Meet the Cal State LA CREAR Futuros team.
From left to right: Joey Rene, Sonya Quintero Fernandez, Itzel Gonzalez, and Guadalupe Garcia.
Not Pictured: Tzu Chen (Bob) Hung.
Program Description
In the Fall of 2024, Pathway Programs at Cal State LA launched CREAR (College Readiness, Achievement and Retention) Futuros, a distinguished peer-mentoring initiative dedicated to bolstering the academic success of Latino/a/x students on campus. This program, sponsored by The Hispanic Federation (HF), in collaboration with CHIRLA – The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, and managed by Cal State LA’s Pathway Programs Office, marks the first CREAR Futuros partnership on the West Coast. We join thirteen other college campuses nationwide in fostering a nurturing community that empowers Latino/a/x students to complete their higher education journey.
In Proud Partnership with:
The Hispanic Federation
Hispanic Federation (HF) is the nation’s premier Latino nonprofit membership organization. Founded in 1990, HF seeks to empower and advance the Hispanic community, support Hispanic families, and strengthen Latino institutions through work in the areas of education, health, immigration, civic engagement, economic empowerment, and climate justice.
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights
CHIRLA was founded in 1986 to advance the human and civil rights of immigrants and refugees. CHIRLA became a place for organizations and people who support human rights to work together for policies that advance justice and full inclusion for all immigrants.
Meet our Staff
Joey Rene
Joey Rene is the Program Liaison for CREAR Futuros at Cal State LA and a proud alumnus with a B.A. in Business Management. With experience in youth development, nonprofit leadership, arts administration, and creative industries, he is dedicated to mentorship, creative equity, and empowering first-generation and Latinx students.
Sonya Quintero Fernandez
Sonya is a senior at Cal State LA studying Communicative Disorders while completing the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) program. Passionate about helping others, she is excited to support students’ journeys in higher education through meaningful mentorship.
Itzel Gonzalez
Itzel Gonzalez is a first generation student at Cal State LA entering her third year as a social work major. She is passionate about fostering students' confidence and helping them navigate new spaces and experiences. She is excited to meet the cohort and witness each student flourish throughout the year.
Tzu Chen Hung
Tzu Chen Hung, also known as Bob, is a recent Psychology graduate from Cal State LA and is currently pursuing a teaching credential. In his second year as a CREAR Futuros mentor, he enjoys supporting students as they navigate college life.
Guadalupe Garcia
Guadalupe is a proud UC Riverside alumna with a B.A. in Public Policy, currently pursuing her MBA at Cal State LA. With experience in higher education, student services, and program management, she is passionate about supporting student success, building meaningful connections, and helping students navigate their academic and personal growth through mentorship, resources, and community.
Mentor-Mentee Relationship
This esteemed partnership extends tailored support and exclusive opportunities to incoming freshmen and transfer students through mentorship from junior and senior college mentors, complemented by guidance from the faculty program liaison. Participants in the CREAR Futuros program will have access to unique services and events, including but not limited to:
- Personalized one-on-one mentorship
- Career development workshops
- Academic support and enrichment activities
- Campus and networking events
