Advancement Ally - Melissa Córdoba-Carranza
Multimedia Graphic Designer, University Relations
1. What is your full name and is there a meaning or story behind it?
Melissa Alejandra Córdoba-Carranza. I took on Carranza after I got married, but before that I always included my paternal and maternal last names (as it is done in México, where I'm from) so my name was Melissa Alejandra Córdoba Ledezma. There isn't a story behind my name, but I do remember "Melissa" being a very rare name in Guanajuato, Mx in the 90s. I was usually the only one at school with that name and I always liked that.
2. Pronouns:
She/Hers/Ella
3. How do you identify yourself or what is something you would like others to know about you?
I identify as a feminist, Mexican immigrant mom living and adapting to the US culture. Although I have a lot of other identities, I feel these are the main ones that shape who I am and how I act/feel. At this point, I've lived longer in the US than in México, but my culture and traditions are still deeply rooted for me and my family. Living in SoCal has been been very helpful in keeping our traditions and teaching them to our kids. I'm very grateful for that because they are learning so much from both worlds.
4. What is your favorite comfort food?
It's definitely a tie between enchiladas mineras, pozole and tamales. I LIVE for these foods.
5. What are your favorite cultural or family traditions?
In my family, New Year's has always been a family holiday. For us, this is a great time to celebrate and bring in the year in the way we'd like the new year to be – all of us together and happy. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins etc., get together and enjoy yummy foods (usually pozole, tamales and buñuelos) and at midnight, we'll all do some of the typical Mexican traditions like eat 12 grapes and make wishes as we go, grab luggage and walk around the block and throw dollar bills in the air. After all that craziness, we have a toast where we go around and say what we're grateful for and share our wishes for the new year.
6. What is something people wrongly assume about you? (biases, stereotypes, ethnic identity, etc.)
People usually think I grew up in the US but I didn't. My parents and I came to the US when I was almost 15. Also, people usually assume I come from very traditional Mexican family which is far from the truth. I come from a strong Matriarchal family that instilled in me the value of education, independence and open-mindedness.
7. If you could change/create any policy (campus, state or national) what would it be and why?
Longer, paid parental leave – this would be the first step, but ultimately, I'd like for the US to have a system that supports working parents/caregivers.
8. If you could have any social justice superpower, what would it be?
There is a famous Mexican saying that I somehow would like to turn into a superpower but don't know exactly how. "Respect for the rights of others is peace" (El respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz). Maybe the superpower would be to be able to have people really understand that concept so that our society could be more understanding and respectful of others.
9. What is something you enjoy doing for others?
I really enjoy being a sounding board for others and helping in whatever way I can. Even though I'm not the best gift giver, I really like giving gifts lol.
10. What is something that makes you feel most alive?
Being around my family makes me feel truly happy and alive. Even though sometimes I need my space (cause let's be real, it can be a lot at times), I just love being around them.
11. If two (or more) worlds (i.e. music, artists, clothing, movies, eras, genres) could collide/collaborate, what would you choose?
Music festivals and comfort, like a Coachella Fest for adults. I picture this being a slower pace festival where there's wine/craft beers/mixed drinks bar, comfy air-conditioned lounge areas to rest in between sets and every day ends at 10 p.m lol.
12. What is something that should be free but is not?
Healthcare and avocado/guacamole
13. Which affiliations/clubs/organizations/hobbies have you been involved in?
For hobbies, I enjoy watching shows/movies, reading and dancing. I enjoy doing hand lettering even though I don't get to do it as much nowadays. In college, I became a member of Lambda Theta Nu, Sorority, Inc. and I'm still involved as an alumna. Also, I'm part of the UA DEIB Committee.
14. What makes you feel uncomfortable?
Confrontation makes me very uncomfortable.
15. What is your favorite thing about working at UCR or your favorite UCR memory?
I love the people that I've met here and also really like the type of work I do because it's creative and because in one way or another, it will eventually reach the students in their journey through higher education.