Cohort 2021-2022

My name is Destinee Estrada and I’m in my fourth year at CSUN, majoring in Biotechnology. I have a passion for the medical field and love all aspects, but have specific interests in Radiology after my past medical history. Here at CSUN, I’m a Committee Leader for Unified We Serve, a mentor with Mentor Collective for freshman and transfer students, and a tutor with the Math Department. In my free time, I genuinely enjoy giving back to my community by volunteering at my local Boys & Girls Club, managing holiday food drives, and providing stem outreach to kids as well.

My leadership journey has just begun, but I’m not letting any obstacles get in my way to become a better leader for both my community at home and at CSUN. I’m looking forward to further pushing myself out of my comfort zone and finding my voice in leadership.

My name is Jocelyn Gutierrez and I am a second year student majoring in Public Health. During my time at CSUN, I have been a counselor for Camp Matador as well as an orientation leader for New Student Orientation (NSO) . Currently, I am the Business Manager for Vocal Percussion Radio, and a member of the Delta Zeta sorority and Health Education Student Organization (HESO).

Throughout my involvement in school organizations and volunteer experience, I have been heavily impacted by wonderful people who exemplify the traits of a good leader and inspire me to be that leader for someone else. I hope to continue setting an example of leadership by empowering others, serving my community with compassion, and being dedicated to creating positive change!

My name is Jocelyn Mata and I am a curious and strong-willed, first-generation senior college student majoring in Geophysics and Computer Science. I have a passion for learning different engineering disciplines in order to expand my knowledge. I aspire to get a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and work for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. With my previous experience as the Vice President and current President of the Leaders in Engineering and Computer Science club, I have contributed tremendously to the CSUN community. Being a SHPE Jr Chair for Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, I have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills through my positions in various clubs. I have been a part of community outreach for the Engineering Department and have helped be a bridge for many students interested in the field. Additionally, I have volunteered for the Unified We Serve Program, the NASA Autonomy Research Center Program and the American Society of Civil Engineers at their outreach events. I would like to be a positive figure in her community by inspiring others to also pursue careers in STEM fields. I want to show the younger generation it is possible to seek careers in these fields regardless of socio-economic status and cultural backgrounds.

My name is Ashlyn Southerland. I am a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Public Health. I am currently on the Pre-PA track, but am also looking to venture and incorporate research, epidemiology, and health education into my career as well! At California State University, Northridge, I am the Co-President and Communications Chair of the Pre-Physician Assistant Club, Activity and Club Engagement Coordinator of Big Buddies, and Peer Educator for Project D.A.T.E. I also dabble in extensive research pertaining to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) interventions under the supervision of Dr. Mirna Sawyer. Outside of CSUN, I wear many hats, as I volunteer and intern with numerous health-based and community-based organizations during my pastime!

Leadership is crucial to igniting positive change throughout the world, and I aim to continue setting an example of exemplary leadership, determination, and dedication. I will continue to support my community and beyond by encouraging compassion, advocacy, utmost resiliency, and promoting voices of all kinds to be heard and understood.