Education
In progress , Ph.D. Leadership Studies University of San Diego
M.F.A. Studio Arts, California State University, Los Angeles
MA, Art History focus on Pre-Columbian and Chicana/o/x Art, California State University, Los Angeles
B.A. Studio Arts, California State University, Los Angeles
A.A. Liberal Studies, East Los Angeles College
Biography
Profe Lopez is a dedicated educator and community advocate. A proud alumna of California State University, Los Angeles, she has been actively involved in academia since 2005. She held positions in Faculty Affairs, Student Services, and The College of Natural and Social Sciences Dean’s office before moving into teaching in the Chicana(o) and Latina(o) Studies Department (CLS) in 2014. Profe Lopez's diverse expertise includes roles as Assessment Coordinator, Course Coordinator, and Co-Chair of the Student Success Committee for the College of Ethnic Studies. She has also served on department and college-level curriculum committees. In 2020, the Academic Senate at Cal State LA developed an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Task Force, which Profe Lopez was part of until 2023.
In addition to her practical experience, Profe Lopez is committed to professional development, holding several course and program certifications, including:
- Infusing Culturally Sustaining Curriculum and Teaching
- Career-Engaged Departments: Teaching with the Future in Mind
- Quality Matters Rubric Update
- Inclusive Teaching Toward a Just Classroom
- CSU Advanced QLT Course in Teaching Online
- Designing Your Blended Course
- Credential in Effective College Instruction
- Promoting Engaged and Active Learning
- Empowering Students to Use AI Responsibly
- AI Tools for Teaching and Learning
Profe Lopez's experience includes leading teams with course redesign. With a passion for enhancing educational practices, Michelle is excited to bring her insights and expertise to modernize curriculum frameworks, ensuring they reflect the diverse voices and histories of the communities they serve.
Publications
Mujeres de Maiz en Movimiento: Spiritual Artivism, Healing Justice, and Feminist Praxis, “Bringing Art to the People: Decolonizing Art Spaces and Exhibitions,” Arizona University Press – Essay contributor
Linda Vallejo: Brown Belongings, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, Exhibition Catalog – Essay contributor
Entre Tinta y Lucha: 45 Years of Self Help Graphics & Art, Cal State LA, Exhibition Catalog – Essay contributor and editor
Womxn Warriors: Honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Walkouts and Intergenerational Organizing, Mujeres de Maiz, Annual Publication - Editor
Research Interest
Chicana feminist praxis, Healing Justice, Healing and Self-Care, Chicana/o/x History, Women of Color Feminism, Decolonial teaching methods, Chicanx Spirituality.