Citrus Alumn Gives Back

While the Latina Leadership Network may be one of the lesser-known organizations among Citrus College extracurriculars, it’s name is apt. Though not as prominent as student government or honor societies, the organization represents a true network of between 30 and 40 Citrus students, teachers, and faculty, and it’s really making a difference in students’ lives.

The LLN organizes two events a year, in addition to giving two $400 scholarships to worthy students to help towards their academic needs.

In addition to its annual Cinco de Mayo and Día de los Muertos presence, the LLN also recently hosted a Café con Leche event for at-risk girls within the Glendora Unified School District. But in addition to that, it gives everyone involved a support network and a way to connect and positively affirm themselves.

“We have so many awesome young women involved in the LLN,” explains President Joanne Hinojosa. “Our goal is to empower these women as students, doing activities and promote the scholarships.”

Right now mostly women comprise the organization's roster but that might change in the future.

Hinojosa explains that she eventually does hope to award male students with a scholarship, and broaden the scope of the organization.

For now, the LLN focuses on its goals of being able to award the two annual scholarships, and increasing its presence on campus through its annual events.

The LLN leadership is discovering that even students who have moved on from Citrus are still appreciating the organization's opportunities.

Annaliese Trujillo is not only a case study in the effect that positive affirmation can have on someone’s academic career, but the in the ‘pay it forward’ attitude that the LLN  hopes to foster.

After being the recipient of the 2010 Scholarship -- which has gone to help pay  expenses after transferring to Cal Poly Pomona -- she intends to contribute back to the fund for future students.

“Anneliese was heavily active in student government, and heavily active in the LLN,” says Hinojosa. “She did whatever she needed to do to make it happen. She has an incredible drive.”

When Trujillo first came to Citrus, she admits that academics were not a priority in her life, a fact reflected in her overall scholastic record.

However, after she became involved in student government -- where she spent a semester as secretary of Alpha Gamma Sigma --  and then finding the LLN, her ambitions took off.

“The LLN creates a sisterhood type of connection,” says Trujillo. “If you ever need anything, you get to know faculty on a personal basis.”

Now, in a continued spirit of giving back, Trujillo is pursuing sociology and communications at Cal Poly, and expects to graduate in the winter of 2013. Crediting her counselor at Citrus, Natalie Mendoza, with helping get her academic career on track, she’s already scouting out graduate schools, and plans to eventually pursue a career, appropriately enough, as a college counselor.

“There’s a real power in just letting students know you believe in them,” says Trujillo.