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California State University, Long Beach is proud to announce Michael Aranda will serve as the new Associate Director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives (HSII). 

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Aranda will lead the coordination of HSII in the Division of Academic Affairs. Additionally, he will collaborate closely with El Concilio for Latinx Student Success – a collective of faculty, staff, and students who are committed to promoting Latine/x/a/o success on campus. These campus efforts aim to foster inclusive servingness across initiatives honoring the multi-dimensional experiences of Latinx students, faculty, and staff across campus. 

A Beach alumnus, Aranda was awarded his bachelor’s degree in Chicano and Latino Studies and master’s degree in Equity, Education, and Social Justice, with an emphasis on Urban Education Contexts from ������. 

His academic journey also includes studies at the University of Passau in Germany and the National Autonomous University of México (UNAM), where he deepened his understanding of global and Latin American educational systems.

Aranda’s dedication to serving his community began with his first role in restorative justice, where he worked tirelessly to support systems-impacted youth and dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline. His lived experiences inspired his passion for reimagining masculinity and transformative justice. 

Aranda’s recent studies focused on educational exchange programs that empowered DACA recipients to study abroad in México. These exchanges not only fostered personal and academic growth but also served as a platform to advocate for pathways to citizenship and policies that uplift immigrant communities.

As the Associate Director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives (HSII), Aranda looks forward to channeling his passion for justice and liberation into building an environment where all Latine students can thrive. Aranda shares, “It’s a dream turned to reality, having the opportunity to serve our Latine community at Cal State Long Beach.” 

Drawing from his restorative justice expertise of centering relationships and a data-driven approach, Aranda is committed to creating programs and strategies that honor students’ lived experiences, fostering visible representation, and providing meaningful opportunities for success. His work reflects his dedication to uplifting communities, advancing equity, and transforming institutions to serve as spaces of empowerment and belonging.

With Aranda serving at the helm of this work, ������ is eager to continue uplifting and promoting the success of all our Lantine/x/a/o students at The Beach.