Inspirando the Colega Mindset: Co-creating Change through Equitable Partnerships

This is the 2nd session of a 2-part Student-led Equity Talks Series titled “From Voice to Power: Students as Leaders, Knowledge Holders, and Change Agents.”

Student Advisory Equipo, launched in 2025 through the HSI Title V CULTURA grant, is made up of six undergraduate student advocates. Grounded by their lived experience and experiential knowledge, they serve as collaborators who play a critical role in shaping culturally affirming programs, policies, and decisions that impact student life. UCSC’s Equipo draws inspiration from the student-led transformation work at Pasadena City College (PCC) and Dr. Desiree Zuniga, whose testimonios, insights, and guidance shaped the foundation of UCSC’s own initiative. UCSC’s Equipo is part of a growing movimiento committed to empowering student leaders as partners and collaborators in advancing servingness and institutional transformation.

In its first year, Equipo members have engaged across multiple campus initiatives, including Pan Dulce Fridays and the HSI Survey Coding Project. This presentation will invite participants to move beyond siloed efforts toward a more integrated, collaborative campus community that empowers students as essential partners in shaping more equitable institutional practices.

Please register to receive a calendar invitation and Zoom details.

You Belong Here: The programs and services described here are open to all, consistent with state and federal law, as well as the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Every initiative—whether a student service, faculty program, or community event—is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all identities.

To learn more, please visit UC Nondiscrimination Statement or Nondiscrimination Policy for UC Publications.