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As Latino students continue to navigate the hurdles of higher education, many have chosen to give back by pursuing academic leadership positions that address equity gaps.  Graduation rates for Latinos at two-year institutions have remained at around 33% since 2018, and stayed at around 52%  for those at four-year institutions, according to statistics published by Excelencia in Education. Dr. Silvia González dropped out of high school at 16. Life served up plenty of obstacles and challenges after that, yet González has beaten the odds and carved out a remarkable career, and today she serves as the Director of Climate Change, Environmental Justice, and Health Research at the University of California Los Angeles, Latino Policy & Politics Initiative. Following a “non-traditional” route throughout her academic career, González took a total of six years to complete her associate’s degree at Los Angeles Valley Community College.