Portraits of Oregon - Adriana
My name is Adriana Santiago , and I am from Santiago Apóstol, Oaxaca, Mexico. Much of my childhood was spent in California, but at the age of 10, my family decided that we should relocate to Oregon. This move marked a significant transition in my life, as I felt I had lost a part of myself along with my community back home. I had a rough time adjusting not just to the weather but also to a place where I did not feel completely welcomed. It felt like I was in a whole new world. Which was not new as throughout my life, I have always felt caught between two worlds. In America, I am seen as too Indigenous or Mexican, while in Mexico, I would be viewed as more American. This duality made it difficult to feel a sense of belonging until I began to find and build my own community in my new home.
In high school, I joined the Multicultural Student Association, which became a turning point for me. It was here that I began to create meaningful connections and a sense of belonging. During my sophomore year, I participated in the Puertas Abiertas/Pasos al Futuro Leadership Academy at Lane Community College. Through this program, I developed personal empowerment, academic skills, and a stronger sense of pride in my cultural identity. For the first time, I realized that I belonged in higher education. Later, as an intern for the program, I experienced the profound impact of sharing my story. Hearing other students express that they no longer felt alone and that they shared similar struggles reinforced my commitment to advocacy and support. My journey continued at Lane Community College, where I became involved with MECHA, a student union dedicated to promoting higher education, cultura, historia, and the rights of our communities. As a first-generation college student, I encountered numerous barriers in accessing the resources needed to achieve my educational and career goals. Recognizing that many of my peers faced similar challenges, I worked alongside them to amplify our voices. This advocacy work eventually led me to the Oregon Student Association, where I expanded my efforts to create positive change. I began having a deeper interest in working towards change in the community we live in. I hope that as I continue with my education I can make a bigger impact on the wellbeing of everyone in our communities, whether it is through continuing social work, public health, therapy or policy making.
Being part of an underrepresented group has presented challenges but has also been a source of immense pride. Growing up I had times where I wished my skin color was lighter to blend in with my peers but, as time passed and I realized how beautiful my skin color is, I started to appreciate it. I am immensely proud to be Zapotec and to continue our traditions even when being 2,300 miles away from my pueblo. At times, I have faced marginalization, whether through a lack of resources like scholarships or stereotypes based upon my cultural identity. However, these experiences have also taught me the power of resilience and the strength of community. I have a way of turning negative comments into inspiration to show folks that I can do whatever I set my mind to. Sharing our stories and learning from one another has been both empowering and healing during my journey.
Diversity enriches and strengthens our communities. It brings unique perspectives, experiences, and solutions that foster inclusivity. Diversity goes beyond representation; it creates a sense of belonging and value for all individuals even when being far away from home. I think it is beautiful when communities come together to share our cultural heritage with one another. Whether it’s through music, food, dance or language. It’s beautiful to see how communities have grown over the last few years and I hope that it is only the beginning.
To normalize diversity, we must create environments where people feel safe and encouraged to share their experiences and identities while being intentional about focusing on equity and inclusion within our communities. Education plays a part in breaking down stereotypes and building empathy. Additionally, having visible role models from diverse backgrounds in leadership positions can inspire and pave the way for others.
While navigating intersecting identities and advocating for underrepresented communities can be challenging, it is also deeply rewarding. My journey has taught me the value of perseverance, the importance of community, and the transformative power of using one’s voice to drive change. I am committed to continuing this work and hope to inspire others to embrace their identities and pursue their aspirations with confidence.
