A bitter-sweet graduation
On June 6, 2020 we had our first-ever Chavista Graduation live via Zoom. Joined by our staff, graduating Chavistas, and special guest, Dolores Huerta, the event was a bitter-sweet moment as we applauded our graduates for all their hard work and wished them well in the next chapter of their lives.
A theme throughout the ceremony was gratitude. Chavistas shared how grateful they were for their experience in the Chavez Clubs and all the knowledge they gained from their peers and Club staff. Staff shared how grateful they were to have had the opportunity to grow with the next generation of leaders. And Club founders, Linda and Carlos, shared how grateful they were to see such a brave, intelligent, outgoing group of young adults ready to share the 10 Chavista Values with the rest of the world.
Graduating to lead in today's movement
"I feel grateful to be living in a time where I can use my voice to amplify the noise and commotion to insist on change, and I never, ever want to take that for granted. I am beyond inspired by individuals like Dolores Huerta."
- Hiyab Misghina, 2020 Chavista Grad
We were joined by our friend, Dolores Huerta, who highlighted the important tasks Chavistas have ahead of them. Dolores encouraged all to carry on Cesar Chavez's legacy in their next journey and unite with peers of different ethnic backgrounds to practice non-violence to dismantle racism, vote and register people to vote so that we have representatives in office who truly care about providing a free, quality education system for all, and fill out the 2020 census to ensure our communities are well served and funded.
We are witnessing a "new movement" of fighting for justice and Dolores reminded all Chavistas that they are more than ready to be the leaders our world needs right now to make our communities better for all.
Spirit of change. Si Se Puede!
The graduation concluded with a strong call-to-action to our Chavista graduates: continue planting the seed for change by becoming a Chavista Mentor and sharing our Cesar Chavez Values beyond San Diego.
Chavistas have proven time and time again that they are up for the challenge. From teach-ins regarding human trafficking, protests to end climate change, and workshops on AB 392 to hold police accountable for their actions, Chavistas have created opportunities so that those who are silenced could be heard.
"Your success is paving the way for others in the community."
- Jonathan Burgos, Chavez Clubs Staff
Fahari Jeffers Scholarships
Fahari Jeffers had a passion for making the world a better place for all working people -- especially domestic workers. Fahari and her husband, Ken, were the first people in the country to organize domestic workers at Cesar Chavez's suggestion and were part of the labor movement in San Diego. The Fahari Jeffers Scholarship is special to the Cesar Chavez Service Clubs because Chavista grads are embarking on their new journey ready to make the world a better place, just like Fahari did. And they take with them the love and passion we all have for our San Diego communities, just like Fahari did.
To celebrate their accomplishments and help them on their journey ahead, all 46 grads received a $100 gift card, 10 Chavistas were awarded our first-ever $500 Fahari Jeffers Scholarship , and 17 were awarded our $2,000 Fahari Jeffers Si Se Puede Scholarship. Thanks to the support we received for the Chavista Family Relief Fund, we awarded over $28,000 to Chavista grads!
It has been an incredible year! The legacy continues beyond high school and we are very excited to see the work of Chavistas come to fruition.
2020 CHAVISTA GRADS & THEIR DECLARED MAJORS
Cal Poly Pomona
Alyssa A., Biology
Atim L. C., Aerospace Engineering*
City College
Ashley T., Business
Johana L., Urban Studies & Planning
Sarai M. Z., Business*
Yadira Morales, Psychology
CSU Dominguez Hills
Alondra M., Child Development*
CSU Fullerton
Tafara P., Business*
CSU Los Angeles
Cesar L. B., Theater*
CSU San Marcos
Carson F., Kinesiology
Georgia Tech
Paul V., Physics
Grossmont
Lizbeth L., Criminal Justice*
New School of Architecture
Kimberly B-P., Architecture*
Sacramento State
Vanessa M., Business Administration*
SDSU
Alison B. T., Undeclared*
Andrea P., Environmental Engineering†
Marco V., Criminal Justice*
Melissa P., Business Administration†
Nadia A., Kinesiology*
Rodrigo I., Business Administration†
Vivian T., Kinesiology*
UC Berkeley
Adam A., Dietetics*
Eva S., Molecular & Cell Biology†
Rosario P., Sociology†
Zaira L., Electrical Engineering†
Hana T., Aerospace Engineering*
UC Davis
Mehalet S., Nutritional Sciences†
UC Irvine
Madison D., Sociology†
UCLA
Hiyab M., Political Science†
Katherine B., Physiological Sciences
UCSD
Emily R., Psychology
Gladys R., Cell Biology*
Kimberly B., Psychology
Luis S., Biology
Rosario R., Global Health†
University of Edinburgh
Melena T., History, Philosophy & Politics*
University of Arizona
Quetzali S., Biology
USC
Christian R., Human Biology*
†Fahari Jeffers Scholarhip recipient
*Fahari Jeffers Si Se Puede Scholarhip recipient