. I’ve learned to make each of my interactions with my peers and faculty as meaningful as I can, with the hope that I can impart a positive impact on their lives through even small interactions.

What are your career or educational plans?

Next fall, I will be attending USC’s entry-level Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program. USC has the top-ranked occupational therapy school in the nation, and I feel very blessed to be able to attend. By 2025, I will be Dr. Angela Costes! My career goal is to become a certified hand therapist.

What drew you to your major?

The importance of meaningful living is what drew me to my major. Rehabilitation, especially occupational therapy, focuses on bringing individuals back to the occupations they love most–which is so important to me. Rehabilitation allows people to live their life to the fullest.

What’s your favorite memory from CSUDH?

Meeting Mia Leccese from the Presidential Scholar’s program! She was so helpful in my transfer transition, helped me navigate a new school through COVID, and ended up becoming my coworker! I’m going to attend USC with her in the fall, so she’s definitely going to be a life-long friend.

Daniel DiazDaniel Diaz, McNair Scholars Program
(BA, History)

Are you the first in your family to graduate from college, and what does that mean to you?”¯ 

Yes, I am the first person from my immediate family to graduate from a four-year university. Finishing my undergraduate education has granted me the ability to construct a foundation for a better future for myself through academia, while strengthening my own self-worth and self-capability.

What have you valued most from your college education?”¯ 

My time spent as a scholar with the McNair Scholars Program.

How has CSUDH changed you?

My time spent at DH saw me change from a passionate young man to a mature young scholar who is just beginning his career in academia.

What was the most important thing you learned?

Discovering my own personal capabilities. I have been able to attain a bachelor’s degree and pursue a master’s degree in public history.

What are your career or educational plans?

I am currently pursuing my master’s in public history at Oklahoma State University. I plan to complete my PhD in the same subject, then attain a tenured faculty position at a Research-1 level institution.

What drew you to your major?

A passion for research and the discovery of the unknown.

What is your favorite memory of CSUDH?

The day I was inducted as a McNair Scholar! Becoming a McNair Scholar changed my academic life and has allowed me to continue my education beyond my bachelor’s degree.

Anita Kapila-RamirezAnita Kapila-Ramirez, McNair Scholars Program
(BS, Psychology)

Are you the first in your family to graduate from college, and what does that mean to you?”¯ 

Yes! I now have opportunities afforded to me that my ancestors did not, and for that I am eternally grateful for their sacrifices and support. As a non-traditional student as well, my journey to this degree has been quite long, but it means so much to be able to cross this finish line despite all the roadblocks and setbacks placed in front of me throughout the years.

What have you valued most from your college education?

The selfless guidance I have received at CSUDH from so many who are genuinely willing to help! From my mentor, Kevin Montes, to Michelle Martinez and Gabriela Montes in the McNair Scholars Program, and SO many more, I have learned invaluable education and life skills that will help me navigate my next steps, whether it’s graduate school or my future career.

How has CSUDH changed you?

I have gained a level of confidence and sense of community on this diverse campus that truly makes me feel like I, too, have a place in academia if I choose it.

What was the most important thing you learned?

Learning through a pandemic has definitely thrown some curveballs my way! Because of that, I would say that cultivating diligence and patience have been a key to my academic success.

What are your career or educational plans?

My next step is obtaining an MA in clinical psychology here at CSUDH. I will be starting that journey next fall. After that I plan to get licensure, and then a PhD.

What drew you to your major?

I have always had an interest in psychology. As a child of immigrants navigating two distinct cultural worlds, I always wondered how the social self can differ depending on the situation, and that really started my love for the subject. However, after caring for an ill parent, my research interests started to develop, and CSUDH really helped cultivate that!

What’s your favorite memory from CSUDH?

Being able to travel to a conference where I had the opportunity to present current research was definitely one of many highlights!

Mia LecceseMia Leccese, Presidential Scholars Program
(BS, Kinesiology)

What have you valued most from your college education?”¯ 

I have valued the connections I have made through my college experience the most. I now have amazing friends, mentors, and future colleagues that I know I can always lean on. I learned very quickly that Dominguez Hills truly cares for their students and will go above and beyond to ensure their success.

How has CSUDH changed you?”¯ 

CSUDH has provided me the opportunity to excel at everything I do. It has allowed me to grow and truly make my goals into a reality. I have been able to learn all the necessary skills and background for Kinesiology and I feel extremely prepared for graduate school.

Dominguez Hills also showed me that it is okay to speak up and ask questions! Through the support of my department and its faculty, I have been able to come out of my shell and become a leader. I served as president of the Kinesiology Student Association, presentied a research critique at the Western Society for Kinesiology and Wellness, and was a mentor for underclassmen seeking advice.

What was the most important thing you learned?”¯ 

The most important thing that I have learned is that you are never alone. Dominguez Hills has truly been my village over the past four years and has shown me that I am surrounded by people who will always support me.

What are your future career/educational plans?”¯ 

After CSUDH, I will be attending the University of Southern California to complete my doctorate in physical therapy. I will earn my DPT by 2025 and will begin my career as a physical therapist. I plan to specialize in hips and pediatrics!

What drew you to your major? 

When I was 12 years old, I broke my left hip in a soccer game. I was told it was a pulled groin, so I returned to playing. About six months later I could barely walk and was in excruciating pain. I went to an orthopedic surgeon and was quickly diagnosed with Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis–a week later I underwent emergency surgery to place two titanium pins in my hip.

I was in physical therapy for a year and a half, and would always come home from therapy excited to share what I had done with my parents. Looking back, it was an extremely rewarding experience. This is what drove me to my major and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

My goal is to become just like my therapist, helping patients achieve their goals and return to the things they love by creating unique rehabilitation programs that will make them eager to come into the clinic and regain their strength. I hope that every patient I care for develops a love for physical therapy as large as mine.

What’s your favorite memory from CSUDH?”¯ 

My favorite memory from CSUDH is being part of the Presidential Scholars Program and being the president of the Kinesiology Student Association. Each of these organizations allowed me to proudly show my Toro Pride and introduced me to some of my closest friends.

Andrew LeungAndrew Leung, Presidential Scholars Program
(BA, English Education)

What have you valued most from your college education?

I truly value the community at CSUDH. There is no other place that comes to mind when I think of a community where people treat each other with such kindness, respect, and generosity.

How has CSUDH changed you?

My professors have enabled me to explore my research interests. I have had two academic articles published in peer-reviewed journals during my time as a student here.

What was the most important thing you learned?

The most important thing I have learned is how supportive and kind people are. I am very fortunate to have known so many wonderful people here.

What are your career or educational plans?

I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in English at CSUDH. I would then like to get a doctorate and become a professor myself. As I have been inspired by educators, I wish to inspire students.

What drew you to your major?

Communication through writing is so important, and I chose to study English to further my communication skills. At CSUDH, I have honed my skills at communicating my ideas coherently and effectively.

What’s your favorite memory from CSUDH?

Getting a chance to play the $100,000 Steinway Model B piano on campus!

Cherelle TisbyCherelle Tisby, Toro Guardian Scholars Program
(BA, Sociology)

Are you the first in your family to graduate from college, and what does that mean to you?”¯ 

Yes! It means that I am a super leader, and that I am strong enough to break the generational curse on my family, while starting a new standard for my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

What have you valued most from your college education?”¯ 

I value the resources available to me while pursuing my higher education, as it sets a new standard within my immediate family. I have discovered my true learning ability, as well as opened my mind to diversity and unfamiliar things.

How has CSUDH changed you?

I don’t feel that CSUDH has changed me, but the university has definitely equipped me with the necessary tools to soar in this world. Dominguez Hills has prepared me and developed me for success.

What are your career or educational plans?

My career plans are to open a girls’ group home. My educational plan is to enter the Masters of Social Work program at CSUDH in the fall of 2023.

What drew you to your major?

I had changed my major several times, but when I watched the documentary The Trials of Gabriel Hernandez on Netflix, it had me so angry that I felt the need to do something. As a former foster youth myself, the program lit a fire in me. I felt that his story could have been mine, and I feel the need to help the unprotected by creating a safe haven for kids that are not being guided and loved.

What is your favorite memory of CSUDH?

Receiving my acceptance letter! It gave me hope, and filled me with excitement. I truly was capable of pursing my dreams! Being the first college graduate in my family has allowed me to set a new tone for my children. Reach for the stars and go as far as your capacity will allow!

Joanna Perez Receives the 2021 Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Award

April 22, 2021 By Paul Browning

Assistant Professor of Sociology Joanna Perez has received the 2021 Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Award.
Assistant Professor of Sociology Joanna Perez has received the 2021 Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Award.

As the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, Joanna Perez understands first-hand the struggles that immigrant communities undergo due to structural inequality. In her role as an assistant professor of sociology at CSUDH, Perez uses her research, teaching, and service to highlight the various social issues that impact immigrant communities and to advocate for social change.

“When I first began my educational journey, I would have never thought I’d end up as a sociology professor,” says Perez, “but honestly it’s been the best decision of my life. Doing the kind of work that I get to do through sociology, particularly at Dominguez Hills, is very rewarding.”

Perez’ dedication to and research on immigrant communities has earned her the 2021 Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Award. The award acknowledges research, scholarship, and creative activities that are essential components of the university’s mission. The honor also recognizes professional activities that provide intellectual stimulation and motivation for student learning.

“It’s an honor,” says Perez. “We know that the work of every professor at DH is extremely important and necessary. Receiving this award is meaningful because it recognizes the importance of doing research that accounts for the needs, strengths, and contributions of the immigrant community. As a junior faculty member, receiving this award motivates me to continue to do research that intentionally aims to address issues of social justice. And it feels incredible to know that I am at an institution that recognizes the importance of this work.”

Perez received her B.A. in sociology from UCLA, with a double minor in civic engagement and labor and workplace studies. She then went on to graduate school at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where she earned a master’s and a Ph.D. in sociology. Perez joined the CSUDH faculty in fall 2016.

Perez’ research on the lived experiences of undocumented immigrant activists earned her a prestigious Woodrow Wilson Career Enhancement Fellowship in 2019, and is the ongoing focus of her scholarship. “I’m committed to using my research to really think about and find ways to alter the social conditions of marginalized communities, particularly those who are oppressed because of their race, class, gender, immigration status, and other identities. In the process, I keep in mind CSUDH’s mission, to promote scholarship that is accessible and transformative.”

Her work contextualizes immigrant experiences through ethnography, a method of exploring cultural phenomena from the point of view of the subject of the study. To that end, Perez immerses herself in their experiences through participant observation while at rallies, organizational meetings, and by collaborating with centers such as the Toro Dreamers Success Center.

A large part of Perez’ work involves engaging with the community and learning about their grass-roots organizing. She also conducts in-depth interviews, aiming to understand immigrant experiences through their lens and their own words.

“I aim to tell the story of who they are, not only as folks who’ve been ascribed the status of undocumented immigrants, but who are also these amazing human beings, who despite being subjected to structural inequality and systemic racism, are resilient and powerful. I want to make sure that I reveal the ways in which undocumented youth who have been historically stigmatized are capable of using activism not only to rectify, but to potentially reverse, these inferior positions that they’ve been given by society.”

Perez’ research has also led her to online social media platforms. “In addition to activism on the ground, that’s where activism is happening now,” she says. “I incorporate virtual ethnography in order to analyze the ways in which undocumented youth are using social media as a platform to continue fighting for immigrant rights and humanizing their experience in an accessible way.”

Engaging with Students and the Community

In her teaching, Perez stresses ‘sociological imagination’ to her students. “That means the connection between history and biography,” she explains. “I strive to have students draw from an intersectional lens to understand the ways in which the course material relates to their personal experiences, their community, and the larger society.”

Perez facilitates this process through what she calls “learning through biography.” It is a pedagogical approach that encourages students to take ownership of their own learning process, drawing from their own personal experiences and histories, and connecting them to the coursework.

“Through a student-centered learning environment, I want to make sure that students recognize that their voices and experiences are critical to knowledge production. Each week, we reflect on everything we’ve been learning by sharing how it applies to our lives,” says Perez, “and to recognize the power of their resilience as well as their role in creating social change.”

Perez also works to connect her work with the surrounding communities. “That’s a big part of the work that we all do,” she says. “Our research, how we approach service, and how we integrate the work of the community in our curriculum are all tied to together. I am purposeful in engaging with the community though research collaborations, service commitments, and enhancing my curriculum so that it reflects what’s going on in the larger society.”

For Perez, this kind of community engagement is at the center of her scholarship. Her own experiences as the daughter of immigrants have taught her the importance of using her position to make positive changes in the community. “One of the main reasons I became a professor is to be able to engage with the community,” she says. “That’s one thing that makes being at CSUDH so special. It’s a university that is very much centered around building a sense of community and addressing the needs of surrounding communities.”

Building these kind of connections are integral to Perez’ work, and a key to why she enjoys working at CSUDH so much. “As a first-generation scholar and professor, and a daughter of immigrants, I get to work in a place where I share similar experiences with my students and folks across campus.”

“What I love about CSUDH is being able to build these spaces where we can learn alongside each other. Where, through our collective experiences, we fight for social change. It truly is a very special place. When I think about my experience at other campuses, nothing compares to DH. The love that we have, the resilience that we showcase, and the opportunity we have to learn from so many brilliant minds is phenomenal! It’s exciting and truly an honor to be part of the Toro community.”

Innovative Research Earns Students Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship

February 4, 2021 By Paul Browning

(left to right) Recipients of the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Ian Scott (finance major), Khalil Awad (computer science), and Alejandro Soberanes (business administration). Sociology major Matthew Taylor is not pictured.

For their innovative research on the transportation industry, four California State University Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) students have been named to the Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) 2021 Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program (DDETFP).

The merit-based DDETFP awards 150 to 200 fellowships annually to students across the nation to help strengthen the national workforce in the field through education and research. CSUDH received $35,000 through DDETFP’s local grant competition for Hispanic-serving institutions to offer the fellowship to its students through a competitive application process.

The CSUDH DDETFP fellows are graduate students Matthew Taylor (sociology) and Ian Scott (finance), and undergraduates Alejandro Soberanes (business administration) and Khalil Awad (computer science). Each student will receive a monthly stipend during the fellowship to support them in their research efforts. The students also received a stipend to attend the 2021 Annual Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, the world’s largest gathering of transportation professionals, which was held virtually in January.

“The fellowship helps students enhance their research, establish professional connections, and pursue their careers in transportation,” said Mahmoud Salari, assistant professor of economics at CSUDH and principal investigator of the grant. “This is the first time that CSUDH students have won this award. Now that we have been recognized by the FHWA, we hope to continue our success in securing this grant in the coming years.”

CSU Transportation Consortium Grant

Two of the DDETFP student fellows are currently working with Jian-Yu (Fisher) Ke, associate professor of information systems and operations management, Jose Martinez, professor of economics, and Fynwinn Prager, associate professor of public administration, on the research project “Achieving Excellence for California’s Freight System.” The project was funded last year with a $69,489 grant from the CSU Transportation Consortium at the Mineta Transportation Institute.

The study seeks to determine performance metrics that contribute to a competitive freight system, which consists of ports, highways, rail service, distribution centers, and warehouses. Through evaluating the current position of California’s freight system in comparison with other states, policy recommendation can be offered to increase the competitiveness of California’s freight system.

“This fellowship is an incredible opportunity for our outstanding students to receive funding to continue their transportation-related research efforts and other related endeavors, including their work on critical projects around freight competitiveness and telework,” said Prager.

The CSUDH Student Fellows

Matthew TaylorMatthew Taylor, a second-year graduate student completing a master’s in sociology, serves as a student fellow for the “Achieving Excellence for California’s Freight System: Developing Competitiveness.” His faculty adviser is Prager.

Taylor is drawn to the human elements of the transportation industry. His work seeks to discover what workforce development and training programs can be created to support improved opportunities for local residents and marginalized groups in the freight workforce.

“The DDETFP is important because it provides significant monetary support, allowing me to place meaningful time into my research without the worry of considering other work to ensure financial security,” says Taylor. “It has also confirmed my ability to present research to large bodies of both academics and professionals through my participation in a poster session at the 2021 TRB Annual Meeting. It’s just another example of how CSUDH provides its students a thoroughly enriched educational experience.”

 

Alejandro SoberanesAlejandro Soberanes will complete his bachelor’s degree in business administration in spring 2021 with a specialization in global logistics and supply chain. Fisher is his faculty adviser.

Titled “Why the U.S. has an Aviation Pilots Shortage,” Soberanes refers to his research as an “investigation” with a focus on such topics as pilot labor conditions and pay rates. He has interviewed pilots and has conducted research on the FAA, ALPHA, and AEROMEXICO. His goal is to apply his evidence-based research to help the aviation industry become a more accommodating place for pilots to work.

“I am a student pilot. It is my dream and I’m doing whatever it takes to get there,” Soberanes shares. “I was an illegal immigrant living in the U.S. for many years, so the opportunity to fly – a 747, a A380, or any plane – is so satisfying to me. To be free to go everywhere and experience unlimited travel for me and my family would be invaluable.”

 

Khalil AwadKhalil Awad is earning his bachelor’s degree in computer science. He is also on the “Achieving Excellence for California’s Freight System: Developing Competitiveness” team with Prager as his faculty adviser.

Awad fled Syria’s decade-long war in 2014 and came to the U.S. He has always wanted to help improve transportation and the environment, with a particular interest in “smart cars.” Awad would also like to apply what he learns to help his home country, and the world, become a better place.

“This fellowship is encouraging me to work and learn more, and to understand how valuable is to work with such a great team,” says Awad. “I’m becoming a better person, and that makes education more interesting and valuable.”

 

 

Ian Scott

Ian Scott is an undergraduate majoring in finance who studies macroeconomic trends. His faculty adviser is Meghna Singhvi, associate professor of accounting and finance.

Scott and Singhvi have worked on a number of research papers together, including such topics as corporate management effectiveness, Covid-19 and women in the workplace, hospitality, manufacturing, and the emergence of smart cities. Scott looks forward to researching new and emerging energy sources as they relate to transportation, as he believes the world is on the precipice of a secular change in energy.

“The fellowship gives me the chance to network with like-minded individuals and industry leaders, and it’s nice to work on something that I deem important, alongside my mentor. She’s awesome, and any chance I get to learn more from her is a blessing,” says Scott.

Skye Harris Honored with 2020 CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement

September 17, 2020 By Kandis Newman

Skye Harris
CSU Trustee Award winner Skye Harris attributes her success to hard work and perseverance.

CSUDH undergraduate Skye Harris’ educational pathway has not been a traditional one, but she has overcome every obstacle placed in her path and is set to graduate with a degree in sociology in spring 2021.

For her hard work and persistence, Harris has been named the California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) recipient of the 2020 CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement. The award is the California State University’s highest recognition of student achievement, providing annual scholarships to one student on each CSU campus who demonstrates superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service, and financial need.

“It’s really an honor to be getting the award and to be acknowledged for my hard work,” says Harris. “It was quite humbling, and let me know ‘Hey you’re on the right track. Don’t get dissuaded, keep pushing forward,’ so it meant a lot to me. I’m grateful.”

Harris applied and was accepted to CSUDH in 2018 following a 15-year gap in her college education. She had attained her A.A. degree from Citrus College in 2005, but circumstances prevented her from continuing her studies. Harris went through a lot during those 15 years, from raising her seven children as a single mother and housing insecurity to enduring the trials of affirming her identity as a queer person of color.

“I’ve been through some things, and I’ve struggled,” says Harris. “I’ve come from places of grief and loss, family struggles, and identity struggles. I’ve definitely had to navigate those things, and it hasn’t always been easy.”

Harris’ experiences and hardships have been the driving force behind her desire to help others in need. She currently works as a training specialist at Five Acres, a non-profit mental health advocacy group for foster children located in her hometown of Pasadena. Harris leads their RISE Committee, which partners with the Los Angeles LGBT Center to help create safe, affirming spaces for LGBTQ youth.

“It’s my job to work with new hires as they are brought into the agency,” says Harris. “I let them know about foster care reform, how to navigate behavioral issues with kids who have experienced trauma, how to create safe spaces for LGBTQ youth. I also help provide interventions to deal with some of the kids we have who can have some very extreme behaviors as a result of their trauma – self-harming, physical aggression, things of that nature. I teach them how to remain safe and create safety for the kids, too.”

Harris has found that her personal struggles often put her on the same page as the people she works with. “It helps me connect with them,” she says. “Often, people need to see themselves reflected in somebody else. After talking with me, they might think ‘If this person can do it, why can’t I?’ It allows for a real personal connection.”

As a single mother, the award’s financial assistance means a lot to Harris. “This means I don’t have to take anything from my kids in order to further my education, which is very important to me. I don’t want to take anything off their plate by going back to school so late in life.”

Upon graduating, Harris plans to continue her education, with an eye on becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist. Ultimately, she hopes to open a resource center for LGBTQ youth in her Pasadena community.

“I’d like to create safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ youth, maybe a resource center or something with a counseling or peer group aspect to it, as well,” Harris shared. “I just want to continue contributing to my community with my education. I want to give back by creating safer places, more informed people, and by bringing resources to areas where it’s necessary and needed in order for people to feel safe and feel seen. Lots of our youth really need that extra support.”

Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
2nd in Economic Mobility

Press Releases

Installation view of “Personal, Small, Medium, Large, Family”

CSUDH University Art Gallery Presents “Personal, Small, Medium, Large, Family” by Mario Ybarra, Jr.

September 19, 2023

Student walking near Science and Innovation building on campus.

CSUDH Recognized as a Top Performer in the 2023 Sustainable Campus Index

September 15, 2023

Map showing geography of Southern California

Getty Foundation Awards CSUDH $180,000 for Brackish Water Los Angeles

May 9, 2023

See all Press Releases ›

CSUDH in the News

Installation view of “Personal, Small, Medium, Large, Family”

Daily Breeze: Upcoming CSUDH Exhibition Takes on Mass Incarceration

September 27, 2023

CSUDH campus sign framed by palm trees

BestColleges: California Program Makes Master’s Degrees More Attainable for Incarcerated Students

September 25, 2023

Students working on computers.

Daily Breeze: CSUDH Offers New Master Program for Incarcerated People for Fall 2023

September 11, 2023

See more In the News ›

Faculty Highlights

Headshot of Carolyn Caffrey.

Faculty Highlights: September 2023

Headshot of Jonathon Grasse

Faculty Highlights: August 2023

Rama Malladi

Faculty Highlights: July 2023

Staff Spotlight

Cesar Mejia Gomez

Staff Spotlight: Cesar Mejia Gomez

Staff Spotlight: Ludivina Snow

Staff Spotlight: Gilbert Hernandez

Footer

California State University, Dominguez Hills Logo

Related Sites

  • csudh.edu
  • magazine.csudh.edu
  • gotoros.com

EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get CSUDH News directly in your inbox

Copyright © 2023 · California State University, Dominguez Hills