Kiara Gomez

• What does being a First-Generation College Graduate mean to you?

Being a First-Generation College Graduate means creating the space for more students like me to pursue higher education. It means that the sacrifices me and my family have made throughout the years have all been worth it.

• What is your proudest moment from your time at UCSD?

My proudest moment was being elected Associated Students President. My term gave me the opportunity to advocate in the best interest of students. It was a role that challenged me in many ways but one that I am so thankful to have served in.

• Who are the family members, friends or loved ones who have been most influential throughout your college journey? Are there any words of gratitude you would like to share with them?

My mom and older sister have been my biggest cheerleaders throughout my four years. Thank you for making me feel like I really could do anything I wanted in life. Additionally, I would like to thank my best friends Julie Nguyen and Nitzana Alzalde for all their guidance and support.

• Who are the staff, faculty or mentors who have been most influential throughout your college journey? Are there any words of gratitude you would like to share with them?

Heather Belk, John Weng, Nicolette Solarez, and Christian Walker: Thank you for all of the emotional, professional, and academic support you each provided me with during my time in Associated Students. You each have challenged and supported me in ways that have contributed to my personal growth and I could not have survived college without you!

Professor Maureen Feeley: Thank you for believing in me sometimes more than I believe in myself. You are an amazing professor and mentor. I have learned so much from you and I look up to you so much!

Alicia Magallanes: You are a huge inspiration to me. I have valued working with you since my first year of college and getting to see so many of our ideas benefit students. Thank you for your energy and guidance. Your support has meant the world to me!

• What do you plan or hope to do after graduating?

In the long term, I plan to pursue a law degree. I hope to work in public interest law and provide direct legal services for marginalized communities.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• President, Associated Students

• AVP Food and Housing Resources, Associated Students

• Vice Chair External, Thurgood Marshall College Student Council

• Member, Chi Omega

• Student Regional Coordinator, Early Academic Outreach Program

• Founder, Books Beyond Boundaries

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Chancellor's Associates Scholars Program (CASP)

• OASIS - SummerBridge