Background: Estella was born in Jalisco, Mexico and immigrated to the U.S.A in 1976. After living in Los Angeles, Chicago, and the Bay Area, she visited the Central Coast and fell in love with its beauty and decided that this was the place where she wanted to raise her family, so she moved here in 1990. She now lives in Santa Maria with her family.

Cuesta Experience: She recently graduated from Cuesta College where she has been the Outreach Recruiter for the ESL program since 2001. Estella loves her job because she’s out in the community promoting the ESL Program and other educational opportunities at Cuesta. Estella is currently the President of the Latina Leadership Network (Cuesta Chapter) and she is a member of the Cultural Diversity & Student Equality Committee.

Other Experience: Estella has joined many non-profit community organizations committed to bettering the lives of the Latinos and other underserved populations. These include: Living in America, Vision Unida, Adelante Mujer Hispana, Latino Outreach Council, California Hispanic Advisory Committee, S.A.F.E, Children’s Health Initiative, and Binational Health Week. For her community involvement and volunteer work, Estella has received many awards that include: Pionera Award, Women of Distinction Award, Volunteer of the Year, Mary Rhodes Award, Adelante Mujer Hispana, and Most Influential Latino.

Hobbies/Interests: traveling, walking on the beach, listening to good music, and enjoying a strong cup of coffee.

Message to students:  I truly believe that learning the language is the first step for a better future in this country. You should believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams!

Venimos a este paiz en busca de una major vida para nuestras familias y si nos educamos y apoyamos podemos lograrlo. Remember that the Latino Population contributes in many positive ways to the greatness of this country.