94: How to Be an Ally Among Populations You Don’t Identify With With Emeline Beltran

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

All right. Welcome, everyone. I'm happy that I have someone returning today. I have another guest speaker, who is going to be talking to us about how to be an ally among populations you don't identify with. Our guest is Emeline Beltran, who is returning once again. I'm gonna go ahead and read her bio and then we'll just go straight into this great conversation.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Emeline Beltran, who uses pronouns she/her/hers is a second year graduate student at Cal State LA. She is studying communication studies with an emphasis in intercultural communication. Emeline, like I mentioned, was previously on the podcast for episode 70, where she talked about her experience being a grad student with a disability. Today Emeline has returned to share about her role as the programming assistant at Cal State LA's Dreamers Resource Center. She is a US born daughter of Filipino immigrants and her Filipina American identity inspired her to work with diverse communities and specialize her master's degree in intercultural communications. As a US citizen who works with undocumented college students, Emeline will reflect on her experience and lessons learned so far about being an ally. Welcome back, Emeline.

Emeline Beltran

Hi, thank you. I'm really excited to return.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

I am curious- you hinted at this before we clicked record- but I would love for you to start about kind of what motivated you to want to come back and to want to discuss this topic.

Emeline Beltran

Yes. I have continued listening to Grad School Femtoring, and a lot of the episodes-

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Yay.

Emeline Beltran

Yeah, I'm caught up. I am there every week.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

I love it.

Emeline Beltran

A lot of the episodes, the guest speakers- and even if there's no guest speaker, a lot of the episodes really resonate with me. I would just hear the stories, and I would be like, yes. I've experienced this firsthand. I'm glad I'm not alone. But a recent episode with Dr. Vanegas about her experience getting her PhD and going to grad school as an immigrant- I was listening to the story, and I thought to myself, I don't resonate with this because I'm not an immigrant. But how come I still have like a third level type of connection? Why is this hitting me emotionally still? Then I realized that in my job, I work with undocumented students at Cal State LA, and they share such similar stories. So when Dr. Vanegas was telling her story, that's when I realized I have this connection when people share their immigration stories, even though I am not one. I just wanted to show kind of like the humility and privilege I have being in this position for this community to really open up about their experiences- because I know that grad students, they conduct research or they might work part time jobs with communities they don't identify with. I just wanted to talk more about that.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Awesome. That's really- that's great to hear, that in listening to other episodes, there are some things that we can resonate with regardless of whether or not is our own direct experience. I would love to hear about the work that you do. You mentioned you're a programming assistant for the Dreamers Resource Center at Cal State LA. If you could tell us a little bit about the center, about your role in it, and then after that, maybe a little bit of what it's taught you this thus far.

Emeline Beltran

Yes, so I work at Cal State LA's Dreamers Resource Center. The Dreamers Center would not have been possible without our donor, who is Erica Glazer. She put down an endowment to ensure that the Cal State LA had a dreamer center for the undocumented students because dreamers centers, they weren't really a thing until I want to say like mid 2010s when DACA was first created. And this wouldn't have happened if students who were undocumented at the time in Cal State LA really advocated that they needed a space and a community for resources- because their on campus resources, they were not exactly catered to them.

Emeline Beltran

For example, the Career Center. There's tons of jobs and internship opportunities, but a lot of the job postings do not clarify work status or work permit slash citizenship status requirements. So it would be really common, even until today, where students would see a job they're interested in. Then they apply- just for them to get rejected because of their status. It's just really important that this space exists, especially with the very uncertain immigration issues that are going on here in the United States.

Emeline Beltran

As the programming assistant, I do a lot of outreach, both within campus and off campus, with other academic departments and other dreamers centers and immigration organizations across California. And I just collect resources and keep up with current events, just to ensure that when the student does come to the Dreamer center, I have the right resources for them. With my team, we are constantly thinking about programming and events that we can host- whether it's a scholarship workshop, or a community gathering with our counselors from the Counseling and Psychological Services. And ensuring that we're providing support for our students- whether it's academically, financially or even emotionally, because we firmly believe that learning and just student life overall is not just inside the classroom. There are so many opportunities and services that should be available for all students, and we know that due to national policy, undocumented students may feel limited. So we just want to be there for them. That's my role. I really enjoyed a lot. It's been extremely rewarding.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

One thing I forgot to ask you was- when did you start working for this position? Is this recent or...

Emeline Beltran

I started working this position in January 2021, so just last semester.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Oh okay.

Emeline Beltran

Yeah. At the time, it was all remote. I was just working from home every single day.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Oh, that's true. You were hired remotely. You probably recently went back to into the office or in person or hybrid perhaps?

Emeline Beltran

Yeah, we are now fully open on campus. And just the shift from working remotely- I've noticed that when working remotely, students only reach out if they need something. But when you're open in person, students can just drop by the Dreamer center and say hey. I'm just here to chill. I'm here to do homework. Or you just have to cater to them right away, instead of thinking like, this student emailed me. Let me dedicate some time to draft an email back. So really seeing the difference between working remotely and working in person with these students. It's like day and night. It was definitely so different. But yeah, that's when I started, just earlier this year.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Wow, okay. That's useful to know, in terms of the context ,when you started, and also that transition. That's a big transition to go from completely online- all you see is what's on the screen, like you said, having to take your time to craft an email versus in person, helping them on the spot. And also just that there's a big difference in serving someone and feeling like you're in community with them when they're in person. Like you said, even just dropping by to say hi, or dropping by to study. You can feel like you're you're making a big difference and you're providing support, even without necessarily doing a big thing. But having the space, providing a space for folks- that's really, that's great. I'm glad that y'all have been able to make that transition, because I know a lot of different centers and departments and just the folks working at universities are still in the middle trying to figure that out.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

I wanted to go back to the conversation about working with a population that is so- I would say precarious. Then you used the language of being an ally. So I wanted you to kind of talk a little bit more about why you chose to use the language of being an ally, and also what you've learned in the last - from January to October, nine, ten months that you've been doing this?

Emeline Beltran

Yeah. We use the term ally a lot at my work, just because there are a lot of different types of immigrants. Although our center caters to specifically undocumented immigrants, we are well aware that there are immigrants who have Advanced Parole, or they have a green card, or they're a legal resident. And we don't want to just go in and classify each person based on their status. So we say if you're undocumented, you are welcome here. But if you're an ally willing to learn more, you are invited to this space to- because when people do come into our center, we don't ask for their citizenship status. That's why we just tend to use either you're an undocumented student or you're an ally, because the common goal is to really unite for immigration advocacy at Cal State LA.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Right. And oh, another question I had- I know asked you to tell me a little bit about what you learned. But before you do that, you said that sometimes you work or outreach, not just with folks and the population at Cal State LA, but also other programs across California? Are there any that you could name off the top of your head? Just so that we can be aware of what other centers are available? I know, when I was an undergrad, there was one at UCLA. But I quickly realized that that wasn't necessarily true at all universities, and also that there's a difference in the type of support and the staffing and funding available across the different centers, too. That was something that I realized early on. Iwas like, oh, just because there is a center doesn't mean it's equipped in the same way. Like you said, you have an endowment. That's incredible. That's amazing. I wish every institution had that. So yeah, sorry. Are there others that you could name off the top of your head,

Emeline Beltran

No worries at all. We connect with a lot of research centers or immigration nonprofits. But the one that I will elaborate on is called CARECEN LA, which stands for the Central American Resource Center. You do not have to be Central American to utilize their services. But CARECEN LA- we have a partnership with them, and there are other Cal States in Southern California who also have partnerships with them, such as Cal State Dominguez Hills, and my alma mater, Cal State Fullerton, and a bunch of others. But students who are undocumented, they are able to get free legal services through CARECEN LA.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Nice.

Emeline Beltran

Because attorneys are expensive.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

They are.

Emeline Beltran

But if you're a student at selected universities in Southern California, you're able to get these services for free. They're also available to your immediate family, and they're also available to alumni who graduated within the last two years.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Oh, wow.

Emeline Beltran

That's one of our partnerships.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

That's awesome. That's really good.

Emeline Beltran

Yeah, we connect with other like organizations too, such as CHIRLA, which is the Coalition for human immigration rights, I think, of Los Angeles. Then there's another really famous nonprofit called immigrants rising. They're based in I believe, Sacramento- somewhere in Northern California. But they're really well known nationwide. So we have connections both at the local, the statewide, and the national level.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Nice. I'm writing these down. Actually, I'll include these in the show notes for this episode. And you're right, they're based in up north- San Francisco.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

San Francisco, yeah. Bay Area.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Yeah. Okay, good. I just want to make sure that we kind of put a name to some of the different resources available. This is actually one of my limitations as a podcaster. You don't know everything and you don't know at all. And one of my privileges is that I was born here. I am a US citizen. So I have been kind of less aware of the resources available for undocumented students nationwide. I have learned that resources available at the institutions I've been affiliated with. But even then, I myself have found myself to be frustrated- in many ways, kind of like how you're saying, where some programs, including the program that I worked for McNair Scholars Program- is only available for US citizens and permanent residents.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

I would always, every time there would be an info session, tell people clearly and upfront eligibility requirements, that unfortunately, this is a federally funded program. This is a federal requirement. We cannot change it. But I would refer them to the other programs available on campus that they could apply for, including another one that we had in our office that was available to students regardless of immigration status. Anyway, I want to get back to you and you sharing what you've learned, because I'm here to listen and learn and I want listeners to also listen and learn. If there are folks who self identify as undocumented and want to learn a little bit more about what may be available to them outside of just their institution or whatever space they're in, it's just good to know what you've learned thus far.

Emeline Beltran

Yeah, of course. I'm actually really glad that you shared more about your position, because I didn't even know that the McNair program was only available to US citizens. I didn't know that.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Yeah. At some programs, what they do is they'll try to get funding and have a similar program, or they'll mentor students on the side. They won't be official McNair Scholars, but they'll mentor them on the side. I've done that too, where I've taken on students and helped them, provide them with guidance. But they can't formally be admitted into the program and considered a McNair scholar and be eligible for things like the fee waivers that McNair Scholars are eligible for.

Emeline Beltran

Yeah.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

It is incredibly frustrating. It is unfair, and it just happens to be a requirement of the federal program.

Emeline Beltran

Yeah, it's very common- like I had mentioned earlier- where students find an awesome program or a job, and they're unable to even apply or get a formal acceptance because of their status. And like you had said, I have the privilege that I am a US citizen. So I have an abundance of resources and opportunities on campus compared to those who are undocumented. The cultural humility really hit me when we opened in person. Because I started this position remotely, I was able to take my time when students reached out and students only reached out if they needed something. Like they would set up a zoom call or send an email if they had a question.

Emeline Beltran

But when opening in person, there were students who would come in just to relax, or if they had a question, you have to know on the spot. That's when I realized that I still have a lot to learn in this position, which is totally okay. I know that when students would call our office or they would walk in in person, they would ask me questions- even though I know some of the basics of forms like the DREAM Act, or differences between like AB 540. Sometimes students would have very complicated cases that I just don't know how to handle, so I would always refer to my coordinator or my director on how to navigate this.

Emeline Beltran

And when this would happen a lt in the beginning of the semester, I would feel really guilty. I would really question myself. Like, what am I doing in this position if I can't help them? I would feel really helpless and guilty that I can't help them. But after talking to both my coordinator and my director, and even my fellow student leads, they've been really reassuring. So just having that really encouraging team has helped me a lot, and they've taught me how to give myself grace, because I'm only ten months into this position. I have learned a lot over time, and I need to give myself credit for that. Also, I have to remember that I don't know this, because I've never filled out a California DREAM Act form myself. I have never applied to DACA. So, of course, I kind of had a lot to learn. And I still do.

Emeline Beltran

I just learned how to kind of show that humility and know that it's not a reflection on me. So I really want to keep learning. I don't want to say I want to keep making mistakes. But I just know that once I make a mistake- I use the wrong word, I confuse a few orms. I just know that I do it once, I get corrected, and I can move on knowing that I'm not going to do that again. It's really taught me a lot, and I have to share that before I applied for this position, I thought that the international student office and the dreamer center were the same thing. I assumed that international students were undocumented and vice versa. But it turns out, they're two completely different populations. So just like learning more- because I feel like I wasn't the only one, and it turns out that I wasn't. Just learning more about this community each day really teaches me a lot. It's very rewarding that my team and these students really are- they really built that trust with me to share their stories, because they are much much more than their citizens citizenship status. They have goals and ambitions just as big as any of their peers.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

It's interesting that you mentioned that. It's seeing an individual as a whole human, as more than just their status. And some individuals are in mixed status households too. I remember one of my close friends in undergrad- we were both English majors, and she was undocumented. And I remember, I think it was- I can't remember which sibling. But some of her younger siblings were born here, and she wasn't. And she was the one trying to go to college. She would say- they don't realize how privileged they are. They don't realize how you know how many things would have been easier for them than they are for me, because when she was doing schooling, the DREAM Act wasn't available. So she would take a quarter off to work full time, and then come back for a quarter and pay, and back and forth, and back and forth. It did take her a little longer to finish.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

But I'm thinking about that too, about how it is not just the responsibility of individuals who are undocumented to learn about these things. It's the responsibility of everybody, including those of us who are more privileged, to learn. And also, like you said, giving yourself grace and compassion as you're learning because it's your first time navigating this. So long as you're putting in the work, kind of like how those of us that have been striving to work towards learning more about anti racism and how to be an anti racist, and how to support our Black brothers and sisters, Brown Brothers and sisters. It's a continuous learning process. So I'm glad that you have had- I would say, even the privilege of serving these students and having this position. And the fact that you're continuously learning. That was kind of the case for me too, when I was working for the institution. It's constantly striving to learn and to refer people to the right places if you're not the one that knows the most. Like you said, sometimes I have to refer people to the coordinator or the director.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Actually, I'm going to have on the podcast- I have two upcoming guests. One of them, I'm going to try to schedule this person. I know that they get busy - talking about what it's like being undocumented and a grad student, and not being able to travel to a location where you need to do fieldwork. That's really interesting to study a population that you cannot necessarily go and in person meet with them. Another person is a former director of an undocumented students center, so I'm curious about their experience and what they'll share about that. I feel like this is a continued conversation, and you're just getting it started on the podcast. And it's gonna keep going. Hopefully, you'll tune in for that as well.

Emeline Beltran

I'll be looking out for those episodes.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

I'mm curious, in terms of your learning journey, what are some of the things that you have learned in your position that you're like- oh, I wish I would have learned or it's really useful to have this perspective. Or like realizing -sometimes when we learn things, realizing some parts about our own privileges or just things that you've had the light shed on certain things that maybe you hadn't realized until now, until you started the job or you started meeting people in person. So maybe some takeaways, learning lessons or anything else that you think that would be helpful for someone else to know -who maybe is privileged in that sense, where they are documented and have not had to worry about that?

Emeline Beltran

Yeah. I would say to keep practicing, because when I was working in person for the first time, I remember I was so scared of answering the phone because my first couple of phone calls, I didn't know the answer. But how would I learn if I just kept avoiding the phone and just kept giving it to the rest of my team? Because I used the wrong term the first couple of times- then the phone rang and I got nervous. But once I finally picked up and I was able to answer the question correctly, that felt good. So just give yourself grace and keep learning. Like for me, I'm a visual learner. So when I was looking up the information like DACA versus non DACA, and what's AB 540? It's like, I was studying for a class because I did have a lot to learn. So just just keep practicing.

Emeline Beltran

Also I would say, remember your why. Why did you apply for this position in the first place? Because that will give you a gentle reminder that you really wanted this position and now you're here. My why was because I knew I wanted a career in social justice. I want communication research or even program evaluation roles in social welfare settings- whether it's like a university or a nonprofit. And I want to specialize in diverse communities, because during my undergrad, I did do a lot of volunteering. I have a lot of work experience. But I noticed that I kept volunteering with communities I identified with- which is not a bad thing.

Emeline Beltran

But when I started grad school, I was like, I need to branch out and learn more about other people besides Filipino Americans, besides people with disabilities, because I knew that the advantage I had was I knew the culture, because those were my identities too. So really showing that humility was really, it was a motivation for me to branch out. When I saw the Dreamer center was hiring, I was like, this is very new to me. But if I'm going to call myself an intercultural communication scholar, I need to get over that bridge and really branch out. I wanted to practice what I preach, instead of just doing the research and putting my name on journals and conferences. I wanted to make sure I had that balance between community engagement and research.

Emeline Beltran

I would say the last thing, for those who are interested in community engagement with populations they don't identify with is to take care of yourself to, because there can be really heavy news and emotions that comes with this work. Like there was a DACA decision just last summer where new applications were barred. And I felt so helpless. I was like, I wish I can do more. And then I went to a point where I was like, am I doing enough in this position? Because I have the privilege where if I clock out, I'm done for the day. But undocumented students, this is their life. They don't get to clock out of being undocumented. But just going back to what I said, keep practicing and keep remembering your why. That will give you the spark to just keep going. Because the fact that you're already opening yourself, like I want to do this, I want to work with these with this community. So I know that was a lot. But that's a lot I've learned and I'm still learning as I go.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

I feel like I got a lot from that too. I was taking notes as you were speaking and thinking about everything that you said and how it resonates with me and with the work that I do. You said that the reason why you picked up this job or you applied is because you wanted to step out of your comfort zone and learn more about working with diverse populations. And last time we spoke, we talked about the importance of learning to work with disabled students and accessibility. I think there's that parallel of that social justice in general. I think that's one thing that you and I have in common is that we do prioritize social justice.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

I know when I started the podcast, I named the podcast just kind of like in passing, not even thinking about it, because I wasn't gonna do this seriously. When I did it, when I started the podcast, it was kind of like, oh, let me just test it out and see. I want to kind of learn about this new app- not thinking about it. But I was like, if I were to do a podcast, I would want it to be expansive. I don't want it to be just for Latinx folks, or just for- although I do prioritize first gen students of color. I do prioritize them. And it's called femtoring, which means I'm privileging my experience as someone who identifies as a woman and a woman of color and a Chicana and a feminist.

Emeline Beltran

Yeah.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

But at the root of everything- hopefully it's something that other people can sense- that I do prioritize, at the core of everything, social justice. Before anything, it's making sure that we are kind of shedding light on the experiences of different types of oppressed populations. And just like you said, you don't get to clock out being undocumented. And what a privilege it is for us to do that, you know? To not necessarily have to learn about if we don't want to. What a privilege it is to be able to clock out - not being Black or brown if you're white? Wr what a privilege it is to be able to clock out- not being disabled and not having to worry about accessibility because everything is catered to you? Even me being left handed. Sometimes I would get so frustrated going into classrooms, college classrooms, and seeing all these righty desks.

Emeline Beltran

I didn't even know you were left handed. There's so many little things, like a doorknob or a mouse. Yeah.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

But there's so many ways and so many experiences that that are oppressed. That's why I think some of us, we have this mission because we ourselves have been oppressed in some way, shape, or form. We ourselves have intersectional identities in some way, shape, or form. Even though we don't inhabit all of the spaces of oppression, even though we have a lot to learn, it's still important.

Emeline Beltran

Yeah.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

I feel a little self conscious, even with this topic too, because I'm like, I know I'm not an expert on this. But I think it's important. And I'm glad that you came in again, to get this conversation started, and hopefully, it will spark more conversations. Hopefully, we will all continue to learn. So I thank you for coming back on and sharing these gems and what you've learned. And why this work is important and why more folks should also kind of strive to get involved in the advocacy work, in learning and serving these populations- because you never know who might be next to you and might be struggling with this.

Emeline Beltran

Yeah that's what I learned along the way too, especially if you want a career in higher education

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Yeah.

Emeline Beltran

Whether you're a professor or even working in student affairs, you don't know. And just imagine if you say something, like- something I noticed when I first started grad school, professors, they would say, go vote if you're able. But when I would go on social media, people would be like, vote. Just go out there and vote.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Always making you feel bad, like why aren't you voting?

Emeline Beltran

Yeah. So that's what this position has taught me a lot of. If I do get a another role in higher education that's more catered to the entire campus- for example, let's say I get a job at a university library. I don't know who's undocumented. I don't know who's LGBTQ - unless they have that trust to open up with me. So instead of making those assumptions, really being careful with how I communicate. This job was really a great- it's still a great eye opener to me.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Yeah. Thank you for talking about it. There are so many stereotypes with any population, any oppressed population- that they look a certain way, or they behave a certain way. There's so much complexity and diversity even among the different populations, that it's good to never make assumptions - or try your best, because I think sometimes we can't help but make connections.

Emeline Beltran

Yeah.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

But try our best not to make assumptions, especially negative assumptions, and to give people the benefit of the doubt. Anytime I work with folks, I try to give them grace, because I don't know what's going on. So if they're late, I have no idea. If they don't show up, I have no idea what's going on. Instead of thinking, oh, this person's being disrespectful or not mindful of my time, or whatever it is. We have no idea and sometimes folks are not in the space or the position or don't feel safe or secure to be able to disclose what's going on with them.

Emeline Beltran

Yeah.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Anything - any last thoughts? I think we're getting ready to wrap up. After this, I'll be asking you how others - just a reminder how others can reach you. But any other last minute thoughts before you tell us about your different social media handles?

Emeline Beltran

Last thoughts, that's hard. I would say shout out to my workplace- Cal State LA Dreamers Center.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Yes.

Emeline Beltran

You have all taught me so much and I'm still learning a lot.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Can I just say- I love Cal State LA. I haven't been a student or a staff or a professor or anything like that. But I've gone there. I was invited to give a book talk for the Chicana Mother work anthology, omg. The students there- beautiful, beautiful, Black, Brown students in the audience. So receptive, so engaging. It felt like I was given a big tight hug. And ever since I stepped foot on that campus, I was like, this is why there are some amazing people. I know some professors at Cal State LA, particular in Chicanx studies, and they're incredible human beings. You're in a great space. I just want to kind of give a special shout out to Cal State LA and send my love to Cal State LA, because y'all, you have good folks there- including you.

Emeline Beltran

Thank you. Yeah. I am just so humbled. It's just been such a rewarding job position, and I can't wait to just continue it until I graduate in spring and I have to let the position go. But just a huge thank you- and just one of my favorite quotes about the undocumented community that I just keep reiterating, is no dreamer is too small and no dream is too big. I wanted to put that out there. Regardless of citizenship status, just know that Cal State LA or any other dreamer center or organization, they are here for you. We are here to redirect your path. No matter what your professional goals, I promise there are options for you.

Emeline Beltran

For those who want to be an ally with any community that you don't identify with, just having that spark of interest- that's already the first step. The fact that you're going to open yourself to a community and to really welcome yourself, you're already taking the first step with that kind of passion. It's a never ending process. I'm definitely not an expert ally. But yeah, just I really do reiterate the balance of community engagement and research and scholarship with these communities. So yeah, just keep up the great work.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Thank you, Emeline. And just last last thing- I know, I asked you this last time. But for folks who didn't get to listen to the episode that you were on last time, how can others reach you? If they resonated with what you said and they'd like to connect in some way, what's the best way to reach you?

Emeline Beltran

The best way to reach me is through my Instagram. My username is @EMBEEEZE. But I also encourage you to follow Cal State LA Dreamer Center, which is Cal State LA Dreamers on Instagram. We're really responsive. Usually half the time, it's me replying to those DMs anyway.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

I'll tag you both.

Emeline Beltran

Yeah, onnect with me twice and I'll just reply twice. Our programming is virtual. That means that no matter where you are, you are welcome to join our events. We recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of AB540 on Monday, and we had people from San Francisco, San Diego, Orange County logging in. We really want to just keep fostering that community. You don't have to be from like Cal State LA or LA in general to be involved with us. So yeah, connect with either of us there- even though they're kind of both just me.

Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu

Thank you so much for coming on again, and maybe we'll see you another time too.

Emeline Beltran

Thank you.