Lupita Paniagua

Lupita Paniagua

Undergrad: Sonoma State University

Major: Liberal Studies with Minor in Women and Gender Studies

Hometown: Stockton,CA

Assistantship: Dean of Students Office

Bio: Hi, Everyone! My name is Lupita Paniagua (She/Her/Hers/Ella)! I grew up in Linden, CA (or the outskirts of Stockton, CA) and graduated with honors and departmental distinction from Sonoma State University with my B.A. in Hutchins Liberal Studies and a minor in Women and Gender Studies! As a first-generation student, I thought that my time at Sonoma State would be brief, and focused solely on my desire to graduate with my degree! To my surprise, academics were not the only thing higher education had to offer me, and getting involved was the best decision I ever made.

In my time at Sonoma State, I was an Orientation Leader, a Resident Advisor, an Intern for the Student Involvement office, a Peer Mentor, and a TA for our Foundation of Leadership course. Around the end of my second year, I was approached by one of my mentors who introduced me to the world of Student Affairs, and soon after, I began my search for a graduate program that fits me. I was and am so fortunate to have found a field that I feel allows me to blend my passions for social justice and the student experience.

In my free time, I love to explore new places (can’t wait to explore the east coast), online shop, read, get my nails done, watch Netflix, and facetime my family members! I am equally excited as I am in shock to be starting my journey at UCONN, and am proud to be a part of such a great program! GO HUSKIES!!