Vancouver Mayor Pro Tem Ty Stober was the guest speaker for the Fall Queer Luncheon on October 10 in the Penguin Student Lounge. The free event is presented each term by Clark’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The luncheon is designed to create community for students who identify as queer and allies.

Stober is one of seven councilmembers for the city of Vancouver. He is Mayor Pro Tem, which means he serves as mayor in the mayor’s absence. He has served on city council for eight years.

Stober is also gay. He told the group that only 0.23% of elected officials nationwide identify themselves as LGBTQ.

“Our voices are radically underheard in politics,” he said, noting that he is the only LGTBQ elected official in a geographic area that includes six Washington counties. “I am standing here today so that students can see that representation in government is possible.”

Stober grew up in Canby, Ore., a conservative small town in Clackamas County. He was closeted in high school.

“I wanted so badly to fit in that I put on as good an act as I could of being straight,” he said. “I lived in constant fear that I’d slip up and be exposed.”

He graduated from Canby Union High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. He earned his MBA at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“I was very, very closeted when I was in college,” he said.

After grad school he was working in Baltimore when he met the man who would become his husband. They have been together for 20 years.

Stober first got involved in politics in 2009, when as a citizen, he canvassed for passing Referendum 71, which legalized domestic partnership in Washington. It was the first statewide referendum in the U.S. that extended to LGBT people the rights and responsibility of domestic partnership.

In 2012 he chaired the organization that backed Referendum 74, which legalized gay marriage. It became law in 2012. He has been a Vancouver councilmember since 2015.

Stober encouraged Clark College students to get involved with local politics. There are opportunities to attend city council meetings in person or online. People also can send an email to all the councilors. Learn more about Vancouver City Council meetings here.

“If you don’t feel safe in our community as an LGBTQ person or as a person of color, come speak at city council,” he said.

Stober invited people to start by getting involved in Vancouver by providing public comment to a variety of community projects in an online community forum, BeHeardVancouver.

“You need to tell us what you want,” Stober said. “If you want affordable housing, say, ‘I want affordable housing.’ If politics interest you, reach out to me.”

Stober has a two-decade career in sales, marketing and operations, with leadership experience in medium-sized, publicly traded and entrepreneurial organizations. He last served as an energy efficiency program manager for an organization supporting all utilities in the Northwest.

Upcoming DEI events:

• Students with Disability Luncheon, Tuesday, Oct. 24 at noon in PUB 161
• Students of Color luncheon, Tuesday, Nov. 7 at noon in PUB 161

To learn more, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s website.

Ty Stober, Council Seat 5

Current Assignments and Certifications

• National League of Cities: Vice Chair – Race, Equity and Leadership Council
• National League of Cities: Board of Directors and Board Policy Committee
• National League of Cities: First Vice President, LGBTQ+ Local Officials
• National League of Cities: First Tier Suburbs Council – Past Chair
• C-TRAN Board of Directors
• Vancouver Strategic Planning Executive Steering Group
• Vancouver Fire and Police Pension Boards
• Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation (alternate)
• Metro Policy Advisory Committee (alternate)
• SW Regional Transportation Council (alternate)
• Association of Washington Cities Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership
• National League of Cities University Bronze Certificate
• Community Involvement
• NAACP, Member

Photo: Susan Parrish/Clark College

An attentive crowd of 80 students, faculty, and staff gathered for the Spring Queer Luncheon on June 8 during Pride Month. The free event is presented each term by Clark’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

A panel representing Clark students, faculty, and staff shared their journey toward discovery of their queer identity, their search for building community, and their challenges including feeling safe and navigating family relationships. The panel was moderated by student Sonia Talero Pachon. Panelists were:

• Student Matty Quinn
• Student Serenity Raewyn
• Alyssa Voyles, Director of Employee Equity, Outreach & Engagement
• Professor Christina Smith

Here is some of the panel’s discussion:

What was your journey toward discovering your queer identity?

“By the time I was 5 or 6, I knew.”

“Society tells us what’s acceptable. Parents have opinions. But I can re-embrace who I am. I feel a lot of us are constantly evolving.”

“I was in a toxic relationship because I was uncomfortable with who I was.”

What are some of the ways you have found to build community and support within the LGBTIQ+ community? And within Clark College?

“In the college’s Queer Agenda, we are about creating a safe space where people could be themselves and make friends.”

“It was through the amazing people at the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion where I started to find community.”

“I spent a lot of time in the Diversity Center, connecting with others. That’s when you find the most genuine people. You find the commonalities.”

“Community doesn’t just have to be in a physical space. I may not have a large in-person community, but I have developed a community online.”

What are some of the challenges you’ve had?

“Being part of the community, but still not feeling completely welcome.”

“I want to feel not just comfortable, but safe. I felt safer in Portland but moved to Vancouver. I don’t go out to eat in Vancouver.”

What are some ways you have found to advocate for the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community?

“For me, it’s showing up for others in the way I didn’t have.”

“I’m visible to my students.”

“My advocacy doesn’t necessarily come from standing with a sign that says Black Lives Matter or Love is Love—although I have done that—but it’s relationships. How we treat each other.”

What advice would you give your younger self or other people about being part of the LGBTIQ+ community?

“I have a good friend who in his late 30s attempted suicide several times. He decided in his 40s to live authentically. It is never too late to be yourself.”

“Find queer content you can identify with.”

“For Pride Month, let’s focus less on ‘Love is love’ and more on ‘Trans people are dying.’”

“I’ve always been the weird kid who didn’t have friends. I never went to any school dances. Don’t wait for an invitation that’s not going to come. Just go. Do the thing.”

“You have to walk through your own life. Find a way that’s comfortable for you.”

To learn more, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s website.

Photo: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Graduates were celebrated at the Diversity Center graduation on June 7. 

Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards challenged the graduates: “Don’t minimize your accomplishment. Be proud of it. Don’t ever forget where you came from. Be your true authentic self. Every day of my life, I remind myself I’m from the Boogie Down Bronx.” 

Three graduates participated: 

• Matty Quinn, Associate in Fine Arts (Fine Arts: Studio Arts AFA) 
• Rona Young, Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Services 
• Tracy Taylor, Associate in Applied Science in Supervisory Management 

Alum Dee Harris, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion executive assistant, shared her story of living in a homeless shelter and being unsure of her future when a Clark College employee from Workforce Education Services spoke at the shelter about opportunities at Clark. Soon after, she enrolled at Clark and became a paralegal. Later she earned a bachelor’s degree. She has worked at the college for more than a decade. She has raised seven children.  

Dee said, “I never felt I didn’t have an opportunity at Clark College. This degree is yours. This is what you have accomplished. No one can take that from you.” 

In the keynote address, graduating student Matty Quinn shared their story of growing up in a low-income household that was unsafe and toxic. They first enrolled at age 18 but dropped out because “my life was a mess.” 

Later, when they decided to return to college, their mother was critical and unsupportive. Matty got help in therapy and returned to Clark. 

Matty said, “The past couple of years have been one of the biggest journeys of my life. I no longer have connections with people who bring me down. I’ve made my own family here.” 

Matty also took on leadership roles as a Student Ambassador and a peer mentor.  

“I was finally proud of myself,” they said.  

Next, Matty will be starting an internship as a paraeducator to help the future generation of kids and artists. 

Interim Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Vanessa Neal, closed with this inspiration: “Change is a constant part of life. You’ll face challenges and adversity. You’ll meet people who don’t understand you. Embrace your curiosity. Follow your opportunities. Lean into your courage over fear. Honor your truest self. Remember what matters and keep going.

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Clark College celebrated Juneteenth on June 6 by gathering during lunchtime for barbecue, screening of a film, and celebrating community. The event was organized and sponsored by the college’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and culinary programs.    

From its Galveston, Texas origin, Juneteenth is a federal and a state holiday celebrated on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. Celebrations take place across the U.S. and beyond with focus on community and family gatherings, reflection, cuisine, and continued solidarity toward social justice. Clark College celebrated Juneteenth early on June 6 to accommodate academic and holiday schedules as well as to uplift the broader community Juneteenth Freedom Celebration, which Clark College will be involved in.  

Clark College’s Juneteenth celebration was a free event open to all students, employees and community members, and included:   

• Food prepared by Chef Earl Frederick, Culinary Arts Professor in the Tod and Maxine McClaskey Culinary Institute at Clark College, and cuisine staff and students. Chef Earl and crew served up marinated pork loin, coho salmon, Cajun shrimp, chicken thighs, braised greens, Southern-style cornbread, sweet tea, sorrel punch, mini red velvet cupcakes, pecan pie, and more— at no cost to diners.   
• Screening of the film Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts presented by Dru Holley, the film’s director and producer. The film details the role played by Black soldiers throughout U.S. history. Premiering this summer in honor of Juneteenth, the film will air on PBS on June 12 and on World Channel on June 19 (Juneteenth).   

Cuisine instructor Earl Frederick said, “Barbecue is recognized as a Black contribution to American culture. It was slaves who passed through the Caribbean, cooking animals over pits on sticks. This style of cooking called barbacoa translates now into what we know as Southern barbecue. They also picked up seeds from hot peppers in the Caribbean, which became an important flavoring for the pork in the South.”  

Frederick said his maternal grandmother, a sharecropper from North Carolina, told him stories about the significance of barbecue.   

“My grandmother told me that barbecue is something that Blacks and whites in the South share. When tobacco was harvested in the fall, it was all-hands-on-deck with Blacks and whites working together doing the harvest.”  

Workers hung tobacco leaves in tobacco barns that have slats to let air through. To prevent spoilage, this work had to happen quickly, so a big oak fire was built to cure, dry, and smoke the tobacco. Throughout the night, workers stoked the fire, which accumulated hot coals.   

Frederick explained, “The tradition developed to roast a pig using those hot coals. People dug a hole in the ground, put hot coals in the bottom of the pit, put a grate over the coals, and put a butchered pig on the grate to slowly cook the pig. Everybody—black and white—ate the pig together. Something that didn’t happen any other time.”  

Clark had its first Juneteenth celebration in June 2020. President Joe Biden signed the legislation that made Juneteenth a federal holiday in June 2021, making it the 11^th official federal holiday.  Since 2022, Juneteenth also has been recognized as a state holiday.  

What is Juneteenth?  

Juneteenth (“June” plus “nineteenth”) is a federal holiday observed each year on June 19. Juneteenth was first celebrated in Texas, where on June 19, 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, enslaved people were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. Learn more at https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth. We encourage folx to research how to get involved with organizations and community events to celebrate Juneteenth and get involved in support of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism.

Photos: Clark College/Vanessa Neal

Clark Queer Agenda kicked off Pride Month with its first-ever clothing swap on June 1. Students chose clothing new to them. Clothing was neatly stacked on tables in PUB 161. One table had jackets. Another held pants, another shirts, another dresses.  

Although many students donated clothing, students did not have to contribute clothing in order to shop. Blake chose a black overcoat and paired it with eggplant pants. Leilani found a peach shirt and black pants with multiple decorative zips. Lillian chose a lime green crop top with metal chain straps. Xoxia chose a black lacy button-up shirt.  

It was also just a hangout space where students could connect. One student played acoustic guitar while others sat around chatting. 

Alexsander Havens, president of Queer Agenda said the group promoted the event through its Discord server of about 70 students. ASCC President Casey Figone had posters made to hang around campus. 

Students engage in Mutual Aid 

The event was brainstormed during a Queer Agenda meeting when students were discussing future plans for the club and a desire to get more involved with advocacy. 

The idea of mutual aid was introduced by Jill Forgash, a student success coach who works in Clark’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office and Cassandra Walsh, a Student CARE intern at Clark who is earning a master in social work degree at Portland State University. The group had expressed interest in arranging a clothing swap, and the event was a perfect fit with mutual aid. 

At its core, mutual aid is simply students helping other students.  

“Students in the group already were doing mutual aid without realizing it,” said Jill Forgash. “They share resources. They share clothing. They bring home-baked goodies to meetings.” 

“As the students started planning the clothing swap, we advocated for the event to be student run, student centered,” said Walsh. “It’s been cool to see this idea on paper and then see them run with it.” 

Forgash looked around the room and said, “This is a powerful example of community building.” 

Queer Agenda plans to offer a clothing swap at least annually, if not each term. In the future, they may partner with other clubs such as Black Student Union and Theater and would like to connect with other students interested in mutual aid. 

Clark Queer Agenda 

• Meets every Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Diversity Center (GHL 220) 
• Contact Alexsander Havens or Alyssa Voyles 
• Follow on Instagram: @clarkqueeragen

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

The Clark College community commemorated Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month in May in a variety of ways.  

Korean Club hosts speakers discuss racism, acts of violence 

On May 31 the college’s Korean Club hosted its first-ever Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander event, which it plans to repeat annually. Five speakers talked about their experiences with racism, discrimination and even violence. The speakers were: 

• Bethany Kim-Yin, a former social studies teacher and college admissions counselor 
• Jīn Darnel, president, Korean Society of Vancouver and Washington Asian Cultural Organization 
• Jullie Ji, teacher, Korean School of Vancouver; Korean Society of Vancouver 
• Amanda Lee Harlan, Clark College Workforce Education Services; president, Justice Impact Club; co-president, Korean Club; board member, Witness to Mass Incarceration 
• Melina My-Ai Doan, Clark College student; president of the college’s Korean Club 

They spoke about being young children and experiencing other students make racist comments about their appearance, their ethnic food, the way they spoke English. 

Bethany Kim-Yin said, “Violence against Asians happens every day. I’ve been spit upon. One of the lies I still tell myself is that If I stay small, I’ll be safe.” She added, “We’re not big enough for the American dream to be a reality.” 

Jīn Darnel sang in Portland Opera for several seasons. She was the only Asian performer. 

She said, “In my life, I’ve seen so much discrimination. I was very angry about it.” 

Now she fights back against discrimination by creating opportunities for Asian artists and musicians. 

Jullie Ji, a third-generation Asian-American, asked her math professor at Portland State University to explain an equation. The professor’s response: Go back to your country. Take ESL classes. Learn to speak English.  

To bring Asian communities together, she is organizing a series of summer concerts in Vancouver featuring Asian musicians.  

“We’re not all that different. We’re just different colors,” she said. 

Melina My-Ai Doan said growing up in Vancouver was hard. The kids at school made fun of her Vietnamese food she brought for lunch. Making friends was difficult. Later, while working at a local movie theater, she experienced a racially motivated verbal attack.  

She said, “We have been invisible and ignored. It’s time to speak up.” 

While growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, Amanda Lee Harlan said, “I endured a lot of racism, discrimination, name calling, bullying. It’s taken its toll. I remember being ashamed of my culture and my heritage.” 

At age 20, she was called a derogatory name and punched in the face by a White Supremacist skinhead and wearing a swastika. Someone called the police, who put her and her husband—not the attacker—into the back of the police car. 

“There is still so much violence against Asians, especially against our elders, who don’t feel safe reporting it,” she said. “Community is what we need right now. Having a safe space. Sharing our stories. My goal is to bring awareness to what’s going on in the Asian community and how we can help each other. I’d like to bring all the Asian communities together.” 

College Book Club discusses Minor Feelings 

Clark College’s book club met via Zoom on May 5 to discuss the book Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong. The book is a New York Times bestseller, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and a National Book Critics Circle Award winner. The Los Angeles Review wrote: “In Minor Feelings, poet and essayist Cathy Park Hong exposes the racism, shame, and erasure forced upon her as a Korean American woman.” 

Heather Leasure, Clark’s Student Communication and Retention Manager said about the book, “The takeaway for me was about the structured life she (the author) was forced to lead. Also, the abuse that is rampant in Korean culture, especially from the mother.” 

Japanese and Korean club members receive Vancouver City Council proclamation 

Members of the college’s Japanese and Korean Clubs attended the Vancouver City Council meeting in May to receive Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle’s proclamation that May is “Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.” 

The proclamation includes this language: 

“Whereas, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month is an annual celebration every May that recognizes the historical and current contributions of individuals and groups of Asian, Hawaiian and Pacific Islander descent within the United States. The umbrella term includes communities from the entire Asian continent, including East, Southeast and South Asia, the Hawaiian Islands, and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. As of last year, there were about 24.3 million people of Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander descent in the United States; 

“Whereas, the City of Vancouver recognizes the innumerable contributions, vibrant cultures, and rich histories of AA and NHPI. As some of the fastest-growing racial and ethnic groups in the nation and Vancouver, AA and NHPI communities represent a multitude of ethnicities, languages, and experiences that enrich our community; 

“Whereas, this month we proudly celebrate the rich culture and history of Asian American, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander heritage and history in the City of Vancouver, as we dedicate ourselves to working together to address the challenges that still face so many of our neighbors and members of the Vancouver community.” 

Members of 2022-23 B.U.I.L.D cohort made their group presentations and will graduate from the program on May 26. 

The Broadening Understanding, Intercultural Leadership and Development program (B.U.I.L.D.) is a nine-month cohort-based program designed to develop intercultural competency and equity in leadership amongst Clark College staff, faculty and students. The program encourages the students to explore power, privilege and inequity and their implications through awareness, learning and practicing social equity. 

Vanessa Neal, Interim Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion/Diversity, said, “I am so excited to celebrate the Purple Cohort of the B.U.I.L.D. program. I lift up and celebrate the great learning experience and connection within this program, not only as the leader of ODEI, but also as a participant. I am joined by President Edwards, Dr. Cruse, Sabra Sand and Calen Ouellette in team seven of the Purple Cohort.”  

She added, “This Friday, we will celebrate all graduates of the Purple Cohort and I look forward, with great anticipation, to seeing how folx put theory into practice for the benefit of the College and student success!” 

Below are this year’s seven teams of the B.U.I.L.D. Purple Cohort and their projects: 

Team: Megan Jasurda (DSS), Mike Law (ODEI), Sandra Bush (Dual Enrollment) 

Project: Disability Awareness training module 

Created a new training, “Disability Awareness” via Canvas. They are proposing the training be made available to all new Clark employees. It covers basic information about what “disability” means, breaks down ableism, provides strategies for allyship, and shares resources for those who have questions about either accommodations, or who want to learn more. 

Team: Nick Luisi (Nursing), Lana Strickland (ODEI), Laura LeMasters (Athletics) 

Project: Equity in Healthcare presentation 

Created a detailed presentation covering some inequities within the Nursing department – disparities in representation in the field and in the program, barriers to success and enrollment, and strategies to support systemically non-dominant students in the program. This group also presented challenges that students athletes face, including the need for an athletic trainer, and the increasing demand for mental health support among student athletes. 

Team: Jill Forgash (ODEI), Tracy Eyler (CFS), Gerald Gabbard (HR), Vanessa Watkins (Entry Services) 

Project: PPI Reflection and Application tool  

Developed this tool for managers to use to encourage their teams to be strategic in deciding which PPI trainings to attend. The tool can be used for notetaking and provides a discussion guide for folx to share their learning with their teams, and to find strategies to apply the learning to their positions. 

Team: Julie Austad (CLASS), Charlie Sheese (eLearning), Darci Feider (HR), Rhianna Johnson (Guided Pathways) 

Project: Clark Accessibility Checklist and Resource Guide 

Developed a reference tool for folx to use as they develop materials for their work. The document provides details, guidelines and best practices for accessibility, contact information for people at the college who are experts, and creates a volunteer network of folx willing to be checkers. This document will be made available to all employees and will be updated as more resources are developed and found. 

Team: Eben Ayers (Security), Carol Hsu (Engineering), Kathy Chatfield (eLearning), Katia Quintero (ODEI), Alex Kison (Career Services) 

Project: “Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations” by Mira Jacob  

As a group, they read and met monthly to discuss this book. Each group member shared takeaways and insight from this graphic memoir. As a result of their positive experience, the group plans to start a book club in the Fall to be open to all members of the college community. The first book will be “Good Talk.” 

Team: Dr. Karin Edwards (President), Calen Ouellette (Foundation), Vanessa Neal (ODEI), Sabra Sand (Operations), Dr. Michele Cruse (Student Affairs) 

Project: Confluence: Culture of Clark College  

Examined the culture of Clark College through data collection and metrics. The goal is to develop strategies to better help people understand our values, while also making human connections. 

Team: Nicole Harris (ODEI), Cath Keane (Career Services), Kayla Demaray (Financial Aid), Sandy Foster (OOI) 

Project: Navigating Career Paths event 

Developed a plan to create a new event, Navigating Career Paths, focused on supporting systemically non-dominant students with networking opportunities, panels, and strategies to build social capital. Set for October 2023, this event will contribute to efforts to boost systemically non-dominant student recruitment and retention.  

Learn more: 

• Because B.U.I.L.D. is a leadership and development program, the true value is the inward reflection needed for outward action and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism work. 
• As with most leadership development programs, a foundational component is learning that before one leads others, there is great importance in leading oneself. This means intentional self-reflection to better understand one’s values and beliefs while also doing internal work to expand knowledge and understanding to grow. 
• During the B.U.I.L.D. program, participants complete a series of ODEI workshops to build knowledge and skills toward equity leadership and intercultural competency.  
• Upon completion of the program, folx are expected to serve as equity ambassadors in their respective areas to advocate that policies, processes, procedures, decision-making, communications, and services are developed, implemented, and assessed equitably and in ways that center student and employee populations that most often experience inequitable outcomes in learning and workplace environments.  
• The ODEI team adds graduates to a B.U.I.L.D. Graduates listserv, which allows folx to reach out to these graduates to serve on a committee, workgroup, and so on. The college community, and beyond, continues to have high interest in growing in the ways of intercultural leadership and development. 

Apply to join the 2023-2024 B.U.I.L.D. GOLD cohort  

Applications are being accepted for the 2023-2024 B.U.I.L.D. Gold cohort. View the application here. 

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Nicole Harris, Director of Student Equity and Inclusion, (second from the right) stood in the Diversity Center and greeted people coming through the doors to participate in the Black Student Union (BSU) Kickback on May 24. The informal event occurs every term.  

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion provided food, music, and games. Mostly, it’s about connection and community. 

Harris explained, “This is a space for Black students, staff and faculty to gather to celebrate our accomplishments, Black Joy and share our stories.” 

People took turns introducing themselves to the group. Some are current students. Some are current Running Start students. Some are future students who plan to enroll at Clark next academic year.  

Then, it was time to fill their plates and gather together to listen to music, play games, and talk.  

If you are interested in getting notifications for this event, please reach out to Clark’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) at diversity@clark.edu or call 360-992-2292. 

ODEI is located on the second floor of Gaiser Hall (GHL) 214. The elevator is located by Financial Aid. 

Photo: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Clark College hosted Noche de Familia on May 9, a special night for Latiné families to learn about academic options and resources offered at Clark College. Offered every term by the college and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the free event included activities for kids and dinner for all. 

Attendees had opportunities to speak with Clark representatives from Financial Aid, Transitional Services, Workforce Education Services, Disability Support Services, Counseling and Health Center, Career Services and more. Workshops were offered to explain the processes of applying for Clark College and applying for financial aid. 

While parents found out more about Clark College, children busied themselves with facepainting and games. At the STEM table Engineering, Professors Tina Barsotti and Carol Hsu helped children build a contraption that demonstrated Newton’s Third Law of Motion. Diana Santos watched as her daughter, Ester, 4, inflated a balloon.  

Through a student interpreter, a Clark College staff member asked Diana Santos if she was considering enrolling at Clark College. She paused a minute before answering, “I need basics.” 

Diana and the interpreter headed to the Transitional Studies staff member to learn more about how she could get started with basic ESL classes. 

Moments later, a Clark graduate, Ana Aquino-Barragan stood at the podium and told her story in Spanish. When she first became a student at Clark College, she, too, needed the basics. She had not graduated from high school. She was not confident at speaking English. 

She started with English as Second Language (ESL) classes through Transitional Studies. Her path was not easy. She stumbled. She struggled. She wanted to give up. But her teachers encouraged her to keep going. 

Eventually, Aquino-Barragan earned her high school diploma, three Early Childhood Education certificates, and an associate degree in early childhood education. Today she is an early childhood education teacher. Next, she plans to start a bachelor’s degree program part time while she is working. Her goal is to be a schoolteacher.  

Her daughters saw how hard their mother worked to achieve her goal – doing her homework and juggling a busy schedule. Along her challenging educational journey, she inspired her daughters. 

Her oldest daughter dreams of being a doctor and is starting college. Another daughter who is about to graduate from high school aspires to be a teacher. And, her youngest daughter wants to be a dentist. 

“I am proud that I have set the bar for my daughters,” Aquino-Barragan said. “I showed my daughters that you can fall, then get back up and keep going. I hope that by sharing my journey, I’ve inspired you to continue your education.” 

Next, the college’s Diversity Outreach Manager Rosalba Pitkin spoke about the hardships of immigrant life: “It’s important to be educated in this country,” she said. “This information you hear today can help break that barrier to education. To have access. To take that first step.” 

To learn more, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion https://www.clark.edu/campus-life/student-support/diversity-and-equity/ 

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish 

Gaiser Student Center reverberated with families enjoying music, singing, dancing, and much more during ¡Celebración de Primavera! on the evening of May 5. The community event offered an evening of free, family-friendly activities that celebrated both Latino culture and the value of literacy.  

Children of all ages listened to stories, made sock puppets, watched a puppet show, had their face painted, and made all kinds of handicrafts.  

Families filled their plates with delicious food catered by Los Amigos restaurant, then enjoyed entertainment including lively dancers twirling colorful skirts, interactive music and dancing and a Spanish-language puppet show performed by Clark College Spanish students. Attendees participated in the storytelling, singing and dancing.  

Highlights of the evening included: 

• Children’s interactive live music by Hugo Nava 
• Dancing by Folkloric Ballet group, performing dances from various parts of Latin America 
• Puppet show performed by Clark College Spanish students 
• Clark College student volunteers helping children with crafts including making crepe paper flowers and more 
• Clark College Spanish Club organized face painting and making sock puppets 
• Books for kids  

Event organizer, Michelle Golder, offered many thanks to the event’s planning committee: Betsy Ubiergo and Erika Nava, Spanish faculty; Felipe Montoya, Spanish faculty and Spanish Club advisor; and Rosalba Pitkin, ODEI representative. 

Clark College Spanish Club 

Spanish Club promotes the Spanish-language culture around campus and its communities through events, fundraisers, and activities that provide an active learning experience for students and the community. To learn more, contact John Beck jhbeck1993@gmail.com or Advisor Felipe Montoya fmontoya@clark.edu 

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish