Faces of SSU is an annual project at Sonoma State University, in which students are recognized for sharing their unique story and their on-campus leadership and contributions to the Seawolf community. Through this project, the nominated students share their story through written narratives, photo, video and digital campaigns. These stories reflect on their individuality, campus involvements and experiences while studying at Sonoma State University.
Get to Know Sonoma State’s 2020 Faces of SSU:
Haddie Daner
Major: Business Administration
“My mission statement here at Sonoma State is to be as friendly/inclusive to everyone and to make each person feel safe and at home.”
Omar Diaz
Major: Music; Concentration in Performance
“The experiences I faced throughout my time at SSU taught me that my cultural background is not common in my degree, which makes me be the change I want to see.”
Jason Escobedo
Major: Anthropology
“My name is Jason Escobedo and I am currently a fourth-year Anthropology major. I am the youngest of triplets and was born and raised in Redwood City, California.”
Arcely Gonzalez
Major: Psychology
Minor: Spanish
“I am a strong believer that we all live, learn, and grow from each experience that we have and that without growth, we wouldn’t be able to better ourselves and this world.”
Emily Hicks
Major: Hutchins Liberal Studies; Concentration in Human Development
“Once I was accepted and attended my own orientation, I knew in an instant that I wanted to impact other students by being a student leader.”
Wyatt Huber
Major: Anthropology
“With a mindset of perseverance over pity, taking advantage of the possibilities set in my future has let me to find my true purpose”
Ivania Del Carmen Lipari
Master’s Program: Spanish
“I know by my own experience how hard it can be to learn a second language and excel as a bilingual student.”
Ronimar Lopez-Bazan
Major: Mathematics; Concentration in Secondary Teaching
“I love being affectionate and making new friends. Those who know me would say that I have a big heart and want to make everyone happy.”
Emily Marfia
Major: Early Childhood Studies; Concentration in Development
“Your life isn’t yours if you always care what others think.”
Kayla Moceri
Major: Psychology
Minor: Women and Gender Studies
“Taking PSY 428, intro to counseling, has helped me find my path after college. It made my long-term goal of becoming a CBT seem attainable.”
Will Montgomery III
Major: History
“SSU has brought me so many positive memories, experiences, and perspectives. I know I will leave with people to cherish for a lifetime”
Jordan Ng
Major: Kinesiology: Exercise Science
“The second you stop growing and getting better, is the second you lose control. Never let that happen. Humble yourself, work harder.”
Melanea Ontiveros
Major: Sociology
Minor Spanish
“My involvement on and off campus, display my social responsibility and my dedication to make an impact on our present and our future.”
Mackenzie Patefield
Major: Communications
“My involvement has helped me make Sonoma State feel like home, and has given me a vehicle to help others feel accepted and content on campus.”
Elizabeth Quiroz
Major: Sociology
“When I turned twenty-six, I was arrested for the last time, and that’s when I decided to turn my life around.”
Riley Reck
Major: American Multicultural Studies & Sociology
Minor: Women and Gender Studies
“Differences unite us, community keeps us strong.”
Nicole Rivera
Major: Declaring Biology
“Helping other students find their home away from home here at SSU is what I strive to do.”
Atziry Rodriguez
Major: Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies
“Trying to balance everything in life has not been simple, but I always continue to work hard and never give up on my dreams.”
Jannette Sandoval
Master’s Program: Education; Concentration in Environmental Education
“Through the SSU Mini-Corps program, it has taught me how to grow as a passionate leader through finding my strengths and weaknesses in the educational setting as a future bilingual teacher while assisting K-12th students.”
Kyanna Thurston
Major: Business Accounting
“Hey! My name is Kyanna Thurston (she/her/hers) and I’m a 3rd year at SSU. I’m a proud black, queer, low income, first generation college student.”
Grey J.D. Todd
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Music
“My name is Grey, I use they, them, theirs pronouns, I’m trans and non-binary, and I’m happy to be in this place where I can be me.”
Jess Torres
Major: Biology, grad student
“As a graduate student, I became the first Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement (MESA) Mentor Program Coordinator for our campus. In an effort to help new students navigate campus resources and their major, I connect experienced students with freshmen, sophomores or transfer students. I am so thankful for this opportunity because I am dedicated to encouraging the persistence of first generation and minority college students majoring in STEM.”
Kathy Danielle Valladares
Major: American Multicultural Studies with a concentration in Africana Studies
With her major, intends to go into prison reform
“To see someone who shares your story, tells you “I can do this too.” An empowering feeling. One i’m honored to give me students, as my leaders and advisors do for me.”
Nicholas Vang
Major: Pre-Business
“If you and I ever have the pleasure to meet and get to know each other, it’ll be a fun time.”
Timothy Wilbur (Tim)
Major: Geography, Environment and Planning; Concentration in Geospatial Science and Technology
“SSU has given me a home away from home. I am forever grateful for that!”
Faces of SSU is sponsored in part by Student Involvement and The HUB.