Contact Us
Phone | 909 621-8044
Email | clsa@claremont.edu
Hours | Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Chicano Latino Student Affairs
Tranquada Student Services Center – 2nd Floor
757 College Way
Claremont, CA, 91711
Chicano Latino Student Affairs (CLSA)
Meet the CLSA Team
Xochitl Casillas
Dean of Students
Hometown: Downey, CA
xochitl.casillas@claremont.edu
(909) 607-4979
The principle of “paying it forward” has always been at the heart of my decision to pursue a career in student affairs. My passion for student development stems from my unique upbringing. Raised in a single-parent household with fifteen siblings—yes, fifteen, all from the same parents—I learned early on the importance of community, support, and education. Growing up in such a large family, I created countless memories, many of which were shaped by our shared love of learning and the profound value we placed on education.
After high school, I pursued my academic goals, earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, followed by a master’s degree in Educational Policy, Organization, and Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. My career journey then took me to the nonprofit sector, where I collaborated with grassroots organizations on the east side of Los Angeles. As a researcher and program developer, I worked to build comprehensive “cradle-to-college” pipelines for low-income, first-generation college-bound students within the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Following my time in the nonprofit sector, I transitioned to consulting on state and federal equity reports, with a focus on underrepresented and marginalized populations. I also had the privilege of working with federally funded TRiO programs (including EPOCHS, GEAR UP, and Upward Bound) at a Hispanic-Serving Institution in North Orange County. These experiences broadened my understanding of student success and deepened my commitment to supporting Latinx students.
Today, I am honored to serve as the Dean of Chicano Latino Student Affairs at The Claremont Colleges. In this role, I am able to do what I love—paying it forward by mentoring and guiding the next generation of leaders.
Aimme Real Arrayga
Assistant Dean of Students
Hometown: Northern California
(909) 607-3895
Originally from Northern California, I was raised in an immigrant household rooted in resilience, joy, and sacrifice. My background and identities as the eldest daughter of immigrant parents, a first generation, low income student, an English language learner- and as someone who had to navigate four different high schools on their way to college (and across two states)- all served to forge my passion and career in education access/equity work.
I received my bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Whittier College and earned my master’s degree in Student Affairs and Educational Justice from Claremont Graduate University (proud Claremont alum!). I am also honored to be a Fulbright alum. Prior to CLSA, I have served in diverse roles directly supporting first generation, underrepresented students and community outreach efforts across various institutions including Scripps College (SCA!), CSU Fullerton, and Whittier College.
Returning to the Claremont Colleges in this new role is deeply meaningful and exciting. I look forward to learning (a lot!), deepening my connections, and working daily to foster a community of care and support for students to thrive.
Miriam Escobedo
Administrative and Events Coordinator
Hometown: Alta Gracia, Córdoba, Argentina
(909) 621-8044
When I started working with students over 13 years ago, I found my passion and my calling. I never thought my heart and mind could expand so much as I got to know them, learned about their culture, listened to their dreams and their fears, and walked with them through their academic and personal journeys. They became my sons, my daughters and my friends! My life is so much richer because of that.
I strongly believe in the power of encouragement and support, as I personally would not have made it many times in my life without those who cheered me on and encouraged me to keep my “eyes on the prize.” A timely, kind word can change the course of history! And that is my continued mission as I start my new position of Administrative and Events Coordinator at the Chicano Latino Student Affairs.
On a more personal note, I am from Argentina and contrary to what most people assume, I am not a soccer “fanática”. Terrible, right? However, I must confess that I get very passionate during World Cups supporting all the Latino teams, beginning first of course with my country’s.
I love traveling and my ambitious dream is to visit the countries of all the students I have ever met. Please, stop by my office so that I can learn more about you and where you are from. I am so excited to meet my new Latino community!