Margarita Elizondo

My educational journey has not followed a traditional path, but every step has been meaningful. As a first-generation college student, I learned early that education could be both challenging and transformative. Returning to school later in life gave me a deeper appreciation for persistence, support, and the importance of creating spaces where students feel they belong.

My path through community college, undergraduate study, and now graduate education has strengthened my commitment to higher education and student support. Along the way, I have developed a growing interest in college counseling, advising, disability services, and inclusive educational practices. My own experiences as a student have shaped the way I think about access and the responsibility institutions have to support the whole student.

My cultural identity is an important part of how I see the world and how I connect with others. Growing up in a Mexican American family taught me the value of community, perseverance, family, and cultural pride. These experiences also helped me understand how language, tradition, and identity can shape a person’s sense of belonging.

I carry that perspective into my work in education and advocacy. I am especially interested in the ways disability and culture intersect, and in how students experience higher education when multiple parts of their identity are not always fully recognized or understood. For me, inclusion is not simply about providing access. It is about creating environments where people can show up fully as themselves and know that their experiences matter.

My professional goals are rooted in helping students feel supported, capable, and connected. I am drawn to higher education because I understand how powerful it can be when a student encounters someone who listens, encourages, and helps remove barriers.

My interests include college counseling and advising, disability services, student success, inclusive teaching, public speaking, writing, and advocacy. I hope to continue working at the intersection of education, disability, and culture while creating opportunities for students whose voices and experiences are too often overlooked.

Whether I am teaching, writing, speaking, advising, or advocating, my goal is the same: to help create spaces where people feel seen, respected, and empowered to move forward.

Recognized by Mi Modelo Especial 

Recognized By San Diego Channel KPBS & Union Bank

Recognized by Ms. Wheelchair California Foundation & Ms. Wheelchair America 

Recognized by Ms. Wheelchair California Foundation & Ms. Wheelchair America 

Recognized by San Diego Mayor Sanders

Recognized by East County Chamber of Commerce

Recognize by Ms. Wheelchair California Foundation 

Recognized by Ms. Wheelchair California Foundation & Ms. Wheelchair America 

Recognized by the City of Los Angeles

Recognized by Ms. Wheelchair California Foundation 

2009 Recognized by Head North Foundation 

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