Lidia López, MA Training Team Lidia López was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. The youngest of seven children raised by the strength of Agustina López Arámbula Silva, she graduated from Belmont High School near downtown LA in 1992. Lidia studied one year in Spain at the Universidad de Granada through International Programs and graduated from Sonoma State University in 1998 with a B.A. in Hutchins School of Liberal Studies and Spanish. Lidia's personal experiences as a low-income and first generation student have influenced her decision to work within the field of student services. Her passion and commitment has guided her work with youth for the past 12 years. She has worked with students as a Peer Advisor, Bilingual E.S.L. and Special Education Teaching Assistant, Residential Group Home Counselor, Seminar Facilitator, and Summer Academy Supervisor. Prior to receiving her B.A, she worked as the Executive Director to the Latino Student Congress at SSU where she conducted high school student outreach promoting higher education through the planning and administration of cultural and educational events, seminars, and discussions. She has also taught at both the elementary and high school level. Lidia has been an Outreach Advisor for the 3-1-3 & Upward Bound Programs at Sonoma State University where she supported 9-12th grade students from thirteen Sonoma County high schools in their preparation for, transition to, and graduation from a four-year college/university. She has presented workshops to students, parents and community members on personal development, college preparation and the college application process. Lidia has worked as a Community Outreach Consultant and Organizer in Sonoma County and has additionally supported the efforts of various community organizations including the Sonoma County Faith-Based Community Organizing Project, M.E.Ch.A., the United Farm Workers, and Pueblos Unidos. Believing strongly in education, she is currently finalizing her Master's program at Sonoma State University in Cultural and Transformative Education. In her work, relationships, and life, Lidia models an openness to learning new ways of thinking and seeing while at the same time honoring her own lived experiences and perspectives. A proud Chicana, her life purpose is to continue to support our youth in developing their cultural identity and to empower them to achieve their personal goals.