May 2021 Stole Recipients

Hispanic Faculty/Staff Caucus

May 2021

Academic/Leadership Recipients of Leadership Stoles

¡Felicidades!

Each graduate that you see below was nominated to receive a graduation stole in recognition of his/her academic and or leadership achievements. Each nomination was then reviewed and approved by a selection committee of the Hispanic Faculty/Staff Caucus (HFSC) at NMSU. To receive an HFSC graduation stole is a great honor. Being of Hispanic-Latino origin is not a requirement to receive an HFSC stole. ¡Congratulations to these honored graduates!

Cada graduado que usted ve abajo fue nominada/o a recibir una estola de graduación en reconocimiento de sus logros académicos o/y de liderazgo y servicio a la comunidad. Cada nominación fue revisada y aprobada por un comité de selección del Caucus de catedráticos y personal hispano de NMSU. Recibir una de estas estolas de graduación es un gran honor. Ser de origen hispano o latino no es requisito para recibir una estola de esta organización

¡Felicidades a nuestros graduados recipientes de este honor!

I feel so indebted to New Mexico State University, and to the leaders that have inspired me, and who continue to shape the lives of so many students here. Because of Las Cruces’ unique positioning as a borderland, I was able to experience being constantly surrounded by Hispanic educators, administrators, and leaders in every field throughout my time at this University. Here, I found that my ability to speak two languages was a powerful tool that gave me access to both English and Spanish testimonios, as well as two different linguistic cultures. I quickly learned that my identity as a Mexican American was not an obstacle, but a dual perspective that enabled much of my success. The experiences I have had through both the Social Work program, and the International Studies program, have led me to pursue my J.D. this upcoming fall at John Marshall Law School, to focus on International Human Rights Law and Immigration Law. I am so thankful to my peers, mentors, professors, supervisors, and especially to my incredible professor Maria Ortiz-Bustos for nominating me for this prestigious award. Go Aggies!
-Melina Burnside

I am grateful for being nominated and receiving the Academic and Leadership Stole from the Hispanic Faculty and Staff Caucus at New Mexico State, that I wear with pride. I never saw myself graduating or getting this far, but I am glad i pushed myself to finish and accomplish what I never saw myself doing. Some days were harder than others, but I did this for me and my parents who came to this country to provide a better life for my sister and I. Throughout the stress, anxiety and late nights I know it’s worth it and will encourage other family members to never give up. I am thankful for the education I received as I learned a lot from my professors and classmates. I am excited to see where the future takes me in the field of Social Work, and hope I am able make a difference. – Jazmine Ortega

I would like to thank God for giving me the strength and courage in helping me through my journey of completing graduate school. I would also like to thank my husband and children for their support, encouragement, and for believing in me. -Love Veronica Fuentes

“I am honored to have received the academic/ leadership stole from NMSU Hispanic Faculty Staff Caucus. I proudly wore those beautiful colors to my graduation where I earned my Bachelors in Education. My grandparents always tell me stories of coming to the United States. They were not given the opportunity to go to school, instead they worked endlessly to support their families. Their hard work brought them to the states and allowed me to be the very first to receive a college degree in my family. This stole was not only given to me, pero para toda mi familia. Grandma y grandpa muchas gracias por todo lo que hicieron, los amo con todo mi corazón.” -Dalila Chavez

It is such an honor to receive this award because it resonates with my culture and my dreams growing up. My family has always been my biggest inspiration in life. I will forever thank my Mom and Dad, for shaping me into the woman I am today, and they instilled in me values that will allow me to become the woman I want to be in the future. They came to this country without anything, and yet they gave me everything. They gave me an education that will allow me to grow and break the barriers set for minorities, especially for Hispanic women. My education at New Mexico State University has been an amazing experience and I have had the opportunity to learn from great professors like Dr. Rodriguez-Strawn. She inspired me to believe that women are capable of doing great things, and I want to thank her for nominating me for this award. My story continues, and my plan is to continue achieving great things through my education. I believe we never stop learning because life continues to teach us important lessons. -Jasmine Mendez

My parents have always been my inspiration. Both of them migrated here to the US to give us five a better life. They have always instilled in all of us that an education was going to be the key to success. I am the first in all of my family to earn a doctorate. I hope to lead by example and be a role model for all, especially my two daughters. Through this journey there were many speed bumps but through God’s blessings and my families’ support, I was able to overcome all adversity. I will use my degree to be a social justice warrior and help others overcome all barriers and build the Latino community. -Paola L. Vasquez

I am very honored to be a recipient of the NMSU HFSC academic/leadership stole. This came as a huge surprise to me. I am honored to have been nominated and awarded by Dr. Cecilia Hernandez. Since the day I started school at NMSU through the Alternative Licensure Program and on with my Master’s program, Dr. Hernandez has shown kindness, what true leadership is and has supported me through this journey. I am a strong educator because of Dr. Hernandez, my professors at NMSU, my colleagues, and my family. I would also like to thank my husband and 3 children for their support and love. I could not have done it without all of you. My hope is to inspire anyone who has doubts about returning back to school or to achieve their dreams. As a wife, mother, and working a full time job, you will have your ups and downs, you will make sacrifices, and through it all, it is worth every moment. I look forward to continue working as a Special Education Teacher to help make a difference in children’s lives and to be the best advocate to them and everyone around me. -Manuela Hanway

I am a first-generation female Hispanic graduate and so coming into college, I had no idea what to expect or how to navigate things quite honestly. But with the support of my loving parents and family, I was able to adjust quickly and figure out the ropes of higher education. I have received my bachelor’s degree in Social Work. My plans after undergrad are to go to Graduate school to get my Master’s in Social Work and then eventually get my Licenses in Clinical Social Work. I hope to help and encourage adolescents and women to use their voices and know they are important. I want to thank my professors for teaching and advocating for me. I want to thank my parents and family for always reminding me to chase my dreams - Breanne Woods-Escadon

It is such an honor to be the recipient of an NMSU HFSC academic/leadership stole. I have been inspired by my family and friends to always do my best and work hard to reach my goals. Hard work always pays off. I want to thank Daniel Goodrich and the Viticulture Program for nominating me and for always showing me support. -Fausto Baranzini Rogel