HEAL Graduate Student Association

HEAL Graduate Student Association (HGSA) is an organization that aims to support the development of our diverse MA Higher Education Administration & Leadership students through professional development opportunities as we transform into advocates, educators, and leaders in the fields of higher education and student affairs.

Thalia Garcia 

Executive Chair

Thalia is a first-generation Mexican daughter of immigrants, a mother of two boys, a partner, and a graduate student in the Higher Education Administration and Leadership (HEAL) program. Guided by the strong values, resilience, and work ethic her parents instilled in her, she approaches both her personal and professional life with purpose, heart, and determination. With the constant love and encouragement of her partner, she continues to pursue her goals while working in higher education at the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Her journey has strengthened her commitment to social justice and equitable access in higher education for all students, while also inspiring her to lead by example for her sons.

Post Graduate School Aspirations

After graduation, Thalia hopes to continue working in higher education in a way that allows her to pour into others by becoming a professor and helping prepare the next generation of student affairs professionals. This goal is deeply personal to her. As a student-parent, mami scholar, and proud Latina, she knows how powerful it is to see someone in leadership who looks like you, understands your experiences, and is not afraid to take up space. She wants to be that person for future students and professionals—someone who leads boldly, teaches con el corazon, and advocates fiercely for equity and justice. Eventually, she hopes to lead a department while working toward her doctorate and continuing research that sheds light on the urgent need for social justice in higher education, so that students of all identities can experience spaces that are safe, affirming, and rooted in genuine belonging.

Brianna Mora

Associate Chair

Brianna Mora is a first-generation Latina student from Sanger, CA. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Women’s Studies with a minor in Sociology at Fresno State. Her passion for education and supporting Latinx students pushed her to pursue her master’s degree in Higher Education Administration and Leadership at Fresno State. Her degrees are not just for her, but for her family, community and all the Latinas that paved the way for her.

Post Graduate School Aspirations

Brianna aspires to become the leader in higher education that her undergraduate self needed. She understands the challenges of navigating higher education as a first-generation student and wants to prevent future students from struggling as she did. She aims to advocate for and empower Latinx students. She will dedicate herself to dismantling barriers in higher education to ensure equitable access and inclusiveness for all students.

Eliza Sanchez

Financial Chair

Eliza Sanchez (she/her/ella) is currently a HEAL graduate student from California State University, Fresno. She identifies as Latina and a first-generation college graduate with Oaxacan roots. She completed her undergraduate studies at UC Merced, where she was actively involved in research, student organizations, fraternity and sorority life, and community engagement. Through these experiences, she developed a strong passion for service and student support. She has had the opportunity to work in community-based programs such as UC Merced College Corps and Fresno State Jumpstart, where she found great joy in connecting with students, creating spaces for their growth, and fostering a sense of community. Currently, she works in the Student Involvement program, where she focuses on providing resources and organizing events that support commuter students.

Post Graduate School Aspirations

After HEAL, Eliza hopes to pursue a role that allows her to directly support and connect with others. She is particularly interested in positions related to housing services or administration, but ultimately, she is open to any opportunity where she can make a meaningful impact and help build a strong sense of community for students. Outside of her professional goals, she would also like to spend more time focusing on my personal interests, including rock climbing, hiking, diamond art, and running.

Amy Zarate

Professional Development Chair

Amy Zarate is a first-generation Latina from Escondido, California. She earned a B.A. in English with a minor in Chicana/o Studies from San Diego State University after transferring from Palomar College, where she completed an associate degree for transfer in psychology. As a first-generation community college transfer student, she witnessed inequities in higher education, inspiring her to advocate for a more transfer-receptive culture at four-year institutions.

Post Graduate School Aspirations

Amy aims to make a lasting impact in education by pursuing a doctoral degree and becoming a professor and femtor, supporting students from historically minoritized and marginalized communities. She also hopes to engage in educational policy work through advocacy organizations during her career. Above all, she remains committed to uplifting students from minoritized identities and working to challenge and dismantle inequitable systems in education.
 
 
 
 

Coral-Anne Spencer

Communications Chair

Coral‑Anne Spencer (she/her/hers) is a first‑generation college graduate from Tulare, California, with a B.A. in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly Pomona. She brings over five years of experience in student support services and college access programs (GEAR UP/AVID), including three separate roles as a tutor, advisor, and manager. Inspired by the difficulties she experienced during her undergrad, her family's support, and the Central Valley’s traditionally underserved communities, she is committed to guiding students as they navigate life beyond high school. Coral-Anne is ecstatic to be a part of HEAL and HGSA as she sharpens her skills in leadership and social justice advocacy. 

Post Graduate School Aspirations

Coral‑Anne is especially passionate about supporting student retention and belonging, with a focus on underserved and underrepresented communities. While she remains open-minded to other positions, she is drawn to roles that allow her to foster belonging for newly enrolled students, including positions in Summer Bridge, EOP, TRIO, or University Housing.