Dr. Tracie Trinidad
She/Her
"As a chola scholar, intertwined with my community, I fiercely champion education justice for all, advocating for a future where every voice shapes the path forward."
Resilience
My personal “reset button” involves reconnecting with my cultural roots, drawing strength from family gatherings and community traditions that ground me in times of stress. I encourage others to explore their own cultural intuitions and communal bonds to find balance, offering love and support as they uncover unique paths to resilience.
Purpose-Driven
Choosing to embrace my authentic Chicana ratchedemic identity without code-switching in educational settings was a purpose-driven decision that dismantled cultural narratives. This choice inspired students and colleagues to be unapologetically themselves, fostering a culture of authenticity and empowering voices often marginalized.
Developmental Leadership
As a ratchedemic and Chicana leader in K12, I approach development by embracing femtoring, nurturing authentic connections, and empowering students to own their narratives. Recently, I guided a young Latina student to harness her cultural strengths in academic projects, inspiring her to pursue advanced courses she once thought were out of reach.
Intersectionality
When navigating predominantly white academic spaces as a Chicana and first-gen woman, I often felt the tension between maintaining my cultural identity and conforming to dominant norms. This experience enriched my leadership by teaching me to value diverse perspectives and advocate for inclusivity, fostering environments where multi-layered identities are celebrated.
Future Facing Legacy
As a proud Chicana and first-gen Latina PhD, I hope my journey of resilience and cultural pride inspires young Latinas to fearlessly pursue their dreams while embracing their roots. I envision my influence as a catalyst for empowering others to lead and uplift their communities through education and diversity.