ASPIRA Student Club

Our Mission

Our mission is to foster a more harmonious campus by celebrating the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of all students.

ASPIRA History

Under the leadership and mentorship of Dr. Lilia Chavez, ASPIRA — Academic Success by Providing Incentives, Resources, and Access — supported student success, access, leadership, inclusion, and community at Merritt College. While emphasizing Latino student success, ASPIRA welcomed students from all cultures, backgrounds, and nationalities.

ASPIRA provided multilingual resources in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, and other languages, helping students and families navigate college services and opportunities. The program also created opportunities to build community, develop leadership skills, participate in campus activities, and engage in advocacy.

ASPIRA participated in the ASPIRA Scholarship Workshop, Special Programs & Grants UndocuDream Training, United We Dream DACA renewal assistance, and Camp Wellstone. These efforts supported undocumented, DACA, and refugee students by connecting them with resources, educational opportunities, college services, and advocacy networks.

Today, the ASPIRA Student Club, advised by Charlie L. Morales and Nancy Moreno, continues this legacy through cultural programs, leadership opportunities, student support, and community partnerships, carrying forward Dr. Chavez’s commitment to access, inclusion, cultural awareness, advocacy, and student success.

What We Do

Student Success: Connect with college resources and opportunities that support your educational journey.
Leadership: Develop leadership skills through student activities, club roles, and campus engagement.
Cultural Awareness: Celebrate diverse cultures, experiences, languages, and perspectives across campus.
Community: Build relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
Advocacy: Support student voice, participation, and a welcoming campus environment.
Campus Activities: Participate in cultural programs, celebrations, and community-building events.

Meet Our Leadership

Miriam Franco Co-President mfranco@peralta.edu	Deborah Guevara Co-President Dguevara@peralta.edu	Elizabeth Cordova Vice President ecordovamontano@peralta.edu
Jazmin de Oca Treasurer Jmontesdeoca@peralta.edu	Edwin Estrada Secretary	Uriel Sanchez Inter-Club Council Representative usanchezestrada@peralta.edu
Nick Oakley Inter-Club Council Representative 30094535@cc.peralta.edu	Nancy Moreno Club Advisor nmoreno@peralta.edu	Charlie L. Morales, M.Ed. Club Advisor carlosmorales@peralta.edu

World Cup Festival

Merritt College Student Clubs hosted their first World Cup Festival on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in the Student Lounge (R-110).

More than 160 students, staff, faculty, and community members attended the two-hour celebration.

Guests enjoyed pupusas, pasteles, aguas frescas, and pineapple soft-serve ice cream. The event also featured a piñata filled with candy and prizes and a raffle for silver earrings sponsored by Campos Jewelers.

The World Cup Festival brought the Merritt College community together through food, culture, celebration, and student engagement.

To view the full photo gallery, click here.