Guide to Estánfor: Our Voices SC1476
Daniel Hartwig, Emma Frothingham & Sol Martinez
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
July 2019
Green Library
557 Escondido Mall
Stanford 94305-6064
specialcollections@stanford.edu
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: Estánfor: Our Voices
Identifier/Call Number: SC1476
Physical Description:
9052.16 megabyte(s)
Date: 2019
Language of Material: English
Physical Location: Special Collections
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[identification of item], Estánfor: Our Voices (SC1476). Department of Special Collections
and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
Interviews and some supporting materials from attendees of the 2019 Latino Alumni Summit
put on by the Stanford Latino Alumni Summit in March of 2019.
Recorded as part of the 2019 Latino Alumni Summit, these interviews explored the lives of
Latino students at Stanford from the 1970s through the 2000s. Interviewees were asked to
reflect on how they came to Stanford, the experience of Latino students during their time
here, challenges they faced, and what Stanford has meant to them. In conclusion,
interviewees were asked to give advice to current and future Latino students at
Stanford.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Stanford Historical Society Oral History Program, 2019.
Materials are open for research use. Audio-visual materials are not available in original
format, and must be reformatted to a digital use copy. Some interviews may require a
Stanford University ID to access.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Stanford University -- Alumni -- Reminiscences.
Stanford University -- Students.
Oral history
Fisher-Rivera, Anna 2019-03-22
Anna Fisher-Rivera - Recordings
Anna Fisher-Rivera - Transcript
Creator: Fisher-Rivera, Anna
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Anna
Fisher-Rivera (1974 BA Spanish) was a part of the second Stanford class to have at least
seventy-five Latino students. In this oral history, she recalls her first memories of
Stanford and living in the supportive community of Roble Hall. During her time as an
undergraduate student, Fisher-Rivera was deeply involved in the Latinx community as a
member of MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán) and Ballet Folklórico. She
mentions her experiences with Stanford in Mexico City and working at the Bing Nursery
School, noting how both opportunities allowed her to gain confidence in her abilities.
She also recounts the pride she felt for her community at the Chicano graduation
reception and dancing Ballet Folklórico in front of her future in-laws. Fisher-Rivera
goes on to remark on how Stanford taught her to keep in mind the nation's changing
student populations throughout her teaching career.
Flores, Juan 2019-03-23
Juan Flores - Recordings
Juan Flores - Transcript
Creator: Flores,
Juan
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Juan Flores,
Class of 1974, recalls his family's journey from Tijuana, Mexico, to the United States
and growing up in the San Fernando Valley in the 1960s. Flores describes his path to
Stanford and the importance of the Mexican-American Youth Association at his high
school. Once at Stanford, he was involved in Casa Zapata, Ballet Folklórico, and the
Chicano Fellows Program. He describes how important these communities were in their
support for Latino students. Flores also recalls meeting his future wife, Katherine
Flores and reflects on the evolution of the terms "Chicano" and "Latino." He concludes
by describing his path to a career in education.
Flores, Katherine 2019-03-23
Katherine Flores - Recordings
Katherine Flores - Transcript
Creator: Flores,
Katherine
Abstract: In this oral
history, Katherine Flores, Class of 1975, shares her experiences at the university as
both a Chicana and low-income student. Raised by her grandparents who were farmworkers
in Fresno, California, she remembers being introduced to Stanford by MEChA (Movimiento
Estudiantil Chicanx de Atzlan) recruiters and recalls arriving on campus with her
grandmother who spoke no English. She describes her struggles with imposter syndrome,
but recalls how the Chicano community and mentors like Maria Gutierrez and Frank Ponce
helped her to find her voice. Flores also mentions her involvement in the Chicano Health
Organization and Ballet Folklórico groups on campus and speaks about the joy of being
able to connect with patients from communities like her own.
Gaeta, Isaura Servin 2019-03-23
Isaura Servin Gaeta - Recordings
Isaura Servin Gaeta - Transcript
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Creator: Servin
Gaeta, Isaura
Abstract: Isaura Servin
Gaeta, Class of 1980, shares her experiences as a first-generation student and one of
the few Latinas in engineering during her time. She describes her gratitude for the
support she received from her peers, especially Phillip Pompa, and the Latino community.
Gaeta also mentions her involvement in El Centro Chicano, where she eventually served on
the advisory council. She recalls being the first female president of the Stanford
Society of Chicano and Latino Engineers and Scientists, as well as a member of the IEEE
(Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) and WISE (Women in Science and
Engineering) and advises current students to get involved in student organizations for
leadership experience. She concludes by suggesting ways that the engineering curriculum
might creatively mix hands-on experience and theory in order to appeal to a greater
number of young people from diverse backgrounds.
Garcia-Arcement, Nerina 2019-03-22
Nerina Garcia-Arcement - Recordings
Nerina Garcia-Arcement - Transcript
Creator: Garcia-Arcement, Nerina
Creator: Emma Frothingham
Abstract: Nerina
Garcia-Arcement, Class of 1997, recalls her upbringing in East Los Angeles and Whittier,
California, and her experiences as a Mexican-American student at Stanford in the 1990s
and offers advice to current Latinx students. Garcia-Arcement describes feeling isolated
as the only Latina in many of her lectures and unprepared for Stanford classes such as
Chemistry compared to her peers. She mentions her love for the Latinx community on
campus and discusses how the community, her courses in psychology, and her study abroad
experience at Oxford University all helped her build confidence in her intelligence and
abilities.
Garcia-Meza, Kim 2019-03-22
Kim Garcia-Meza - Recordings
Kim Garcia-Meza - Transcript
Creator: Garcia-Meza, Kim
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: In this oral
history, Kim Garcia-Meza, Class of 1989, speaks about her family history and experiences
with racism, struggling with both leukemia and her multi-racial identity during her time
at Stanford, and her efforts to help children of color today. Garcia-Meza tells the
story of her parents' immigration to the US from Mexico and Japan and reflects on the
effect their backgrounds had on her as a child and the value they placed on a college
education. She describes her childhood in both Wisconsin and San Jose and recalls
instances of racism she experienced in both places. She talks about learning of her
acceptance to Stanford and thanks Stanford for taking a chance on her despite the risk
of investing in a student who was battling leukemia. She describes her struggles with
identity during her time at Stanford and recalls how the Intervarsity Christian
Fellowship, the class "Introduction to Chicano Life and Studies," and dances at Casa
Zapata helped her push through those challenges.
García, Jorge 2019-03-22
Jorge García - Recordings
Jorge García - Transcript
Creator: Garcia,
Jorge
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Jorge García,
Class of 1978, recalls memorable events from his time at Stanford and some of the
academic and social challenges he experienced, including learning how to swim despite a
great phobia of entering the water. Garcia also talks about his participation in
protests, such as advocating for affirmative action after the Regents of the University
of California vs. Bakke decision, a sit-in at the Old Union, and picketing at Safeway.
He mentions how his association with MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Atzlan)
and Casa Zapata helped to prepare him for future policy and advocacy work and speaks
about his post-Stanford years, including the circumstances that ultimately led him to a
career in public education. He concludes the interview by emphasizing the importance of
language diversity and encouraging students to give back to their
communities.
Garcia, Rachel 2019-03-23
Rachel Garcia - Recordings
Rachel Garcia - Transcript
Creator: Garcia,
Rachel
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Rachel Garcia,
Class of 1980, graduated with her bachelor's in human biology. In this oral history, she
describes the factors that led her to attend Stanford, some memorable courses and
professors, and her experiences as a resident assistant in Toyon Hall. She also
describes the wide range of emotions she feels every time she visits Stanford and
comments on her Latina identity, explaining how she always felt she was living in two
worlds between her life as a Latina in Los Angeles and the world outside. She emphasizes
her love for Stanford's Hispanic community for always being inclusive and making her
feel comfortable. Garcia goes on to thank the people at Stanford who helped open her
eyes to new perspectives, including a Latina resident assistant and a resident fellow,
and realize her love for helping others and responsibility to give back to the
community.
Garcia, Sergio 2019-03-22
Sergio Garcia - Recordings
Sergio Garcia - Transcript
Creator: Garcia,
Sergio
Creator: Emma Frothingham
Abstract: In this oral
history, Sergio Garcia, Class of 1983, shares his family history and values and talks
about his experiences as a Stanford student, including living in Casa Zapata, studying
abroad in Lima, Peru, dancing in Ballet Folklórico, and explaining the significance of
Cinco de Mayo to his fellow students. He reflects on the challenges he faced as an
undergraduate and offers advice to other first-generation college students.
Gomez, Cynthia 2019-03-23
Cynthia Gomez - Recordings
Cynthia Gomez - Transcript
Creator: Gomez,
Cynthia
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: In this oral
history, Cynthia Gomez, Class of 2005, shares her experience as a first generation,
low-income college student at Stanford. She speaks about finding mentors and a community
through her jobs on campus at El Centro Chicano, the Stanford Medical Youth Science
Program, and the Career Development Center. She also touches on her involvement in
student organizations such as CHE (Chicanos in Health Education) and the Intervarsity
Christian Fellowship and reflects on life after graduation and the future of the Latino
alumni community. Gomez concludes by advising current and future students to know their
comfort zone but be prepared to step out of it and to seek support and be kind to
themselves.
González, María-Elena 2019-03-22
María-Elena González - Recordings
María-Elena González - Transcript
Creator: Emma Frothingham
Creator: Gonzalez, Maria Elena
Abstract: María-Elena
González, Class of 1983, describes growing up in East Los Angeles, her path to
Stanford, and her undergraduate experiences, including fond memories of Casa Zapata and
the Mexican-American community at Stanford in the 1980s.
Hernandez, Margaret 2019-03-23
Margaret Hernandez - Recordings
Margaret Hernandez - Transcript
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Creator: Hernandez, Margaret
Abstract: In this oral
history, Margaret Hernandez, Class of 1975, speaks about her undergraduate years at
Stanford and her involvement in founding Ballet Folklórico de Stanford. She reflects on
the importance of the leadership development experiences she gained as a student,
including fundraising for the dance group's performances for Cinco de Mayo and the
Chicano graduation, interacting with staff members Cecilia Burciaga and Ray Bacchetti,
and serving as a student representative for several university search
committees.
Lemus, Barbara 2019-03-22
Barbara Lemus - Recordings
Barbara Lemus - Transcript
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Creator: Lemus,
Barbara
Abstract: In this oral
history, Barbara Lemus talks about her upbringing in Sacramento, California, and her
path to Stanford and shares her experiences as a Stanford student in the 1970s. Lemus
talks about her love for Ballet Folklórico, psychology, and Stanford's Latinx community.
Asked about the impact of her Stanford education, she remarks, "I think it gave me the
confidence to do what I needed to do." After graduating, Lemus took a number of state
government jobs in Sacramento, California, originally doing policy work for the welfare
program and moving her way up to the Medi-Cal policy area. She briefly mentions her
experience working in the Office of AIDs in the Department of Healthcare Services during
a time when those with the disease faced strong social stigma.
Lemus, Lisa 2019-03-22
Lisa Lemus - Recordings
Lisa Lemus - Transcript
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Creator: Lemus,
Lisa
Abstract: In this oral
history, Lisa Lemus (AB Anthropology, 1974) shares memories of her undergraduate years
as a member of the first Stanford class to have a substantial number of black and Latino
students . She offers thanks to Luis Nogales, Frank Sotomayor, and others for fighting
for the admission of students of color at Stanford and to administrators such as Félix
Gutiérrez and María Gutiérrez for their support. Lemus recalls the strong bonds she
formed with other people of color on campus and the community that coalesced around Casa
Zapata and MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Atzlan). She also speaks about her
family's farm in Sacramento, the activism of her mother Lucy Lemus, some of the jobs
that she has had over the years, including her work as the facilities manager for the
Bay Area Metro Center and as an educator and mentor. Lemus concludes by urging current
students to take advantage of everything Stanford has to offer and to keep the door open
for future generations.
Márquez, Miguel 2019-04-17
Miguel Márquez - Recordings
Miguel Márquez - Transcript
Creator: Emma Frothingham
Creator: Márquez, Miguel
Abstract: In this oral
history, Miguel Márquez, Class of 1989, discusses his family history and the impact his
upbringing had on his future aspirations. He recounts the family-like atmosphere of
living in Casa Zapata, the mentorship of Professor Al Camarillo, and taking part in
student activist groups, such as MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán) and
ASSU (Associated Students of Stanford University). As one of four student body co-
presidents, Márquez describes agitating for more diversity in the university's faculty
and curriculum, including a student takeover of the president's office in 1989 in
response to the report issued by the University Committee on Minority Issues (UCMI). He
offers a critique of Stanford University both then and now, including a reflection on
the obstacles he faced when pitching ideas to Stanford's board of trustees.
Martinez, Adriana 2019-03-23
Adriana Martinez - Recordings
Adriana Martinez - Transcript
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Creator: Martinez, Adriana
Abstract: In this oral
history, Adriana Martinez, Class of 1993, speaks about her path from the Boyle Heights
neighborhood of Los Angeles to Stanford and her experiences as an undergraduate during
the 1990s. She also offers advice to current and future Latino students.
Muñiz, Marcela 2019-03-23
Marcela Muñiz - Recordings
Marcela Muñiz - Transcript
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Creator: Muñiz,
Marcela M.
Abstract: Marcela Muñiz
earned her BA from Stanford in sociology and Spanish in 1997, her master's in sociology
in 2008, and her PhD in education in 2012. In this oral history, she shares experiences
from her time at Stanford as an undergraduate, graduate student, and a staff member in
the admissions office. She recalls connecting with the Latino community during Pro-Fro
Weekend, activities in which she participated, and mentors, including Anne Marie Porras,
Jim Montoya, and Albert Camarillo. She describes being academically unprepared when she
first arrived at Stanford but adapting, and she talks about her journey after
graduation, including working in the admissions office to enhance student
diversity.
Muñoz, Ricardo 2019-03-22
Ricardo F. Muñoz - Recordings
Ricardo F. Muñoz - Transcript
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Creator: Muñoz,
Ricardo F.
Abstract: Ricardo F.
Muñoz, Class of 1972, graduated from Stanford with a degree in psychology. In this
interview, he talks growing up in an immigrant family, his undergraduate experiences at
Stanford, studying in Vienna, and his career in depression research and prevention
including some of the innovative programs he started at San Francisco General
Hospital.
Özbek, Valentina 2019-03-23
Valentina Özbek - Recordings
Valentina Özbek - Transcript
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Creator: Özbek,
Valentina
Abstract: In this oral
history, Valentina Özbek (AB Political Science, 2007) talks about her undergraduate
experience at Stanford, including participating in theater groups and working at the
Stanford Community Law Clinic. She discusses the feeling of imposter syndrome that many
Latino students experienced as undergraduates, and she thanks Professor Andrew Rutten
for improving her writing and Professor Rush Rehm for helping her gain confidence. An
immigrant from Columbia, Özbek recalls feeling disengaged from the Latino community at
Stanford, which she felt was heavily focused on Mexicans and Chicanos. She describes how
she is re-engaging with the community now through the alumni summit, talks about her
current work as an immigration attorney for a non-profit, and gives advice on how both
individuals and lawyers can help immigrants in the current political climate.
Padilla, José 2019-03-22
José R. Padilla - Recordings
José R. Padilla - Transcript
Pompa, Philip 2019-03-23
Philip Pompa - Recordings
Philip Pompa - Transcript
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Creator: Pompa,
Philip
Abstract: Phillip Pompa,
Class of 1978, graduated from Stanford with his Bachelor's degree in electrical
engineering and later earned his MBA. In his interview, he describes how important it
was for him to be accepted into Stanford and how memorable his first day on campus was.
Pompa shares his thoughts on being a Latino in engineering in the 1970s, but also how he
felt most of his challenges came from the need to work harder than others. He explains
his shift from electrical engineering to business, as well as a shift from making
connections to the Latinx community to focusing on his family. He thanks all his mentors
who told him everything would be okay and shares that same advice to Stanford students
today.
Ramirez, Andrea 2019-03-22
Andrea Ramirez - Recordings
Andrea Ramirez - Transcript
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Creator: Ramirez, Andrea
Abstract: In this oral
history, Andrea Ramirez (AB Economics, 1988) contrasts growing up in a small,
white-majority town in Nebraska with her experiences at Stanford. Ramirez also describes
feeling that, as a Nebraskan and a non-Spanish speaker, she did not quite fit in with
the Latino community at Stanford. She recalls her most memorable moments at Stanford,
including earning an A+ on a research paper in a psychology class taught by Professor
Karl Pribram, and reflects on her experiences as a Latina working in the tech industry
in Silicon Valley.
Ramirez, Grissel 2019-04-11
Grissel Ramirez - Recordings
Grissel Ramirez - Transcript
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Creator: Ramirez, Grissel
Abstract: Grissel
Ramirez, Class of 2006, shares her experiences of being a first-generation student at
Stanford, including the difficulties she faced freshman year. She recalls feeling
uncomfortable at El Centro Chicano but describes how the Hispanic Undergraduate Business
Association (HUBA) served as her "lighthouse" and helped her throughout college. She
shares details of her life after Stanford, including joining a leadership development
program at ATT and moving to Atlanta, and offers thoughts on the alumni association and
advice to current first-generation students.
Rodriguez, Perla 2019-03-22
Perla Rodriguez - Recordings
Perla Rodriguez - Transcript
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Creator: Rodriguez, Perla
Abstract: In this oral
history, Perla Rodriguez (AB International Relations, 1997) speaks about her experiences
as a first-generation, low-income Latina student at Stanford. A daughter of immigrants
from Mexico and a denizen of East San Jose, Rodriguez tells the story of how an Stanford
alum with whom she worked convinced her to apply to Stanford as a transfer student from
community college. She discusses the connections she forged with the Stanford Latino
community, including being a part of the formation of Stanford Mariachi and her
involvement in MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Atzlan), El Centro Chicano, and
the Chicano/Latino Symposium. She recalls the support she received as a student and
thanks her mentors, including Jerry Porras, Anna Marie Porras, France Morales, and
Albert Camarillo.
Sierra, Christine 2019-03-23
Christine Sierra - Recordings
Christine Sierra - Transcript
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Creator: Sierra,
Christine
Abstract: Christine
Sierra, PhD 1983, speaks about her experience as a graduate student at Stanford and her
career in academia. Sierra recalls both the opportunities and obstacles she faced,
especially her difficulty in crafting a dissertation in the unexplored field of Mexican
American politics. Sierra also talks about her immersion in the Latinx community and
Chicano activism, including marching with the United Farm Workers and rallying with
Miriam Cherry--a nun whose social justice ministry was under attack. Sierra acknowledges
the mentorship of Albert Camarillo, Heinz Elau, and others, and she mentions her
contributions to the Chicano studies collections at Stanford, including gathering files
for the archives from Manuel Ruiz, Jr. and CASA (Centro de Acción Social Autónomo).
She concludes by speaking about her recent work on diversity and elected officials and
advises current Latino students to "find each other."
Sullivan, Julia 2019-03-22
Julia Sullivan - Recordings
Julia Sullivan - Transcript
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Creator: Sullivan, Julia
Abstract: Julia Arellano
Sullivan describes her experience as the only Latina at Stanford's Graduate School of
Business (GSB) in the early 1980s. Sullivan describes her undergraduate experience at
Kettering University where there was only one other Latino student. She recalls yearning
for a sense of community with others Latinos when she arrived at Stanford but
experiencing criticism given her decision to pursue a career in business. Speaking about
her time as a Chicano Fellow, she describes the course, "The Chicano Professional," that
she taught, as well as her service as a member of the Committee in Charge of the Chicano
Fellows Program. She also describes the Vision 2025: Diversity and Community at the GSB
initiative. Sullivan movingly recalls the support Cecilia Burciaga and José Antonio
provided and encourages current Stanford students to believe in themselves no matter the
odds.
Velasquez, Araceli 2019-03-23
Araceli Velasquez - Recordings
Araceli Velasquez - Transcript
Creator: Emma Frothingham
Creator: Velasquez, Araceli
Abstract: Araceli
Velasquez, Class of 1999, describes her family history and how being admitted to a GATE
school in the third grade impacted the rest of her life. Velasquez mentions her
participation in numerous student organizations like Ballet Folklórico, Mariachi
Cardenal, CHE (Chicanos in Health Education), SSCLES (Stanford Society of Chicano and
Latino Engineers and Scientists), and Barrio Assistance. As a premed student, she also
explains how she fought to establish a Spanish class for those in her field. Velasquez
provides some insight into Stanford's Latinx community at the time and what it meant to
her and her family to earn a college degree. She concludes by talking about what drove
her to earn an MBA at Fresno State and her experience as a young single mom.