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Contact the CLSA

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

Downloadable CLSA Fact Sheet (PDF)

 

Chicano Latino Student Affairs (CLSA)

Chicano Latino Student Affairs (CLSA) provides enrichment programs and services that enhance the academic success and personal development of Chicanx/Latinx students at The Claremont Colleges. Our office offers academic support, personal guidance, graduate/professional school advice, cultural enrichment and leadership opportunities. We strive to promote programming that establishes a strong foundation in order to ensure success at The Claremont Colleges.

CLSA Programs

Xochitl Casillas
Dean of Students

Hometown: Downey, CA

xochitl.casillas@claremont.edu

(909) 607-4979

“Pay it forward” has always been the guiding principle behind my decision to pursue a career in student affairs. My passion for student development is deeply rooted in my unique upbringing. I was raised in a single-parent household with fifteen siblings—yes, 15 brothers and sisters—all from the same set of parents. Growing up in such a large family, I developed many fond memories, especially of our shared love for learning and the deep value we placed on education.

After high school, I pursued higher education, 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. I then worked in the nonprofit sector, partnering with grassroots organizations on the east side of Los Angeles. As a researcher and program developer, I helped create holistic “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 worked as a consultant on state and federal equity reports, focusing on underrepresented and marginalized populations. I also had the privilege of working with federally funded TRiO programs (such as EPOCHS, GEAR UP, and Upward Bound) at a Hispanic-Serving Institution in North Orange County. These experiences expanded my understanding of student success and reinforced my commitment to supporting Latinx students.

Today, it is an honor to serve as the Dean of Chicano Latino Student Affairs at The Claremont Colleges. This role allows me to do what I love—paying it forward by guiding and mentoring the next generation of leaders.

 

Beatriz Maldonado
Associate Dean of Students

Hometown: South Central LA, CA

bea.maldonado@claremont.edu

(909) 607-3895

I was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, CA. The efforts of my migrant Salvadoran parents, coupled with the experiences of being low-income and first-generation, fueled my academic pursuits. I attended Scripps College, pursuing a dual major in American Studies and Spanish, with an emphasis in Literature…so it’s interesting to be back on campus on this side of things! While a senior in college, I applied and was accepted into the Anthropology Ph.D. program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Alongside my academic trajectory, I have worked collaboratively with college and career access programs, as well as other mentorship opportunities. I have worked in non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and tech companies that serve historically underrepresented and under-resourced students. My motivation for equity and sustainability derives from the journeys and successes of students of color.

 

Miriam Escobedo
Administrative and Events Coordinator

Hometown: Alta Gracia, Córdoba, Argentina

miriam.escobedo@claremont.edu

(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!