Congratulations to the 2025 Dr. Hector and Catalina Garcia Graduate Endowed Scholarship Recipients! Read why they are honored to receive this scholarship.
Danny Castillo | ’25 M.A., Interdisciplinary Studies, Queer Anthropology in Child Development
Danny Castillo | ’25 M.A., Interdisciplinary Studies, Queer Anthropology in Child Development
Development
“In a year marked by political instability and mounting pressure on the communities I belong to and serve—Latine/x and LGBTQ+—receiving the Dr. Hector and Catalina Endowment Scholarship has been both a lifeline and a source of renewed motivation. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are core to my academic and personal mission. From working at the Office of LGBTQ Affairs to helping launch the Queer Hope Institute, I remain committed to creating meaningful and lasting change. This scholarship strengthens my resolve and allows me to focus on completing my master’s thesis on Drag Story Time as a site of resistance, queer world-making, and community building. As a graduate student studying Queer Anthropology in Child Development through Interdisciplinary Studies, my work centers on the lives and futures of queer youth of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.”
Jose Luiz Sarabia Torres | ’26 M.S. Mechanical Engineering
Jose Luiz Sarabia Torres | ’26 M.S. Mechanical Engineering
“Serving the Hispanic community, through the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, fills my heart with happiness as it gives me the opportunity to invest in the next generation of STEM leaders. As a future Mechanical Engineer, I strive to use my story, as a first generation college student, to inspire students to follow their dreams and accomplish their career goals. Pursuing my Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Jose State University (SJSU) has been a phenomenal experience as I get the opportunity to network with various Hispanic ERG groups in Silicon Valley. Scholarships like these allow me to continue my education, but also continue to do what I love and inspire the Hispanic community through Noche de Ciencias, Equipando Padres and leading community outreach events in the Bay Area.”
Melanie Mena | ’26 M.A. Guidance and Counseling
Melanie Mena | ’26 M.A. Guidance and Counseling
“I am extremely grateful to be highlighted through this scholarship for supporting my Hispanic community. My commitment to equity and access has always been a part of my identity, and this scholarship is a reminder that resilience, purpose, and effort can make a difference. This has instilled confidence to continue to be service-oriented and driven amidst difficulty. As a Hispanic woman, I learned to advocate for the education I wanted, since access to resources never felt the same as others. My goal after SJSU is to continue providing meaningful academic and social impact as a school counselor, particularly for Hispanic and disadvantaged youth. Getting my M.A. in Guidance and Counseling at SJSU has garnered an invaluable sense of community and support. The staff has always made extensive efforts to ensure I had access to internships, jobs, information, and scholarships like this one. I am thankful for these opportunities and plan to continue to make the most of them.”