Haida Jimenez. Photo by BB Rivas / El Concilio Family Services
Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series of stories profiling the award-winners of El Concilio Family Service 2013 Latino Leadership Awards. The awards gala will be held on Friday, June 7, 2013 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Click here or call 805-486-9777 for tickets or more information.
Amigos805 staff reports
Haida Jimenez, a counselor at CSU Channel Islands, is a first-generation college graduate, born in Ventura and raised in Oxnard.
After graduating from Oxnard High School, she attended CSU Channel Islands, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, a minor in Chicano/a Studies and a master’s degree in science, counseling and guidance.
“I am humbled and honored to have been selected to receive such prestigious award,” Jimenez wrote in her acceptance letter. “I take it as a blessing and a precious gift not only for myself but for my entire family, CSU Channel Islands and for my dear community and amazing students.”
Jimenez, who is a bilingual admissions/recruitment counselor, has provided direct service to migrant first-generation and low-income students and parents. She is serving as the advisor to the university’s Adelante Mujer group that promotes higher education post-baccalaureate education among Latina women.
One of her students stated in a nomination letter, “Haida is one of the most important individuals I met at CI and in the community. She is truly a very special counselor. Haida encourages hope and dedication to continue furthering my education. Against all odds, with the help of some great individuals like Haida who truly cared about me and supported me, my life is truly back on track at 36 years of age.… Because of her I am proud to have been reinstated into CI and will now be graduating from CSU Channel Islands this coming Fall 2013 with a BA in Psychology.”
El Concilio Family Services presents its 24th annual Latino Leadership Awards at a gala on Friday, June 7 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. The event will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. Tickets are $125 each or $1,500 for a table of eight.
For more information on El Concilio’s programs and services or reservations for the awards gala, visit www.elconciliofs.org or call 805-486-9777.