As a Youth Program Associate, Virginia Espino strives to inform and educate the youth to create a positive change in their communities and schools. Because Virginia and her family immigrated from Mexico to California when she was only 4 years old, she became aware of many social injustices at a very young age not only in her community but nationally. Some of the issues she is passionate about include immigrant rights, education equity, and gender equality.
While pursuing her Bachelor degree at California State University of Bakersfield (CSUB), she was fortunate enough to find work at CSUB Educational Talent Search (ETS) program. As an ETS mentor, she worked with underserved and socially disadvantaged youth in Kern High School District. She originally planned on becoming an archaeologist to study the culture in her native country of Mexico. However, she found a great sense of fulfilment and enjoyment in mentoring first generation youth like herself and decided to pursue a career in education and mentoring. She has continued encouraging and mentoring youth in Kern High School District (KHSD), Bakersfield City School District (BCSD), and The Boys and Girls Club of Kern.
When Viginia has some free time, she enjoys reading about ancient civilizations in Mesoamerica, sketching, painting, and spending time in the great outdoors. She especially enjoys teaching her daughter Emmaline about her Mexican heritage and traditions.
