DEANNA GALLEGOS

Undergrad: University of California, Davis
Major: English and Chicana/o Studies
Hometown: West Sacramento, CA
Assistantship: Pre-College Summer Program (Office of Early College Programs)
Bio: Hello! My name is Deanna Gallegos (she/her/hers). I am originally from the East Bay in California, but have most recently called West Sacramento my home. In 2019, I graduated from the University of California, Davis with degrees in English and Chicana/o Studies and a minor in Education.

When I started college at UC Davis, I knew I wanted to get involved on campus to meet new people and explore my interests. Over the span of four years, I walked backwards as a campus tour guide and helped train new tour guides, led a book club, studied abroad in Oxford, England, became a summer orientation leader, and spent my final quarter at the UC Center Sacramento. Each of these opportunities taught me a bit about who I am and what I value.

During my undergraduate career, I realized how much passion I have for supporting students' personal growth and well-being within higher education. As an intern with the University of California Student Association, I learned about issues surrounding student needs including a shortage of affordable housing, food insecurity, and limited access to mental health resources. These are just a few issues that have motivated me to pursue a career in student affairs and work towards making higher education accessible for all students.

Outside of school and work, I like to spend my free time cooking, baking, painting my nails, buying houseplants (and hopefully keeping them alive!), trying out new boba shops, going to concerts and musicals, and spending time with family and friends. I am so excited and grateful for the opportunity to learn and share space with everyone in the HESA program!