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Academic Advisor Receives Award from USA Today
USA Today’s Women of the Year program selected Lead Academic Advisor Luz Gamarra, PhD, as one of its honorees. One woman from each state was chosen for her significant positive impact on her community, and Gamarra was selected for Utah.
“These honorees are strong and resilient women who have been champions of change across the country, leading and inspiring as they promote and fight for equity, and give others a place to seek help and find hope,” USA Today stated.
Gamarra has spearheaded several peer mentoring programs to support students in achieving their educational goals. Through SLCC’s Amigos Mentores and ESL Legacy Mentors programs, immigrants and ESL students work together to help each other find resources to stay in school, stay motivated and realize their dreams.
Gamarra earned her master’s and PhD in law and political science in Peru and worked as a prosecutor for seven years; she had plans to eventually become a judge. Gamarra, her husband and their three young children moved to Utah when one of her daughters needed critical medical care. People told her it would be impossible to start over with a new career in the United States, and to just get whatever job she could get.
Gamarra didn’t believe them, and she sought out ESL classes and was eventually introduced to SLCC, where she discovered resources and support for students like her. She earned her associate’s degree from SLCC and then went on to earn a master’s degree in social work at the University of Utah. She is currently working on her PhD in education, culture and society.
