Norma Lopez Matias

Norma Lopez Matias is a dedicated professional and proud mother to her lovely 3-year-old daughter. She is set to complete her Master’s of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Counseling from the University of Southern California (USC) in the spring of 2024. While at USC, Norma adeptly managed a demanding schedule, effectively balancing multiple internships, the responsibilities of motherhood, and her academic pursuits. These experiences have profoundly influenced her dedication to championing essential support services for student-parents in higher education, with a specific emphasis on amplifying the voices and experiences of student-mothers of color. Previously, Norma earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Chicano Studies with a Minor in Education from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2020. While at UCLA, she actively began supporting racially minoritized students and underserved communities as a College Advisor. Her own journey as a low-income, first-generation college student, coupled with her commitment to empowering underserved student groups, served as the catalyst for her pursuit of a career in education.