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Claudia Martinez Pureco

California State University, Chico
Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Scholar

Claudia Martinez Pureco
It will be my proudest accomplishment to be the first person in my family to walk across the stage to accept my diploma.

At only five years old, Claudia Martinez Pureco arrived in the United States by foot. Once in the United States, Claudia adapted to a different culture and a new language, all while living far from her extended family. She worked hard in school, but wondered about her higher education future without a Social Security number. 

The California DREAM Act renewed Claudia’s hope, and today she is a sophomore at California State University, Chico pursuing a bachelor’s degree in concrete industry management. Claudia is proud to be in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field where women and Hispanic students are often underrepresented. 

As a student ambassador, peer educator and student assistant in the Educational Opportunity Program, she helps other underserved students work toward their goals. A first-generation college student, Claudia has leadership roles in several student organizations, speaks at high schools and volunteers in the community.

She ​aspires to earn a master’s degree and start a foundation to motivate and provide opportunities to other minority women and DREAM students.