Ethnics Studies in California Colleges

Dr. Melissa Moreno is a CA Community College faculty. Her passion has been teaching, researching, and developing curricula in the areas of Ethnic Studies, Chicana/o Studies, Native American Studies, Education, and Leadership for over 15 years. As a first-generation college student, Ethnic Studies saved her life. Schooling became interesting, and she became a professor and leader with the support of many inspiring professors and leaders. For over a decade, she has led Ethnic Studies and taught Chicana/o Studies, History of Race and Ethnicity, Mexican-American History, and Native American Studies. She is a former community educator and faculty in Chicana/o Studies, Education, and Liberal Studies. She holds degrees in Ethnic studies, Sociology, Women’s Studies, and Education. She is a co-founder of the California Community College Ethnic Studies Faculty Council. Her publications and research interests include issues surrounding racial identity formations, subjugated knowledge, cultural citizenship, foodways, food justice education, Chicana/o indigeneity, intergenerational trauma and healing, and practices of community-based leadership. She is a member of the Indigenous Caucus for the National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies (NACCS), among other associations. Painted by artist Jerry Jordan, this mural celebrating ethnic diversity is displayed in the Multicultural Student Center Satellite Office in Gordon Commons residence hall. [...]