“When I close my eyes and think of Mexico, I see people on the streets, music everywhere and food in every corner,” said Dr. Ximena Uribe-Zarain, associate professor of the counseling leadership and special education department and endowed professor of Hispanic outreach working with K-12 schools.  

Uribe-Zarain was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico.  

“My heritage, like most Mexicans, is a mix of extraordinarily rich influences,” she said. “We acknowledge the considerable influence colonialism had on our language, religion, race and even art. But we are also immensely proud of our indigenous roots and struggles.”  

From the ancient ruins and beaches to the little towns with bright colors, Uribe-Zarain has a strong love for the places her hometown has to offer.

From Mexico to the U.S. 

Uribe-Zarain immigrated to the U.S. to pursue a doctoral degree when she was 25 years old.  

She started work at Missouri State University seven years ago. At the time, her husband had already worked at Missouri State for a year, which helped her become part of the community with ease. 

“People at the university were very welcoming, and it was a smooth transition for me,” she said. “However, I would like to emphasize that my experience as an immigrant in this country is unique to me, and I recognize that it is not always that easy for new faculty to fit right in.”   

Representation benefits all 

Missouri State has a sharp vision to increase diversity, equity and inclusion. Uribe-Zarain hopes to see more representation at the university in the future as well as in K-12 classrooms.  

“The number of Latino/a/x students enrolled at MSU is increasing, but only about 2% of the faculty identify as Latino/a/x.”  

Uribe-Zarain said research repeatedly indicates that students’ educational experiences and outcomes benefit from racial and ethnic diversity in K-12 classrooms and in universities.  

“Having diversity helps build a campus culture where people of color feel comfortable learning and teaching,” she said. 

“When students from groups who have been traditionally underrepresented on campus see themselves reflected in the faculty and staff, they are often inspired to set higher goals for themselves.”

As Missouri State works to increase representation of Latino/a/x students, staff and faculty, Uribe-Zarain said having a well-organized Latino/a/x association can help build a sense of community.  

“A supportive climate is vital not only for staff and faculty, but especially for the students,” she said. 

“The term Hispanic/Latino is an umbrella concept. The group of students who identify as Latino/a/x is remarkably diverse. We have Latino/a/x communities, emphasis on the plural. We need to understand this diversity in higher education to promote student retention.” 

Find supportive clubs and communities 

Be an advocate for your students 

Uribe-Zarain suggests that future educators advocate for themselves and their students from the beginning.  

Despite the often-sensitive topic, Uribe-Zarain said teachers need to find safe strategies to advocate for a fair and equal chance to educate students. 

“To advocate for themselves, I would encourage new teachers to seek groups or associations that offer support to novice teachers and teachers of color,” she said.  

“People before us fought hard to lay the groundwork for us to get here. We need to learn and acknowledge their work and let us keep opening doors for Latino/a/x who want to have a place in education.”

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