School is back in session! And our Project MALES Família has already been hard at work! Project MALES thrives on the leadership and guidance of the graduate students who join our program and impact the lives of the young students of color in Austin-area middle and high schools. We are proud of all the Graduate Assistants (GA’s) and Graduate Research Assistants (GRA’s) who have joined our program over the years, and would love to formally introduce you to this year’s new additions to our Família.
Christopher Estrella, seen on the left, is of our new Gas and also Mentoring Site Coordinator for the Project MALES Mentoring Program. He is pursuing a Masters in Higher Education and Leadership. Christopher’s research interest include finding ways to increase access to four-year universities for boys and men of color and understanding first-hand the positive impacts that mentoring has on students of color. “Project MALES is doing amazing work to support boys and men of color in Austin. I am grateful and excited to be a part of their efforts.” Christopher said.
Delina Zapata, seen in the middle, is also a new Mentoring Site Coordinators with Project MALES. Delina is a doctoral student pursuing her Ph.D. in Education Policy and Planning. Delina’s research interests include, exploring inequities associated with ELLs in public education and efforts to minimize or eliminate these challenges, and providing insight of how bilingual programs inform language policy. Delina Said that “I feel I am a part of something bigger than myself as I watch Project Males create a continuous circle that uplifts and inspires confidence, success, for all in its grasp.” Delina said.
We would also love to introduce our new Graduate Research Assistant Jase Kugiya. Jase is a doctoral student at The University of Texas pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership. Jase’s research interests include issues of access, retention, and success for students of color in higher education. As a GRA Jase will be supporting the work of the Research Institute alongside our Project MALES research team. “Project MALES continues to mobilize the efforts of educators locally, state-wide, and nationally, and I look forward to joining this effort and advancing the Project MALES mission,” says Jase.
We look forward to a wonderful semester and all of the insight that Jase, Delina and Christopher will bring!
