Keila Itzun

¡Hola! Soy Keila y mi especialidad es en Español. También tengo una minoría en Estudios de Chicano y Latino. As a first-generation Latina college student, my hard-working personality motivates me to reach all short and long-term goals I have.

Attending Sonoma State University and being part of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides me with leadership roles that allow me to make a difference for underrepresented groups on campus. I’m currently the Community Engagement Chair/ Event Planner for the EOP Club, and I am an EOP Assistant. In the past, I have held positions such as Event Planner, Summer Bridge Leader, Conversion Caller and Seawolf Scholars Assistant. By taking these positions, I work with diverse groups and gain confidence in team building. The challenge I have experienced at Sonoma State University is the lack of diversity. There is a low percentage of people of color in both the staff and students.

The positive experience I have had at SSU is taking multiple leadership positions where we can start to break barriers and build community. I hope to support the students from different backgrounds and encourage them to continue their education. Despite the many obstacles Latinas face in regards to education, as both a first generation student and future educator, I know I will provide the underrepresented community with social and academic support, but most importantly a positive change. Now, I look back and see my progression from wanting to make a change to finally being in a position where I can.