Dr. Angelica P. Cerda is a dedicated educator with over 16 years of experience in higher education, making a lasting impact on students at both South Texas College as an assistant professor and Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK). She has established herself as a passionate and unwavering advocate for student success. Drawing from her own background as part of a family of migrants, Dr. Cerda brings a deep sense of responsiveness and understanding to her work. She is committed to guiding students not just academically, but also on their personal journeys. This dedication is especially evident in her long-standing involvement with the ASCENDER program as faculty and serving as the Pecan Campus Coordinator since 2012.Dr. Cerda’s passion for higher education goes beyond the classroom, as she actively works to create opportunities for students to grow and connect. She looks forward to having students attend key events that are staples in the ASCENDER program, such as the Noche de Familia reception, informative college transfer tours, and a motivational student conference in UT Austin. Driven by the intrinsic value of helping others, she consistently strives to ensure her students have the support and resources they need to succeed.