Meet Jennifer Cabrera | Latina PhD Student and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Cabrera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite quote is “No Pasa Nada” which translates closely to “nothing will happen.” I recently created stickers and t-shirts with this quote on them because it’s my reminder to keep going no matter what. As a first-generation Latina in getting my PhD, there are many obstacles that I, as well as many other Latinas in academia, face. Telling myself “no pasa nada” is a boost of motivation despite all of the challenges that we must overcome to continue to break generational cycles within our communities.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a PhD student and the founder of Academic Latina, an online community for Latinas to find inspiration, defy cultural norms, and above all, a community of unconditional support throughout their academic journeys. I started my brand as Academic Latina due to the lack of representation of Latinas in higher education. As a researcher, I conduct interdisciplinary research studying the experiences of Latinas in higher education specifically looking at the emotional and academic support they receive from their families and their institutions, or lack thereof. My commitment to students of color is strengthened through my service. Since becoming a graduate student, I have received extensive training as a mentor that has since granted me the opportunity to continuously serve as a mentor for both undergraduate and graduate students locally and across the U.S. In addition to mentorship, I have also served in various leadership capacities to foster and enhance diversity efforts and increase student success. Through all of these roles, I make it my mission to cultivate diversity for students and help first generation and underrepresented students feel welcome and supported throughout their academic trajectories.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend visiting and they were new to the area, I would take them to visit multiple places including places to eat, outdoor and indoor activities, and some relaxing time as well. I’d go to Santa Monica, Newport, or Laguna Beach and have a picnic then rent some roller skates before enjoying the sunset at the ned of the day. I would also take them to get some delicious Mexican snacks at La Michoacana. I’d also take them to tacos spots in Los Angeles like Avenue 26 which is very popular for their tacos and their various choices of desserts and other platters. Given that I have two dogs, i’d suggest going hiking as well to the nearby trails including some waterfall hikes in Malibu. I’d also go as far as to inviting them to San Diego to discover some of the secret swings there and the night life as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many people in my life who have supported me, mentored me, loved me, and encouraged me. This list includes family, my partner, long time friends, graduate school friends, mentors, academic advisors, and the list goes on. But the one person who never fails to keep me going is my grandmother. My grandma took care of me when I was young while my parents both worked. I would get dropped off at her house at 6am, sleep between my grandpa and her for another hour or so, then she’d wake me up and get me ready for school. She walked me to school since I started off at preschool since her home was of close proximity to my elementary, middle school, and high school. When I was in middle school, my grandpa retired and they decided that they no longer wanted to live in the U.S., so they moved back to Sinaloa, Mexico. I’ve visited Sinaloa every year since I was born and the year that I knew my grandparents would not be coming back, was the hardest year for me. My parents, my brother, and I only lived about a block away from my grandma’s house so every time I’d walk to and from school, I’d walk pass there house and cherish the memories. I’m forever grateful to my grandmother for shaping who I’ve become. She’s always been so proud of me and I always joke around that i’m her favorite granddaughter. If there’s anyone that deserves a shoutout for all of my success, it’s her.

Instagram: @academiclatina