On Friday, March 28, 2025, Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Political Science major Brianna Angulo was awarded a Social Justice Scholarship by the Latino/a Roundtable of the San Gabriel and ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Valley during the organization’s annual Cesar Chavez Breakfast. The event honors the legacy of civil rights leader Cesar Chavez by celebrating student activists and community leaders who are creating meaningful change. The Latino/a Roundtable is dedicated to advancing education, leadership development, and civic participation to promote socio-economic justice and improve the quality of life for the Latino/a community and others facing systemic inequities. Congratulations, Brianna!
Learn more about Brianna Angulo
Brianna Shirley Angulo always knew she wanted to make an impact. A proud Queer Chicana and lifelong ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ resident, Brianna’s journey went from a high school coder to driven Political Science major at Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. Brianna attended Fremont Academy of Engineering and Design, where she first explored her interest in coding and problem-solving through the Femineers program. As a high school freshman, she enrolled in AP Computer Science, showcasing her early passion for technology and innovation. By her junior year, her focus shifted as she became interested in civic engagement. From there, a path into community-based organizing became empowering.
That passion carried her to Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, a campus where she felt instantly at home. “I truly enjoyed the campus community,” Brianna reflects. “I felt less of a culture shock, as many of the people were also Latine, so I always felt very welcomed.” With the support of helpful faculty, Brianna found her purpose in campaign management and policy advocacy. One standout experience was her work on Measure Y, a local initiative she helped co-write and lead as early as high school. Her role included spearheading the campaign and strategizing with others to bring it to life, an experience that solidified her love for creating meaningful, community-driven change.
Throughout her journey at CPP, several professors have left a lasting impression on Brianna’s growth as a scholar and organizer. She credits Professor Juan Medina (Ethnic and Women’s Studies) for cultivating an inclusive classroom environment that invites critical thinking and shared learning. “He makes his classes a safe space for discourse where students can learn from one another,” she says. She also thanks Professor Jennifer Mahlke (Communication) for her empathy and mentorship, praising her for offering thoughtful feedback and teaching students how to carry themselves with confidence and clarity. Professor Cody Trojan’s (Political Science) Intro to American Government course sparked Brianna’s initial passion for political science, while Dr. Scauso’s (Political Science) class on International Relations helped her reconnect with academia. “He gave me many of the building blocks I now often preach to people about, such as Queer Theory,” she explains. “His teaching style makes the material very memorable.”
Brianna learned about the scholarship through the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Students Union Lead Youth Organizer, Iris Azucena. It was another opportunity to reflect on her impact and how far she’s come, especially as a student navigating both academia and disability. “Academia can be challenging, but it’s also a place where one can grow endlessly,” she says. Looking ahead, Brianna sees herself employed, graduated, and helping others through policy, advocacy, and education. “I want to help create sustainable change for people,” she says. And if her journey so far is any indication, she’s already well on her way.