SDSU Imperial Valley Dean Honored as Latina Community Leader

As a Calexico native, Guillermina Gina Nuñez-Mchiri, dean of SDSU Imperial Valley, aspired to obtain a doctorate degree from a very young age. Her parents were migrant workers in California’s agriculture industry. 

Growing up, her family moved up and down the state for work. The constant movement became second nature and she devoted herself to school and her studies — a welcome respite with each relocation. 

This month, Nuñez-Mchiri was named one of three Las Primeras Honorees, an award presented by MANA de Imperial Valley – a national Latina nonprofit organization whose goal is to support women in the community – given to local Latina community leaders who have been the first in their field to break barriers and accomplish major achievements in the community.

“For me, this award is a symbol of honor and gratefulness,” said Nuñez-Mchiri. 

Nuñez-Mchiri, alongside the other two honorees, Diahna Garcia-Ruiz and Hortencia Armendariz, was recognized on Friday, Oct. 13 at the Las Primeras Awards and Scholarship Fundraiser.

In her deanship at SDSU Imperial Valley, Nuñez-Mchiri helps to best ensure students can achieve their own higher education goals. 

“Academia has opened so many doors and opportunities in my pathway, and I hope to encourage female students at SDSU Imperial Valley and wider region – especially women in our community – to chase after their dreams and give back to those who helped you along the way.”

Nuñez-Mchiri attended University of California, Riverside where she earned her doctorate degree in cultural anthropology after completing her fieldwork in the colonias of southern New Mexico and ethnobotanical research in the Yucatan Peninsula. 

“After learning about Dr. Nunez’s story and work in academia, it is truly inspiring to see how she has continued to uplift students and fellow colleagues to aspire more,” said Maria Peinado, board member of MANA de Imperial Valley and board trustee of El Centro Unified School District. “She understands the road of many of the people we serve, which are primarily women of color and those who work in the agriculture industry. Her story is a testament to the importance of staying grounded in your roots and culture.”

“This award is not only a way to give back to our Latina leaders who have made an impact, but also a celebration of the life they have paved for themselves and leading a pathway for others to follow,” said Ida Obeso-Martinez, president of MANA de Imperial Valley. 

Prior to serving as dean of SDSU Imperial Valley, she was an associate professor of anthropology and director of women and gender studies at the University of Texas at El Paso for nearly 20 years. 

“My work is a result of all the female, Latina mentors, supporters and colleagues who have made a difference in my personal and professional life,” said Nuñez-Mchiri. “It’s truly a full circle moment for me. I hope to inspire young professionals to push boundaries and showcase the resilience they possess.”