After immigrating from Michoacán, Mexico, at the age of 3, Adela resided in the City of Watsonville. Adela was raised in a household of six children. As a migrant child, her elementary years inspired her to make a difference. She attended several local schools, including Watsonville High School and Cabrillo College. She rekindled her desire to continue making a difference through hard work, resiliency, and her father's encouraging words, “La educación es algo que nadie te puede quitar.”
Adela taught K–12 in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD), where she not only supported students academically but also recognized the importance of social-emotional learning and holistic student support. Her experiences strengthened her commitment to counseling-informed practices that center empathy, trust, and student empowerment.
In her current role as a Teaching and Academic Counselor, she is honored to walk alongside students as they navigate the multi-dimensional complexities of higher education. She integrates instruction with counseling by providing comprehensive academic guidance, career exploration, and personal support. Through a culturally responsive and student-centered approach, she prioritizes active listening, advocacy, and equitable access to resources—ensuring students feel seen, heard, and valued throughout their educational journeys.
She is currently obtaining a Doctorate of Education in Community College Leadership (CCLEAD) at San Diego State University. According to the CliftonStrengths assessment, Adela's top ten talents are: (1) achiever, (2) empathy, (3) developer, (4) restorative, (5) includer, (6) learner, (7) responsibility, (8) discipline, (9) harmony, and (10) positivity. Her top five character strengths according to the Values in Action (VIA) survey are: (1) perseverance, (2) fairness, (3) humility, (4) perspective, and (5) social intelligence.
Adela is also a proud mommy of a beautiful boy, Carlitos, who inspires her every day.
IMMIGRANTS RISING
If you arrived in the US undocumented, you can get support as you go to college! Go to the Immigrants Rising website
Here's what they do:
Beyond DACA: Find out what's possible for you regardless of DACA
Making Money: Work for yourself and generate income
Going to College in CA: Pursue and complete your college degree
Getting Papers: Learn about your immigration options and find support
Mental Health: Get support for your mental and emotional well-being
AND MORE! Check out the Immigrants Rising website and scroll down to see all the options.
To learn more about Immigrants Rising watch this video.
Here is some scholarships I recommend checking out:
Chicana/Latina Foundation Scholarship
Chicano/Latino Affairs Council Scholarships