Centering Indigenous Voices: Student Leaders at SJSU’s NAISSC Share Their Stories

by Rhoda Shapiro | Nov 27, 2024 | Featured, Leadership

© 2024 SJSU, photo by Robert C. Bain, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Emily Hyatt (left), Dallas Quinonez (center) and Maliya Tinajero (right) are all students who work at SJSU’s Native American Indigenous Student Success Center (NAISSC). © 2024 SJSU, photo by Robert C. Bain, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

SJSU’s Native American Indigenous Student Success Center (NAISSC) has been a part of the campus community since February 2023. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we wanted to feature students who work at NAISSC. The center, located at the former Spartan Memorial Chapel, is a community-building space and study area that offers programs and support to enhance the lives of Native American Indigenous students at SJSU. All students at SJSU are welcome to visit the center.

Marissa Hemstreet, ’24 Kinesiology

Peer Mentor at NAISSC

Tribal Affiliation: Cañoncito Band of Navajos

How has your culture shaped who you are today and your vision for the future?

Marissa Hemstreet (MH): Culture is medicine. Growing up, I felt distant from my culture, often made to feel like an outsider in my hometown. It wasn’t until I began reconnecting with my Indigenous roots that I discovered a profound sense of belonging. Learning about my culture not only helped me embrace my identity, but also inspired me to see it as a source of strength, resilience and healing. This journey has shaped who I am today and motivates me to advocate for cultural preservation and empowerment. Looking forward, my vision is to continue honoring my heritage while helping others find healing and identity through their own cultural connections.

What is it that drew you to work at NAISSC?

MH: Soma De Bourbon and Elisa Aquino were instrumental in my transition to SJSU, providing guidance and support as I navigated the challenges of understanding the differences between a junior college and a four-year institution. Their help was invaluable during a pivotal time in my life. Inspired by their impact, I wanted to give back by becoming the supportive resource I wish I had when I first transferred to SJSU. Working at NAISSC allows me to offer guidance, create a sense of belonging and empower others in the same way that Soma and Elisa did for me.

Marissa Hemstreet, ’24 Kinesiology, is a peer mentor at NAISSC.

How have you grown personally as a result of this leadership experience?

MH: This leadership experience has taught me to embrace not knowing all the answers and to grow alongside my peer mentees as we navigate SJSU services and resources together, especially during times of emotional or financial stress. I’ve also realized how vital cultural-based identity centers like NAISSC are in fostering a sense of belonging and support. These spaces provide a foundation for individuals to embrace their identities, share their experiences and find community. I’ve learned that I thrive in community-based environments. During hard times, these centers and the people within them are there to lift you up, reminding you of the strength that comes from shared culture and connection.

What is one piece of advice you have for students seeking community and ways to get involved on campus?

MH: My advice is simple: just do it. It’s okay to feel shy, but push through that discomfort — you’ll thank yourself later. Start by dropping into one of the identity-based centers at SJSU. We have a variety of centers, and you don’t have to identify with a specific group to access their resources — they’re open to all students. Go where you feel welcomed and at home. For many, that space is NAISSC, and we’re proud to provide a community where students can thrive.

Also, don’t be afraid to stand out a little. Be bold — talk to your professors, ask questions about your grades or assignments and seek clarity when needed. Those “silly” questions often lead to better understanding and show that you’re engaged.

Finally, start building your network now. It’s never too early. I connected with Soma and Elisa because of my network, and those connections have been invaluable. The relationships you build today can become the lifelines you rely on in the future. Take that first step — you won’t regret it.

Anything else you want to share about yourself?

MH: I am a member of the Cañoncito Band of Navajos, and my pronouns are she/her. I currently work as a Peer Mentor for NAISSC, where I support fellow students and help build a sense of community. I am set to graduate this fall on December 19th with a degree in Kinesiology, specializing in rehabilitative science. My ultimate career goal is to become a doctor of physical therapy, combining my passion for healing with my dedication to helping others thrive.

Dallas Quinonez, ’27 Forensic Science/Crime Scene Investigation

Student Success Advocate at NAISSC

Tribal Affiliation: Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, Mekusukey

How has your culture shaped who you are today and your vision for the future?

Dallas Quinonez (DQ): I would say I am very out of touch with both of my cultures, being Native American and Hispanic/Latina. Now that I realize how disconnected I really am, I would like to discover those parts of myself. I want to feel accepted and accomplished in myself and be

able to say I contributed something valuable to my background.

What is it that drew you to work at NAISSC?

DQ: I have never been a part of any sort of Native American community and after finding out about NAISSC, my mother encouraged me to connect and meet new people. I went to different events and met the people who worked there, and they made me feel welcomed and seen. Even though I wasn’t even working there yet, I still felt like a part of it. I wanted to be associated with this growing community, make a change on campus and be visible.

How have you grown personally as a result of this leadership experience?

DQ: I feel more adult and responsible. My public speaking skills have gotten way better. Working at NAISSC has opened so many doors for me and given me so many amazing opportunities. I am developing connections with staff. I have taken the advice of my boss, Elisa: “Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.”

What is one piece of advice you have for students seeking community and ways to get involved on campus?

DQ: Going to campus events really gets you connected, and they are fun! Clubs are also easy ways to find communities. Stop by student resource centers and talk to people. Find out what’s happening around campus.

John Paul Amaral, ’25 History

Student Success Advocate at NAISSC

Tribal Affiliation: Taos Pueblo, Jicarilla N’deé

How has your culture shaped who you are today and your vision for the future?

John Paul Amaral (JPA): I was raised on the principle “You cannot truly enjoy a culture until you eat their food,” and this very much applies in my life. Food brings people together, encourages conversation, supports exchanging traditions, connects our community to the resource and helps us live. I look forward to meeting people from different walks of life who want to partake in American Indigenous cultures, invite us to their spaces, and share our worlds. And may food be the catalyst when doing so.

What is it that drew you to work at NAISSC?

JPA: Having started the Beading Circle, it was a natural progression to work at NAISSC; so I can better engage and support students through teaching and sharing culture.

I started the Beading Circle on Thursday, February 29th, 2024. The Beading Circle is a space for students, faculty and community to practice beadwork. I teach beginner techniques to provide attendants the basic skills to practice, and host relevant discussions.

After I started learning beadwork from my family, I wanted to bring this space to NAISSC. It is important to open up the space to help students learn our arts and discuss culture. Some of us lacked the opportunity to learn from our family. It forms the stigma where we find it shameful

John Paul Amaral, ’25 History, is a student success advocate at NAISSC.

that we need to learn our cultural arts and crafts from books when we should have learned from our elders. I wanted to address that shame by supporting folks to learn. As a teacher, I can encourage our budding beaders to learn and explore. Our students then have an opportunity to talk with faculty and administration, and they develop a sense of belonging at SJSU. Community members can see how we support our students at NAISSC and find out how they can support the space. My ultimate goal for the Beading Circle is to hold an exhibition at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library.

How have you grown personally as a result of this leadership experience?

JPA: I’ve developed relations with local community colleges and public schools looking to have my Beading Circle Program brought to them.

What is one piece of advice you have for students seeking community and ways to get involved on campus?

JPA: NAISSC’s Long House is open to our American Indigenous students, a place where we learn and share about our cultures, and there is always something going on. Come with an open mind. And if there is something you don’t see that you want to bring in, speak up, because others may want to join in, too.

Maliya Tinajero, ’27 Forensic Science/Crime Scene Investigation

Student Success Advocate at NAISSC

Tribal Affiliation: Pomo Native from Elem Indian Colony

How has your culture shaped who you are today and your vision for the future?

Mailya Tinajero (MT): My culture has had a major impact on how I view society around me. It helps me embrace who I am even more, even

if there are those who don’t agree with me.

What is it that drew you to work at NAISSC?

MT: I told myself when I got to college, I’d be more involved. NAISSC has been a huge part of my college life so far. I originally heard of NAISSC on my orientation day, and I was driven to become a part of something meaningful. During my high school years, I always wished there were more opportunities for Native American students to come together, but I never saw any. This also drew me into getting connected with my culture and community around me. I love NAISSC.

How have you grown personally as a result of this leadership experience?

MT: The best part about NAISSC is definitely the community environment. Everyone is so welcoming, and my role as a student success advocate is to make that a long-lasting thing for anyone when they come into our center. Not to mention, we have the best boss ever, Elisa. Anyone who comes in knows Elisa will always be there with a smile on her face and positive energy. I strive to be more like that.

What is one piece of advice you have for students seeking community and ways to get involved on campus?

MT: Don’t be afraid of opportunity. I first got involved with the NAISSC community by becoming a mentee and learning more about the resources SJSU has to offer. Once you feel connected to something, don’t be afraid to get more engaged with it.

Emily Hyatt, ’26 Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation

Student Success Advocate at NAISSC

Tribal Affiliation: Muscogee (Creek)

How has your culture shaped who you are today and your vision for the future?

Emily Hyatt (EH): The culture I grew up with always centered on nurturing, helping others and giving back. The selflessness of my community and hometown inspired me, and I looked up to my teachers and leaders. I think it’s because of this that at a young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. My vision for the future aligns with this and is pretty simple: to teach and lead the future generations to be good, kind nurturing people. I envision a world where we are all empowered through the goodness of others to be ourselves, make art, speak up for what

we believe in and grow through wisdom and self care.

What is it that drew you to work at NAISSC?

EH: I applied to work at NAISSC during its early stages of development, not fully knowing what to expect, but with a strong desire to find a community. As a freshman and a first-generation college student, the world of academic employment was unfamiliar to me. Despite feeling unqualified, I took the leap and applied for the graphic designer position. I saw it as a unique opportunity to become part of a community, reconnect with my heritage and express my creativity. I’m proud to say that I’ve worked at NAISSC for a year and a half now!

How have you grown personally as a result of this leadership experience?

EH: Working at NAISSC has made me a better leader, but more importantly, it has genuinely transformed my life and the way I see myself. It’s scary to be in unfamiliar professional spaces where we as students in minoritized groups aren’t always welcomed, but it’s important work that has to be done to advocate for our Indigenous students. I’ve learned that I’m allowed to take up space, share my opinions and make mistakes, as long as I’m trying my best and doing right by others. The whole experience has empowered me to jump on other opportunities that I would’ve never imagined and shown me just how much I’m capable of achieving.

What is one piece of advice you have for students seeking community and ways to get involved on campus?

EH: Don’t take this time for granted. Get involved on campus or find a community while you have the resources, space and time to do so. We as student advocates or leaders of these spaces want you! We want to see new faces and help build connections and give you resources and opportunities. It’s what we’re here for. Start by just walking into one of the student success centers or other departments you know about. Ask how you can get involved, what kinds of events are happening, who you should meet and how you can ensure that you are known and recognized as part of the community. I know it can feel daunting to step into something where nobody knows you, but nine times out of 10, folks want to welcome you into these spaces and add to the larger community we are all trying to build.

Kay Aparicio Hernandez, ’26 Mathematics

Peer Mentor at NAISSC

Tribe Affiliation: Mixtec

How has your culture shaped who you are today and your vision for the future?

Kay Aparico Hernandez (KAH): Coming from my Oaxacan indigenous heritage, I carry deep cultural pride and strong family values, particularly respect for elders. My parents’ guidance emphasized education and personal growth, which led me to become a first-generation college student. My ultimate goal is creating better opportunities for my family, enabling my parents’ retirement, while committing to social change and possibly retiring into community education to help others achieve similar success.

What is it that drew you to work at NAISSC?

KAH: I was unexpectedly offered the opportunity to work at NAISSC as a peer mentor. I gladly accepted the position because during my first

Kay Aparicio Hernandez, ’26 Mathematics, is a peer mentor at NAISSC.

year, I participated in the Adelante program at the Chicano Latinx Center. This program helped me feel more comfortable and welcomed at school. My peer mentor gave me valuable advice about socializing and time management — wisdom I’m excited to pass on to my own mentees!

What is something you have enjoyed the most about working at NAISSC?

KAH: I enjoy working at NAISSC because I already spend most of my time between classes there. It’s such a welcoming environment and a great place to study. I love that we host cultural events and group activities.

What is one piece of advice you have for students seeking community and ways to get involved on campus?

KAH: Some advice I would want to give to other students would be to get involved with our centers. There is a place for everyone, and each center holds great opportunities and comfort.

Learn more about NAISSC at SJSU.