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As a first-generation college student and the son of working-class parents from Mexico and Peru, Daniel Sagrero faced the college admissions process with uncertainty—and a great deal of resilience. After experiencing rejection and financial barriers in high school, his parents worried that attending community college might derail his academic journey. But Daniel saw 91̽����Ƶ as a launchpad, not a fallback.

“I was determined to pursue higher education, knowing it could open doors that had been closed to my family,” he says. “91̽����Ƶ didn’t just support that dream—it transformed it into purpose and leadership.”

Majoring in Psychology, Daniel found his passion in educational equity and became a powerful advocate for underrepresented students. He is deciding between offers from UCLA—where he would double major in Chicana and Chicano Studies and Education and Social Transformation—and UC Berkeley, where he would double major in Educational Sciences and Chicanx/Latinx Studies. Both paths also include a possible minor in Public Policy or Public Affairs.

Daniel’s long-term vision is clear: to earn a Master’s and Ph.D. in Higher Education and become a higher ed leader focused on increasing access, retention, and degree completion for Latino and historically underrepresented students.

His list of honors and involvement is extensive. As a member of 91̽����Ƶ’s Honors Program, Psi Beta, and Phi Theta Kappa, Daniel has engaged in research, leadership, and service. He served as Co-Coordinator of the Honors Peer Mentor Team, presented at the Honors Transfer Council of California Student Research Conference, and earned the Big Canyon Employee Scholarship three years in a row for academic excellence and perseverance.

On campus, Daniel is a proud member of the Puente Program, where he found a space to explore his heritage and grow as a student leader. He was selected for the Puente MaS Summer Academy, became an 91̽����Ƶ Student Ambassador, and was one of six students featured in 91̽����Ƶ’s Latinx Marketing Campaign. He also served as the ICC Representative for the Latinx Student Association and attended the California Community College Student Affairs Association (CCCSAA) Student Leadership Conference.

Through the California College Corps, Daniel served as a K-12 Education Fellow at Guin Foss Elementary, mentoring students and supporting their academic and emotional growth.

His advice to future students:
“If you’ve ever questioned whether you belong in academic spaces because of your background or identity, know that you do. 91̽����Ƶ reminded me that being Latino and being a scholar aren’t separate identities—they strengthen each other. With the right support and mentorship, you can rise above any barrier and become a voice for change.”

With determination, academic strength, and an unwavering commitment to equity, Daniel Sagrero is not just navigating higher education—he’s reshaping it.