Crystal Raygoza
Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, and a Sunnyside High School graduate, Crystal Alyssia Raygoza is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in family studies and human development, with a minor in Spanish.
Crystal’s intersectional identities as a first-generation Latina student of financial need sparked her devotion to work with underserved communities. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Crystal dedicated her time to providing support and resources for students pursuing higher education.
Since 2017, Crystal has been committed to increasing the retention rate of underserved populations. A past participant of College Academy for Parents, a free college preparation program for parents and K-12 students, Crystal worked for the academy while at the University. Additionally, she collaborated with campus and community centers to provide resources for students in Arizona Assurance, a need-based scholarship program; served as an intern with Global Experiential Learning, planning domestic and global programs; and produced curriculum and activities for study abroad programs in Mexico, Southeast Asia and Hawaii.
Crystal has held several leadership positions at the University of Arizona, including serving on the Student Success and Retention Innovation student advisory board, providing a perspective of inclusivity and diversity. She is also a member of Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority Inc., a Latina-founded sorority.
A Ronald E. McNair Achievement Program scholar, Crystal formed her own research question, examining the relation between "familismo" (strong family bonds) and educational outcomes of Latinx adolescents. This led to an oral presentation at the 2019 McNair Conference at UCLA and a poster presentation at the 2019 UROC Poster Session at the University of Arizona.
Following graduation, Crystal will pursue a doctoral degree with the Educational Leadership and Policy program at the University of Arizona. There she will focus on the gap of college transition, college access and achievement in higher education to further establish college preparation and academic guidance programs that create welcoming and accepting spaces.