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To learn more about the Chicana Latina Foundation, visit their website at https://chicanalatina.org .
In the words of CLF’s founder, “¡Si se puede!”
Right now, Adriana is the Executive Director of the CLF (and former board member), which was established in 1977 to empower Latinas through personal, educational, and professional advancement. She’s also a member of other national organizations that focus on history and Chicana studies.
As the daughter of immigrant parents, Adriana grew up in a Spanish-speaking household and became the first generation in her family to go to college, uniquely equipping her to guide and mentor young Latinas as they pursue their dreams. This deep sense of purpose not only energizes her, but also evokes a sense of gratitude to work with intelligent students fiercely chasing their passions like the badass people they are on a daily basis.
Her educational accomplishments include a Ph.D. in History from the University of Texas at Austin and B.A. in History with a minor in Ethnic Studies from University of California at Berkeley.
In her personal life, Adriana lives in San Jose, CA with her wife their two beautiful, adopted children. While her kids keep her active, Adriana considers running her medicine and spiritual haven. She loves the challenge of marathons and has run the IronMan 70.3.
Adriana believes in guiding the next generation and has mentored many young people, aiming to help them find their voice and place in their community. Among her many nuggets of wisdom, Adriana’s primary advice to students is:
Chicana Latina Foundation
Dreams. We all have them. Sure, there are the ones that come after our head hits the pillow, but those aren’t the dreams we’re talking about. We’re talking about the kind we have in our heart. The ones that flow from one day into the next, guiding our choices as we search for ways to bring them to life. While everyone’s path to creating a life of meaning is unique to them, we all need resources, guidance and opportunities along the way—something we’re passionate about supporting every month. This month, we’re championing the Chicana Latina Foundation.
ABOUT
The Chicana Latina Foundation (CLF) is a non-profit organization focused on helping Latina women discover individual paths to success by:Easing Financial Burden
CLF scholarships enable students to pursue and complete their college education.Cultivating Leadership
The CLF Leadership Institute and workshops help students develop the skills and confidence necessary to succeed academically, professionally and personally.Uplift Their Culture
Students are encouraged to strengthen their cultural identity and take pride in their heritage to ignite passion and inspire leadership.Sparking Civic Engagement
Students learn how to be engaged community members and use their talents to create positive, social change.IMPACT: 2022
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT
Volunteer OpportunitiesHelp read and score applications to our program
Review eight to 10 applications from the comfort of home.Interview program semi-finalists
Interview five program semi-finalists on a three-person panel, comprised of two other volunteers.Personally Experience the CLF
Meet the inspiring CLF scholarship recipients and learn more about what makes the CLF one-of-a-kind.To learn more about the Chicana Latina Foundation, visit their website at https://chicanalatina.org .
In the words of CLF’s founder, “¡Si se puede!”
ABOUT CLF’S FOUNDER, Adriana Ayala, Ph.D., Executive Director of Chicana Latina Foundation (CLF)
Adriana has more than 20 years of experience teaching history and ethnic studies at high school, community college and four-year university levels. She’s also spent many years as an educational administrator, serving as Vice Provost, Department Chair of Liberal Studies and General Education at the National Hispanic University and Interim Dean of Student Success at Evergreen Valley College. Additionally, she’s a former member and two-term national chair of the Mujeres Activas en Letras y Cambio Social (MALCS).Right now, Adriana is the Executive Director of the CLF (and former board member), which was established in 1977 to empower Latinas through personal, educational, and professional advancement. She’s also a member of other national organizations that focus on history and Chicana studies.
As the daughter of immigrant parents, Adriana grew up in a Spanish-speaking household and became the first generation in her family to go to college, uniquely equipping her to guide and mentor young Latinas as they pursue their dreams. This deep sense of purpose not only energizes her, but also evokes a sense of gratitude to work with intelligent students fiercely chasing their passions like the badass people they are on a daily basis.
Her educational accomplishments include a Ph.D. in History from the University of Texas at Austin and B.A. in History with a minor in Ethnic Studies from University of California at Berkeley.
In her personal life, Adriana lives in San Jose, CA with her wife their two beautiful, adopted children. While her kids keep her active, Adriana considers running her medicine and spiritual haven. She loves the challenge of marathons and has run the IronMan 70.3.
Adriana believes in guiding the next generation and has mentored many young people, aiming to help them find their voice and place in their community. Among her many nuggets of wisdom, Adriana’s primary advice to students is:
- Every experience helps shape us into who we are meant to be, so embrace change, ambivalence, failure and new opportunities.
- Never forget, “Si Se Puede/It Can Be Done!”
