Testimonios and the Yearning to be Understood in Anti-DEI Climates

This reflection discusses my dissertation work, which sought to understand how White-presenting Latina students made sense of their racial identity. Despite living and learning in a state that is implementing anti-DEI policies, I was able to conduct research that honored the lived experiences and stories of my participants, who expressed never feeling as if they belonged in any space due to not "looking Latina." This reflection offers personal testimony and relevant research literature on utilizing testimonios and offers testimonios as a tool to cultivate community with students of color during these times.