By: Mira Garin
Alyssa Mireles, a new San Diego State University alumna who completed her Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Management and Policy, was recently recognized by the California League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). As one of seven individuals recognized at California LULAC’s Gala Award Dinner in Los Angeles, Alyssa was presented with the Young Woman of the Year Award. The award recognized her for her work in helping the organization continue its mission to “advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of the Hispanic population of the United States.”
Alyssa’s hometown Oxnard’s was at the center of a civil rights complaint filed in 1999 that raised concerns about sprayed pesticide use at a strawberry farm adjacent to a local high school and disproportionate health impacts of their use on Latino children. Although the complaint was reviewed and closed, two of the original complainants filed an appeal in 2015. Growing up with these concerns spinning around her, Alyssa recounted that witnessing numerous disparities in health outcomes and access to healthcare during her younger years “fueled my passion for continuing my public health education, giving back to my community, and becoming the first in my family to receive a master’s degree.” By the time she reached SDSU’s MPH program, Alyssa had already served as both the treasurer of Students 4 Public Health and the chair of the Student Health Advisory Committee.
In her role as the secretary of LULAC Council 3147, Alyssa ensures everyone in the Council stays on the same page and communicates with external groups. When COVID-19 vaccines began rolling out, Alyssa collaborated with multiple organizations and elected officials to organize a vaccination clinic designed to meet the needs of Oxnard working families. In her role as Deputy State Director for Young Adults, she focuses on engaging youth and young adult LULAC members and planning community events large and small. “I’ve also worked on developing an internship for young adults,” she explained, “to provide them with the opportunity to gain policy and social media experience” so that they may build the kinds of skills that have helped Alyssa work effectively in her various roles with LULAC.
“[This recognition] is very special to me,” Alyssa reflected, “as it comes from an outstanding organization that mirrors my values about equality for all Latinos.” Determined to continue mentoring young adults as she leads by example, Alyssa hopes to use the skills from her new degree to join a non-profit or healthcare organization and work in civic engagement or administration. “It was an unforgettable experience that left me feeling motivated to continue advocating for the Latino community!”
