Mexican American Experience: Committee

Oscar Baeza was born in Mesa Arizona and has lived in several places throughout the U.S and in Mexico before moving to El Paso Texas. He holds a master’s in library science from Texas Woman’s University with a concentration in academics. His bachelor’s degree from Parks University, is in social psychology. Currently Professor Baeza is the Head Librarian at the Valle Verde Library at El Paso Community College (EPCC). Mr. Baeza has worked for EPCC for 20 years and has been in academic libraries for over 25 years. Oscar’s parents migrated from Mexico and he is a first generation college graduate. His interest, besides books, include civil and human rights, politics and Chicano Studies. Oscar is heavily involved with the El Paso Community and volunteers his time with local organizations.

Brenda Ramos was born in El Paso, TX. She holds a Master’s in Education from the University of Texas at El Paso. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Texas at El Paso. She is also a proud graduate from El Paso Community College where she received her Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education. She is currently taking online courses at the University of North Texas to pursue a Master’s in Library Science in hopes of someday becoming an academic librarian. Ms. Ramos is currently working as a Library Assistant at the Valle Verde Library at El Paso Community College (EPCC). Ms. Ramos has worked for EPCC for about 17 years which includes work study, part-time and her current full-time position. Her interests include cooking, baking, and spending time with family and friends.

Steven Loera is currently a lecturer in sociology serving four years to date with an additional 15 years as an adjunct faculty. A native of Los Angeles California, where he attended and graduated from Cal-State Northridge and later relocated with his family to El Paso Texas, Steven discovered his professional experience as a social worker, probation officer, and counselor fitted well with his academic studies in sociology. Earning a master's degree from the University of Texas, El Paso, he commenced to teach for El Paso Community College in 2001 as well as New Mexico State University, Alamogordo, fall 2011, and Park University 2015 to the present. Sociology as an interdisciplinary subject       piqued  Steven's interest  since one can incorporate the varied social and natural sciences into the study of human society. No one academic and vocational degree is restricted from sociology for it encompasses all facets of institutions and sectors in the economy. To deliver any      type of service, and product effectively in the public and private sector, an understanding of culture and its nuances are   paramount. It is with this goal in mind that Mr. Loera endeavors to teach theory in conjunction with practice and through committee involvement empower students, and the community   to  understand  the far reaching   influences of    today's social issues.