I met Marcela when I was doing an internship at CalPolyPomona in 2007-2008. We were both in the early stages of our student affairs careers. The beauty of this field is that you will run into someone you met when you were a "baby" professional at various conferences and you can still feel the same vibe that you did with them when your first met them! Marcela's path in higher ed is quite inspiring. As a PhD student she was also the Founding Director of the Middle Eastern Student Center at the University of California, Riverside. This center is the first of it's kind in the UC system and in California. Seeing her updates on Facebook, I would wonder how does she manage grad school life, work, and have fun? She somehow does it and does it well! For more a more detailed bio on Marcela you can check out her about.me. Follow Marcela on twitter @marcelaspeaks. You can also follow her UC Regents adventures on Marcela Ramirez - UC Student Regent Designate. I love her hashtag #RegencyRealness. She spits truth!
Oblivious meets Marcela Ramirez
Oblivious meets Marcela Ramirez
Affiliations (arts org, fun things you do, etc) :
Paint, Netflix, Hulu do those count as organizations? I'm part of professional organizations but that's work. Fun things would include cooking at home and trying out buzzfeed recipes while listening to my jams and dancing in the kitchen.
What's the one word you are guilty of using too much?
I have a series of words: race and racism, fighting white supremacist ideologies and taking down the patriarchal capitalist establishment. I say this multiple times throughout the day. I think about how race has shaped this country ALOT these days. I'm a PhD student so the nerd life is real.
How did you end up doing what you are doing now?
I got fed up of being in a low mid-level job and wanted to do more. I knew I could do so much more with continued training so I went back to school. While in the program I applied for the highest position in the land that a student leader could aspire to and I got it. I'm now Regent-Designate Ramirez and serve the people of California and represent over 260,000 students on the UC Board of Regents.
Which member of the Wu-Tang Clan best describes your personality?
Ok so I know some of their songs but have no idea what their personalities are like. I must have missed the fanfare growing up. I mostly listened to Spanish music and had my own rock, pop and rap all stars. Consciousness raising Spanish rock is my kind of music.
Dogs or Cats, who wins? Why?
I'm allergic to cats so maybe dogs but only small ones. I don't like to clean up after them and overall I'm not a pet person. I know I'm breaking people's hearts right now.
What is the best part of any given day for you?
Sleeping in whenever possible and lazy Sunday's. I thoroughly enjoy slow mornings with a cup of coffee and the latest Facebook news updates. I follow a lot of news organizations, culture critics, and national movements or campaigns across this country. I like to be informed and know what is going on in my world. I have been writing and journaling a lot more so that's been fun.
In a zombie apocalypse who would you want on your survival team?
The Rock, A sniper, A bomb maker, A scientist and my Girlfriend
What is the last thing you searched for on google?
Janet Jackson songs
If you could talk to your high school self, what would say?
Don't be afraid. Don't doubt yourself. You are smart. Keep investing in your learning and you will make it to the top. Stay creative and stay engaged with your academics. It will pay off in the future. Don't listen to the haters, ha! Listen to grandma and grandpa and hang out with them as much as possible.
What is the best thing or meal you ever ate?
Pretty much anything ever made by grandma. The most complex and simplest things cooked by her hand are so tasty.
What is a memorable project that you are working on or have worked on?
I like to paint and recycle wood for pallet projects. I have a pallet coat and purse rack hanging in living room. I'm working my way towards pallet patio furniture.
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