Behind Every Student: The Power of Family in Higher Education

Apr 2, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm
University Library: Jack & Florence Ferman Presentation Room

Families are central to the experiences of college students, especially first-generation students of color. Despite their critical role in supporting student success, parents, grandparents, siblings and more tend not to be a part of life on campus. This event focuses on families as partners in the education of their loved ones and explores how parent and family involvement, family socialization, and support from family members shape student experiences and outcomes. From understanding the role of Spanish-speaking parents in the lives of first-generation Latinx college students to the familial network that supports parent scholars of color to the place of parents and families in shaping graduate students of color over the life course, this event offers rich, in-depth descriptions and intimate accounts of the love and care of families in the educational paths of students.

We celebrate Dr. Nathan Durdella’s new book Shaping Students of Color from Pre-School to Graduate School with presentations by Durdella and CSUN ELPS Alumni, Dr. Esther Ramirios and Dr. Juana Maria Valdivia, about the parents’ role in student success. The event will be moderated by Dr. Miguel Ceja, Educational Leadership and Policies Studies professor and department chair. This event is hybrid and requires an RSVP.

Please use the appropriate link to register for either in person or online attendance (please choose one or the other).

Funded by the Dr. Karin J. Duran and Richard Nupoll Education Librarian Endowment.

Speaker Biographies

Nathan Durdella

Nathan Durdella’s work focuses on students and families in education. Nathan’s most recent book, Shaping Students of Color from Preschool to Graduate School: The Impact of Families on Education, centers on how family socialization and parent involvement in education shape students of color over the life course (2025). He is the author of Conducting Research with Human Participants: An IRB Guide for Students and Faculty (2023) and Qualitative Dissertation Methodology: A Guide for Research Design and Procedures (2019). Nathan is a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies at CSUN, where he enjoys guiding doctoral students on their dissertation journeys. A lifelong Bruin, he earned his bachelor's, two master's degrees, and a Ph.D.—all from UCLA. Nathan’s heart is at home, where time with family and the rhythm of the kitchen bring him the most joy.

Esther Ramirios, Ed.D.

Esther Ramirios, Ed.D., is an instructional design leader and founder of Adult Learning & Workforce Education Group, a consulting practice serving clients across higher education, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. She earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where her research focused on the experiences of undergraduate parenting students of color. While at CSUN, she co-authored a Campus Quality Fee grant that led to the creation of the Parent Scholars Resource Center and a parenting student peer mentoring program that continues to serve students today. Dr. Ramirios is a recognized speaker on culturally responsive education and inclusive learning design and has received the IAMAS Changemaker Award and a Clinton Global Initiative University fellowship for her contributions to student success and educational equity.

Dr. Juana Maria Valdivia

Dr. Juana Maria Valdivia, the youngest of nine children, was raised by hardworking parents who migrated from Guanajuato, Mexico. Although her parents had no formal education and spoke no English, they instilled in their children a deep belief in the transformative power of education. Dr. Valdivia holds a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts, a master’s degree, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies—all from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). She brings over 28 years of experience in both higher education and K–12 and currently serves as the Director of Student Outreach and Recruitment at CSUN. She also serves as Board Chair of Partnerships to Uplift Communities (PUC) Schools, a nonprofit charter school network. Throughout her career, Dr. Valdivia has remained committed to promoting college awareness and expanding access to higher education, with a focus on intentionally serving historically marginalized and Spanish-speaking communities.

Miguel Ceja

Miguel Ceja is Chair and Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at California State University, Northridge. His teaching includes master- and doctoral-level courses in higher education policy and leadership, educational diversity, and research design. His research focuses on issues of access and equity in higher education for students of color, college choice, diversity and campus racial climate, and community college student success. Miguel holds a PhD in higher education and organizational change from UCLA.

Online Zoom Session

Register for the Online Zoom Session

In-Person RSVP

Assistive Services

Requests for accommodation services (e.g. sign language interpreters or transcribers) must be made at least five (5) business days in advance. Please email library.event@csun.edu in advance of the event.