In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, we're highlighting several Hispanic members of the Cal Poly Pomona community whose contributions and accomplishments have made an impact on our campus and beyond. As the most diverse polytechnic university in the country, CPP is fortunate to benefit from such great role models for the Hispanic community and the Cal Poly Pomona community.
Alvaro Huerta
Cal Poly Pomona Associate Professor, Urban and Regional Planning, and Ethnic and Women's Studies
Alvaro Huerta, an author, scholar-activist, researcher and associate professor, regularly displays his passion for the Hispanic community through speaking engagements, written works and collaborative projects addressing topics including immigration, diversity, social justice and economic development. The son of Mexican immigrants emerged from the infamous Ramona Gardens public housing projects in East L.A. to rise through the educational ranks. His latest accomplishment came this summer, when he was appointed a fellow for the Harvard Divinity School.
Maria Alvarez
Microsoft General Manager, Artificial Intelligence Platform - Cloud + Artificial Intelligence Division
Alumna Maria Alvarez joined Microsoft in 2011 and became general manager, AI Platform - Cloud + AI Division following 20 years in software development, security, Internet and AI industries. To encourage more women and minorities to enter technology, Alvarez ('95, computer science) created a scholarship at Cal Poly Pomona to help students of color in financial need to pursue technical or computer science majors.
Reggie Robles
Leadership Development Coordinator, Cal Poly Pomona Bronco LEAD
Reggie Robles, an alumnus and a current staff member at Cal Poly Pomona, runs Bronco LEAD (Leadership, Engagement, Advocacy and Development), an initiative that has certified hundreds of students in leadership. Robles ('12, political science) was inspired by the impact of his own mentors to find a way to inspire others to lead, and Bronco LEAD is yielding remarkable results.
Terri Gomez
Associate Provost, Cal Poly Pomona Office of Student Success
As a faculty member, department chair and now as associate provost, Terri Gomez has always pursued her passion of expanding educational opportunities and fostering access and equity. She has been especially invested in underserved, transfer and first-generation college students, helping to break down barriers and solve problems so students can be successful and graduate.
Rosalia Armas
Graduate Student, Azusa Pacific University
Alumna Rosalia Armas cleared many hurdles on her inspirational journey to graduation and seemed to thrive no matter the circumstance. The first-generation college student had her daughter, Lillian, while attending CPP and managed to finish her last semester despite the challenges of caring for her daughter while taking classes remotely. Through it all, Armas ('21, sociology) wasn't just a mother and a college student, but also an involved Associated Students Inc. representative and a researcher.
Who inspires you and why? We welcome nominations of other members our community who are leaders or role models at Cal Poly Pomona. Share your nominations via email to polycentric@cpp.edu.