CBB Changemakers
CBB's legacy of changing lives and communities is indisputable. Check out these CBB Changemakers from among our students, faculty, and alumni who are out getting into good trouble every day!
Dr. Maria Nieto Senour Heart of CBB Award
The Maria Nieto Senour Heart of CBB Award is established by CBB for Life to honor Dr. Maria Nieto Senour’s exemplary service to the program. A peer nominated award, it is presented to leaders who embody the social justice ideals of the CBB program and work to transform the world into an easier place to love.
40 Years of Distinguished Service
Dr. Maria Nieto Senour joined the Community Based Block graduate program at San Diego State University as an Assistant Professor in 1976, and after 37 years as a professor and Program Director, retired as Professor Emeritus in 2014.
Throughout her decades of advocacy and service, Maria exemplified how an ethic of love and connection was both healing for individuals, and transformative for communities. Dr. Nieto Senour is an elected official, activist, community leader, partner, sister, parent and grandparent. And, she is a friend to many.
About the Award
The award is a heart shaped plaque fashioned from African padauk or coralwood, native to central and tropical west Africa, from Nigeria east to Congo-Kinshasa and south to Angola. At the bottom of the award reads the Zulu greeting Sawubona, meaning "We see you" as an invitation to a deep witnessing and presence. This greeting forms an agreement to affirm and investigate the mutual potential and obligation that is present in a given moment. At its deepest level, this "seeing" is essential to human freedom.
The award is open for nomination throughout the year and is selected annually in August. Awardees receive a $500 gift to donate to the non-profit or grass roots organization of their choosing.
Exceptional Educators
Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey Appointed Palomar College Superintendent/President
Rivera-Lacey holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from California State University, San Marcos, a master’s degree in education, with an emphasis in multicultural counseling, from San Diego State University and a Ph.D. in education from a San Diego State/Claremont Graduate University joint doctoral program.
Raising API Voices
Opinion: We are three Asian American women living in fear. Don’t feel sorry for us. Do something.
If you’re “Asian,” you are living in fear. We know this, because we feel this fear — not just today, but every day. We live in especially terrifying times. On March 16, six women of Asian ancestry were gunned down in the Atlanta area. Despite being over 2,000 miles away, we felt connected to their murders.
We’re Asian American women. We look like the victims. And that seems to be enough to subject us to harassment, violence and even death.
Raising API Voices
New Reports Show Need To Address Racial Trauma In AAPI Communities
Nellie Tran will never forget the day she was driving through Poway on her way home. It seemed to be a day like any other, but as she approached a spotlight she spotted two white men protesting, waving US flags at the intersection. As an Asian woman, she was struck by a deep sense of fear that they might hurt her.
Exceptional Educators
Someone San Diego Should Know: Mario Chacon
Mario Chacon is an artist warrior who uses his talent to document Chicano and indigenous history and social justice issues. His work, including murals throughout San Diego, evoke strong emotions that become a lasting call to action against injustice.
Exceptional Educators
Everyone at Redwood Elementary School in Fontana will get teddy bears and care packages
Redwood Elementary School counselor Eduardo Valencia has seen firsthand the socio-emotional toll that COVID-19 has taken on his students and their families, prompting him to launch a drive-through event that will help students, teachers and families feel connected and supported.
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