Sunny Koh – ’24 M.S. Occupational Therapy

Meet Sunny Koh an M.S. Occupational Therapy student, and 2024-2025 Human Rights Institute (HRI) Aris Anagnos Graduate Student Research Scholarship recipient!

This prestigious scholarship is awarded to students who are advancing graduate research and championing human and civil rights. It is named in tribute to Aris Anagnos whose lifelong commitment to human rights and justice serves as an inspiration.

Sunny enthusiastically expressed her gratitude for being this year’s recipient, stating, “this scholarship is incredibly meaningful to me. It reaffirms my commitment to making a positive impact in the field of occupational therapy and highlights the importance of supporting underserved populations. I am motivated by the desire to enhance the quality of life for individuals through innovative and inclusive practices.”

Sunny offered a compelling overview of her current research project, highlighting its significance and impact. Her project examines the effectiveness of telehealth services for disabled youth and other underserved populations. Sunny’s work is centered on assessing how telehealth can bridge gaps in access to care, boost engagement, and enhance health outcomes for these groups in the post-pandemic era.

After graduation, Sunny plans to advance her research and present her findings as an occupational therapist specializing in telehealth and innovative therapy solutions at INSPIRE 2025 in Philadelphia PA (April 3-5, 2025). She’s excited to improve accessibility and effectiveness in therapy services. This past summer, she had the opportunity to work with Outdoor Kids Occupational Therapy (OKOT) in outdoor-based, nature-intensive therapy, which deepened her enthusiasm for using nature in therapy. 

Sunny’s experience and dedication to advancing research and championing human rights are designed to bring fresh, impactful changes to the field—and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next! Congratulations, Sunny!

Applicants interested in applying to the scholarship next year, can visit this website for more information. 

Barbara Perry-Perez was the first in her family to graduate high school, earn her undergraduate degree, and enroll in a graduate program. As a first-generation college student, it was crucial for

Barbara Perry-Perez – 18′ M.A. History

her to find an educational program where she felt supported, empowered, and valued. This led her to SJSU’s masters in History program. Barbara told us that she needed an educational environment that would challenge her academically and support her personally. Throughout her graduate journey at SJSU, she found the professors genuinely invested in her success, providing the guidance and encouragement she needed to achieve her academic goals.

The Unwavering Support from SJSU Professors

Barbara faced a difficult time when her husband battled cancer a year after graduation. She explained how supportive and caring Professor Dr. Hilde was, “my husband was fighting leukemia and he and I were at Stanford Hospital for four months while he was a bone marrow transplant patient. Dr. Libra Hilde came to visit us both, even though I had graduated in December 2018 and his hospital stay was in 2019. Her act of kindness touched my husband and I and he remembered Dr. Hilde’s thoughtfulness during the last days of his fighting his battle.” Barbara also shared how all the professors in SJSU’s History graduate program are kind, caring, knowledgeable and go beyond the expectations of what one would expect from a professor. 

Developing as an Educator and Historian

Earning an M.A. in History, with a specialization in American History, was driven by Barbara’s aspiration to grow as an educator. She wanted to enhance her ability to read and analyze primary documents and express her analyses of historical events through clear and thoughtful writing. Barbara just celebrated her 25th year as an American History teacher, and is working as a part-time lecturer at Gavilan Junior College. She concludes by emphasizing that a significant part of her success stems from the invaluable help and guidance she received during her graduate program. 

Barbara described her experience at SJSU as transformative, equipping her with the skills, knowledge, and support necessary for her career development. Today, she continues to make a lasting impact as an educator and historian.

Alondra Aguilar – 24′ M.A. Teaching, Critical Bilingual Education (Spanish) Concentration

We had the opportunity to get to know Alondra Aguilar, an M.A. Teaching, Critical Bilingual Education (Spanish) Concentration student who graduated this Spring 2024. She also received a Multiple Subject Credential with a Critical Authorization in Spanish. 

Ever since Alondra was a little girl, she knew what she wanted to be when she grew up: an elementary school teacher. Alondra’s goal was to work alongside the teachers who molded her youth, and from a young age, she did everything she could to stay on the right path to succeed in her educational goals. This included taking Early Childhood Education courses and participating in teaching internships, ultimately leading her to pursue a Multiple Subject Degree.

Speaking about the Spanish aspect of her bilingual degree, Alondra tells us, “Growing up, bilingual education was not something I saw or had heard of. School has always been an ‘English environment,’ with Spanish spoken only with my friends or at home. It was not until my younger sister was going to middle school that I became aware that additive language development was being implemented to uphold students’ identities. When it came to applying to graduate school, I could not pass up the opportunity to become a bilingual educator and be part of a community that embraced the knowledge and abilities students already brought with them.”

Finding a Home at SJSU

Choosing SJSU was an easy decision for Alondra. Having already built a home at SJSU during her undergraduate years in the Child Development program, transitioning to a graduate degree felt like the perfect pathway. In addition, SJSU was close to home, allowing her to stay connected with her family. The diversity and accessibility of the university also made it an ideal choice. 

Alondra shares more about her journey at SJSU: “If I were given the chance to do it over again, I would continue to choose SJSU. I decided to pursue a graduate degree to propel myself forward. I could have simply gone for a teaching credential, but as a first-generation Latina, I needed to prove to myself and the world that I was capable of achieving higher education. Not only would it open more doors for me in the future, but it would also demonstrate that people like me can achieve the same things and handle the rigor of graduate school.”

Alondra noted that she could not have done it without the support of the SJSU faculty. Her professors were instrumental in guiding her, helping her realize her potential, assisting with applications, and writing recommendation letters. Meeting her placement supervisor in her first semester was another significant advantage, as they developed a strong bond. She tells us, “She has seen my growth from the start, provided me with support when I needed it, and shared her extensive teaching knowledge. The faculty at SJSU are always ready to help, answering questions and emails quickly, and providing the best responses.”

Looking Ahead

After graduation, Alondra hopes to begin her teaching journey within the community where she grew up. When we asked her to share some words of wisdom for future graduate students, she said, “My advice from one student to another is to take things one day at a time and enjoy the ride. It may seem really stressful looking at all the components of graduate school, but when you take a step back and reflect on the accomplishment waiting at the end of the road, it becomes easier to work on a day-to-day basis, slowly making your way through until you find yourself mere moments from everything you have strived for.”

Alondra’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and the support of dedicated educators–and the transformational opportunities that SJSU offers. We are excited to see the incredible contributions Alondra will make to her community and the field of education.

Mariana Alvarez and Phoebe Paxton are both current graduate students. Today they share their motivations, experiences, and aspirations on their path towards earning their Doctor of Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) degree at San José State University (SJSU).

Mariana Alvarez – 25′ Doctor of Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

At the core of Mariana Alvarez’s pursuit of an Ed.D. degree lies a profound inspiration drawn from her familial roots. Mariana tells us, “My family has inspired me to pursue an Ed.D. degree. As a Mexicana, I saw the sacrifices and dreams of the generations before me, and I see how those roots are impacting my children as well. I also see the same reflected in the community I grew up in and the community I am privileged to serve. I believe that education is at the heart of how we continue to make changes and make our dreams a reality.” Mariana envisions education as the cornerstone for effecting meaningful change and realizes her role in nurturing future generations.

Milestones at SJSU

Mariana’s incredible journey at SJSU has also been thanks to her advisor, Dr. Rebecca Burciaga. She tells us, “Having an advisor who brings a wealth of knowledge and understands my experiences as a Latina in Education has inspired me to continue pushing through the program’s challenges. She has been an anchor in this endeavor.” Through her experiences as an elementary school principal in the East Side of San Jose, where she grew up, Mariana says that the Ed.D. program provides her with language to capture her experiences as an elementary school principal and be able to more critically examine practices that impact her community.

Shaping the Future

Post-graduation, Mariana will continue her commitment for systemic change within the educational landscape. Grounded in her mission to serve and empower marginalized communities, she aspires to be the support and mentor that she once wanted while navigating the education system. By advocating for inclusivity and amplifying the voices of aspiring Latina leaders, Mariana hopes to leave a mark on the educational sphere.

Contributions and Research at SJSU

Mariana’s dissertation is focused on Latina elementary school principals and how they use their community cultural wealth and cultural intuition to lead schools, while exploring what is the most influential in their pathway to principalship. She tells us, “while Latinos are the fastest-growing population, Latina administrators make up only 13% of the administrators in California. Research on Latina administrators has recently begun to emerge, and it is exciting to be a part of this growing body of knowledge.”

Why SJSU

Mariana is the first in her family to pursue a doctoral degree. SJSU has played an integral role in how she sees herself achieving this dream by providing her with a clear plan. She tells us, “My professors have also been extremely supportive and know how to guide me in my research to deepen my knowledge on the topic. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet with the university president, hear more about her vision for SJSU, and share my thoughts with her. Last spring, I also had the opportunity to welcome the newest cohort to the program and share my experiences with them at that point.”

For Phoebe Paxton, the pursuit of her Ed.D. degree is inspired by her grandmother, Willie Mae Mitchell-Willis. Despite facing adversities that curtailed her own educational journey, her grandmother

Phoebe Paxton – 26′ Doctor of Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

instilled within Phoebe a belief in the transformative power of education. 

Phoebe shared with us some of her grandmother’s story, “My grandmamma, Willie Mae Mitchell-Willis, inspired me to pursue my doctorate degree. And has always been my role model. She was pulled out of school at the early age of 12 when her family needed her. My great-grandmother got sick and she needed someone to help her with house chores and cooking and taking care of her younger siblings. My grandmamma loved school and wanted to continue her education, but her mother was a single parent  and her mother insisted that she quit her schooling and stay home to help her. She carried a lot of responsibility at such a young age. Despite quitting school early, she always told her children how much she valued education. Every chance she got she would tell us that receiving an education is very important, she would tell us that if you receive an education no one could take it from you.”

Charting a Vision

Post-graduation, Phoebe envisions harnessing her newfound expertise to assume leadership roles within her community. She currently works for a nonprofit organization using her creative business and leadership skills as an administrator. Her supervisor has been preparing her to become a next-generation leader, but she must first complete her doctorate. Phoebe expects to graduate in 2026, and when she does, she will be appointed an executive director position. Since starting the Ed.D. program, Phoebe is interested in working towards becoming a California lobbyist or policymaker.

Contributions and Reflections

At SJSU, Phoebe has learned how to apply research to resolve current real-world problems in the field of education and learning. Of her research, she tells us, “I have the opportunity to learn how to interpret the latest research, and then use that research to develop strategies to improve educational outcomes in a variety of settings. The problem-solving skills can give me the ability to effect meaningful social change.”  By leveraging the resources and support provided by SJSU, Phoebe has cultivated a skill set that will allow her to make an impact in education.

Choosing SJSU

Phoebe decided to pursue an Ed.D. degree at SJSU because of the university’s reputation, accessibility, and commitment to fostering community engagement. Phoebe tells us, “SJSU provides accessibility to high-quality education at a fraction of the cost. I consider the SJSU campus as a diamond in the rough. During my research on the different Ed.D. programs, I learned that many SJSU students intern at different Silicon Valley companies. I was accepted at three different Ed.D. programs, I chose this program because of Dr. Rivera’s support and integrity.”

Mariana Alvarez and Phoebe Paxton shine as examples of perseverance, determination, and dedication. Their stories highlight how education can profoundly change lives and inspire others, and cannot wait to see what they do with their Ed.D. doctoral degree and how they impact their communities.

For Lorena Martinez-Carrasco, Behin Noormanesh, and Chris Changras, the Higher Education Leadership (HELM) master’s program at San José State University (SJSU) has been more than just an academic endeavor—it has been a transformative journey towards empowerment and leadership. 

Lorena Martinez-Carrasco – 23′ M.A. Higher Education Leadership

Lorena Martinez-Carrasco: Finding Voice and Belonging

Lorena chose to pursue a HELM master’s degree for one reason: “to prove to myself that regardless of obstacles, finances, and tribulations, I was going to obtain that degree to further myself and get ahead. I have worked for the district for 20+ years and realized that I needed a master’s to secure myself, find a meaningful career, and also for a transformation.”

The HELM program has given Lorena a space of belonging and has allowed her to think critically. It has given her the confidence she needed, stating, “The HELM program has been a place where I felt I was accepted, which allowed me to have a voice for the first time. The program is tailored with specialized and compacted courses and the professors offer a welcoming peer-to-peer safe environment, which allowed me to focus, prioritize, and facilitate. The curriculum was catered to helping me with my capstone and eased my way through the research process.”

Lorena shared how the exceptional professors at SJSU and her cohort have enriched her learning, supported her throughout the program, and led her to success, saying, “with my super supportive, genuinely caring cohort and a power force that is hard to dismantle, we together have a powerful stance. The instructors whom I find phenomenal are those who served, challenged, and who represented tactfully. While I was in the program, they were very committed, and they did so in aiding me towards my success.”

Lorena currently works part-time with an adult’s program through the community education department for Mission College and told us how the HELM program has given her the confidence she needed to teach efficiently and effectively. She will continue to use the skills and tools the HELM program has given her in future positions, saying, “My hope is to lead in management, in a program that I will help facilitate those who are marginalized and where I can make a significant difference. I find that I am my best version of myself when I am able to stand up to those barriers that are placed to shut individuals from advancing.”

Behin Noormanesh: Advocating for Equity and Inclusion

HELM’s core focus on equity and justice is what attracted Behin to the program. She says, “The HELM program has played a pivotal role in shaping my ability to make a significant impact in my field. Through the program, I gained a deep understanding of equity and justice issues within higher education and acquired the tools and skills necessary to address these challenges effectively. For individuals like me who are passionate about effecting positive change but require guidance on where and how to start, this program is a beacon of light.”

The program has instilled a deep commitment to these values in Behin’s professional life, allowing her to become an effective leader in her current leadership role. She states, “The HELM program helped me commit to equity in my new leadership role. The program has allowed me to foster positive change and promote fairness in higher education. Even though I graduated, I’m still learning and adapting to keep up with the best ways to promote fairness.”

Chris Changras – Empowering Leadership and Advocacy

Chris has seamlessly integrated the tools, voice, and values instilled by the HELM program into her role within higher education administration. She tells us, “HELM has allowed me to transition into a leadership role within a new university and within a new department. It has provided me with the resources, connections, and confidence to be a successful contributor and thought leader for my division.”

Chris ends by telling us her hopes for the future, saying, “My impact I hope will be with the daily interactions I have with managers as we work together to make each of their staff successful contributors as well as equity-conscious university citizens.”

Lorena, Behin, and Chris’ stories exemplify the profound impact of SJSU’s HELM program in shaping leaders. Through supportive communities, innovative curriculum, and dedicated faculty, the program empowers individuals to find their voice, advocate for change, and lead with integrity and compassion.