Past Diversity Series Events
2022-2023
Jessica Hernandez, PhD, Author Presentation
Thursday, April 27 | 2:30 – 4 p.m.

Yakima Valley College’s 2023 Diversity Series, in conjunction with the Climate and Environment student club and the Associated Students of Yakima Valley College (ASYVC), will host noted Indigenous scientist and community advocate Jessica Hernandez, PhD for an author presentation in April. Hernandez will share key themes and research for her award-winning book, “Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science.”
Hernandez will talk about her book, followed by an audience Q&A, on Thursday, April 27 from 2:30-4 p.m. in the Deccio Higher Education Center, Building #8, Parker Room and via Zoom.
Leading up to Hernandez’s campus visit, YVC will host book discussions on Wednesday, April 5, and from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in Hopf Union (HUB), Building #9, MLK Room and via Zoom and Wednesday, April 19, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in the MLK Room and via Zoom. Discussions will be led by members the Climate and Environment club. YVC students can obtain a free copy of Hernandez’s book at the ASYVC office on the Yakima or Grandview campus. Community members can order a copy of the book online.
2021-2022
The Life and Work of Tomás Villanueva with Graciela Villaneuva

YVC’s Diversity Series celebrates the life and work of local activist Tomás Villanueva. Graciela Villanueva will share her father’s legacy and how he helped shape the Yakima Valley through his social justice and activism for farmworkers. A Q&A will follow the lecture. Local artist’s Bertha López and Christie Tirado will share artwork honoring Villanueva that will be on display at YVC.
Virtual Conversation with Rubisela Gamboa

Diversity Series Yakima Valley College’s 2022 Diversity Series will present a virtual conversation featuring Rubisela Gamboa, a scholar who has explored the undocumented migrant experience and grew up on the Yakama Reservation. Gamboa’s talk will focus on surviving segregation and racial violence, drawing upon an understanding of the historical Chicana/o experience.
Virtual Workshop Series Featuring Counselor James Vega

Diversity Series Yakima Valley College’s 2022 Diversity Series will present a series of three virtual workshops featuring counselor and scholar James Vega over the coming month. The free events will be held on Wednesday, April 27, May 4, and May 11 at 10:30 a.m. PST. Q&A Session will follow each lecture by Vega.
Workshop 1 (April 27): Using the Aztec Calendar/Mexika Sunstone Participants will: Learn how to use the comprehensive Indigenous Tonali Booklet by Maestro Jaime, Tlakatletzin Learn how to find one’s cosmic identity, characteristics, and career paths Learn how to start living each day with an increased purpose to reach one’s full potential Learn about the 20 days known as the solar day Start a journal to enter the art, poetry, thoughts, feelings, and questions. Discuss the activities to do in preparation for the next workshop.
Workshop 2 (May 4): How to Use the Ancient Indigenous Codices Charts Participants will: Learn how to use the Tonali Booklet: Birth Chart, Mexika Solar Year Charts, 20 days/Tonali, 20-day segments/Vientena, and 13 Day Birth Cycle/Ze Trezena Learn how to understand the ancient sunstone to find out about one’s characteristics, gifts and career paths Review previous session activities and journals. Discuss the activities to do in preparation for the next workshop.
Workshop 3 (May 11): How to use the Ze Trezena/13 Day Birth Cycle information Participants will: Learn how to help others discover how they can reach their full potential. Learn how to determine a person’s birth information by using knowledge gained during these ancient Indigenous teachings. Share their experience with these three sessions. Share their Indigenous Codice shield or collage or artistic creation. Review of previous sessions, activities, and journals.
32nd Annual Students of Color Conference

The 32nd Annual Students of Color Conference – “Cancel Misinformation, Regain Truth.”
Check out SOCC on social media: