ASPIRA Student Club

Our Mission

Our mission is to foster a more harmonious campus by celebrating the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of all students.

ASPIRA History

ASPIRA was created to support student success, access, leadership, inclusion, and community at Merritt College. Its work focused on helping students from diverse backgrounds connect with college resources, participate in campus activities, and develop leadership skills.

Under the leadership and mentorship of Dr. Lilia Chavez, ASPIRA emphasized Latino student success while welcoming students of all cultures and backgrounds. The program also helped make college information more accessible through multilingual resources, including English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic.

ASPIRA contributed to student engagement, advocacy, and community-building efforts while supporting Merritt College’s broader commitment to serving diverse and historically underserved students.

Today, the ASPIRA Student Club continues this legacy through cultural programs, student activities, leadership opportunities, and community partnerships. With advisors Carlos Morales and Nancy Moreno, ASPIRA is building its next chapter while continuing Dr. Chavez’s commitment to access, inclusion, cultural awareness, and student success.

What We Do

Student Success

Connect with college resources and opportunities that support your educational journey.

Leadership

Develop leadership skills through student activities, club roles, and campus engagement.

Cultural Awareness

Celebrate diverse cultures, experiences, languages, and perspectives across campus.

Community

Build relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.

Advocacy

Support student voice, participation, and a welcoming campus environment.

Campus Activities

Participate in cultural programs, celebrations, and community-building events.

Meet Our Leadership

Co-Presidents

Miriam Franco
mfranco@peralta.edu

Deborah Guevara
Dguevara@peralta.edu

Vice President

Elizabeth Cordova
ecordovamontano@peralta.edu

Treasurer

Jazmin de Oca
Jmontesdeoca@peralta.edu

Secretary

Edwin Estrada

ICC Representatives

Uriel Sanchez
usanchezestrada@peralta.edu

Nick Oakley

30094535@cc.peralta.edu

Club Advisors

Nancy Moreno
nmoreno@peralta.edu

Carlos Morales
carlosmorales@peralta.edu

Events

Selena Celebration

World Cup Festival

Merritt College Student Clubs hosted their first World Cup Festival on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in the Student Lounge (R-110).

More than 160 students, staff, faculty, and community members attended the two-hour celebration.

Guests enjoyed pupusas, pasteles, aguas frescas, and pineapple soft-serve ice cream. The event also featured a piñata filled with candy and prizes and a raffle for silver earrings sponsored by Campos Jewelers.

The World Cup Festival brought the Merritt College community together through food, culture, celebration, and student engagement.

JOIN ASPIRA TODAY

Your Culture. Your Voice. Your Community.

Join the ASPIRA Student Club at Merritt College and become part of a community that celebrates diversity, encourages leadership, and supports student success.

Students can participate in:

Cultural events
Student activities
Leadership opportunities
Community partnerships
Campus engagement
Student advocacy
Networking opportunities