California State University Honors Student Advocate for Change
In a notable recognition of student achievement within the California State University (CSU) System, Maricela Zaragoza has emerged as a distinguished recipient of the prestigious Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement. This award is heralded as the highest honor conferred upon students in the CSU System, underscoring their remarkable accomplishments. On September 9, during a meeting of the CSU Board of Trustees held in Long Beach, Zaragoza will be among 23 students celebrated for their excellence and resilience.
Zaragoza has been awarded the CSU Trustee Emerita Claudia H. Hampton Scholar scholarship, valued at ,000. This scholarship is designed for students hailing from traditionally underserved populations or those from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. For Zaragoza, this award transcends mere financial assistance; it embodies encouragement and empowerment. “It shows that no matter your background, you can pursue your goals,” she remarked. “For someone in my position, being a single mother with six kids, it demonstrates that the impossible can become possible through perseverance.”
Her journey is laden with challenges, having grown up in underserved communities marked by housing insecurity. These experiences have galvanized her resolve to advocate for systemic changes critical for her community. “Change starts with addressing barriers, often within policy,” she stated, underscoring her commitment to engaging in policy advocacy and establishing nonprofit organizations to aid low-income families in achieving self-sufficiency.
Zaragoza is actively making strides in this area through her involvement with Project Student-Parents Are Reimagining CalWORKs (SPARC). This initiative is dedicated to empowering student parents to advocate for better policies, conduct research, and influence legislative changes aimed at supporting families. Her leadership role within SPARC included representing student perspectives at the state capitol, leading to impactful discussions with California Governor Gavin Newsom regarding budget cuts that adversely affect low-income families.
Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Cal Poly Humboldt, Zaragoza aims to graduate by Spring 2026 and aspires to obtain a Master of Social Work degree afterward. Her experiences in the CalWORKs program have deepened her understanding of the social work field, leading her to recognize it as her calling.
Zaragoza’s commitment to education extends beyond personal achievement. Her journey has inspired her children, who will be present at the upcoming ceremony in Long Beach. “They’re starting to ask about colleges themselves,” she noted, emphasizing how her educational pursuits are fostering a generational change within her family. “My main goal is to provide for my kids and to model that change so they continue striving for education and making a difference.”
Since transferring to Humboldt, Zaragoza has discovered the flexibility and support crucial for balancing her academic responsibilities with parenting. The opportunity to learn remotely has enabled her to effectively manage her studies while caring for her children. “I’ve advocated for Humboldt because students like myself need childcare and flexible options,” she said, reflecting on the supportive environment she has found at the university.
In summary, Maricela Zaragoza exemplifies the spirit of resilience and advocacy within the CSU System. Her journey not only highlights personal transformation but also emphasizes the broader need for systemic change for families in similar situations. Through determination and passion, she is poised to create lasting positive impacts for both her family and the wider community. As she continues her academic pursuits, Zaragoza stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others facing daunting challenges.
