Desiree is a self-identified Xicana, born and raised in San Jose, California, with roots in Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico. She brings her lived experience as a formerly system-impacted young mother—who had a 7th-grade education at the time—along with a Master’s degree in Chicanx Studies/Education, and over 20 years of community work, to her role as Director of Programs at Beloved.
Grounded in community knowledge and impacted by harmful systemic policies, Desiree employs the critical lens of a hood feminist and feminist of color to address injustices that oppress communities of color, particularly those affecting young women, girls, and gender-expansive youth impacted by the system. This passion drives her commitment to Beloved’s mission.
As a pregnant high school push-out at 15, Desiree returned to school at 19, by then a mother of two, to pursue her GED. She went on to attend community college, transferred to San Jose State University, and earned her Master’s degree in her late 20s and 30s. Throughout her journey, Desiree learned that she was not defined by the labels or lies placed on young brown women like her. Now, she is dedicated to building a world where all young people know they are capable and worthy just as they are.
A devoted mother of four, Desiree loves writing, exercising, and has a deep passion for Chicanx and family history. She has been actively involved in organizing and activism with the YWFC since 2019.