PhD student Sofia Rosales presents keynote speech at this year’s Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan’s statewide graduation ceremony

May 14, 2025 - Karessa Weir

With an elegant mixture of Spanish and English, Sofia Rosales inspired fellow graduates to take pride in their accomplishments, value their education and hold on tightly to their hope for better futures at this year’s Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan’s statewide post-secondary graduation ceremony.  

“Hold on tightly to esperanza. Hope is not naive. Hope is revolutionary. It is what allows us to imagine better futures, even in the face of injustice or adversity. It is what allows us to say, “I will not be the last.” 

Rosales, of Los Angeles, CA, also shared her own story of struggling as a first-generation college student.  

“I didn’t grow up with a roadmap for how to get to where I am,” said Rosales, who is also working toward a graduate certificate in Chicano/Latino Studies.  

“There was no one I could run to at home who had gone through the college application process or figured out how to apply for financial aid. I didn’t have anyone to explain FAFSA or edit my personal statements. I did not even know what a “college major” was. I had to figure it all out on my own, often by trial and error, often with Google and grit. It wasn’t easy. There were nights I cried out of frustration, days I felt like giving up. But what I did have was orgullo - pride in my family, my culture, and my dreams. And I had esperanza - hope that even though the road would be hard, it would also be worth it.” 

Rosales graduated this spring with a Master of Arts degree in Political Science but will continue her studies until she achieves her lifelong dream of becoming a college professor.  

“Every barrier I encountered became a reason to keep going, not just for me, but for the next generation of Latinas, of scholars, of leaders. Education is powerful. It doesn’t just change individual lives - it transforms entire communities. And each one of you graduating tonight carries that transformative power within you. Your presence in these spaces is a form of resistance, of representation, and of renewal. So take pride in what you’ve accomplished. Let it fill your heart. Let it remind you of the people who cheered for you, prayed for you, sacrificed for you. Let it remind you that you are part of something bigger - a legacy of resilience, excellence, and orgullo.” 

Being able to share her story with her fellow Hispanic/Latino graduates was especially meaningful to Rosales who was of 39 women and 1 man honored by the commission this spring. Students were presented certificates and serape stoles, inspired by Latino culture to wear with pride at their respective graduation ceremonies.

“It was nice to be speaking to predominately Latina women, to see us together and realize this is where we can go. We are breaking boundaries,” she said.  
“I am very grateful for this wonderful experience.” 

The state-appointed commission annually recognizes Latino student achievements with a reception, ceremony, food, music and photos. 

“The graduation serves as an opportunity to recognize Latinos who make up a small percentage of those graduating from post-secondary institutions,” said HLCOM Executive Director Dr. Isabel Montemayor-Vazquez. “These are the future policy makers, educators, scientists and leaders we need for our community to have a voice and to succeed." 

Rosales came to MSU from California State Polytechnic University Pomona where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Psychology. She specifically came to MSU PLS with the intent to study the Supreme Court with Dr. Ryan Black.  

With Black’s support, she has focused specifically on the impact the Court’s decisions have on Latino communities. Her Public Policy minor is inspired by her family’s lifetime belief that “everyone deserves to eat” and her work with programs feeding families.  

“I am really relying on who I am, and what speaks to me. A huge part of my heart and identity is as a Latina woman,” she said. “With Latinos being the second largest group of voters, they are under attack. This research I am working on is important right now to share the reality of what we are seeing in the courts.” 

She has known since 4th grade that she wants to teach but not necessarily in a K-12 environment. Instead, she intends to continue in the footsteps of the teachers, college professors, and academic advisors who have helped her throughout her education. 

“I have had so many wonderful experiences with professors and even now as a PhD student, I know that a wonderful advisor can make a world of difference,” she said.  In the pursuit of her academic career, Sofia hopes she can provide the same inspiration that has flourished her growth as a Latina scholar.