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Author Archives: Michelle Zacarias

Michelle Zacarias is an award-winning journalist and adjunct instructor at USC's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, where she teaches Engaging Diverse Communities. Originally from Chicago and currently living in Southern California, Michelle is passionate about covering Latine/x issues, anti-racism movements, queer identities, marginalized communities and abolition. She has previously written for Teen Vogue, The Triibe, Latina Mag, People’s World, and more. In 2018, Michelle was awarded the Saul Miller Excellence in Journalism Award for her contributions to the field. She obtained her bachelor's degree in English and Philosophy at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and is currently pursuing her Masters in Studies of Law at USC Gould School of Law.

Posted inEntertainment

Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera will no longer return for ‘Scream 7’ after Palestine-Israel social media controversy

by Michelle Zacarias

On Nov. 21 Spyglass Media made an announcement regarding the 33-year-old Mexican-American actress, stating that Barrera had been fired from the Scream sequel due to an Instagram post, which they had perceived as anti-Semitic. Less than a day later it was announced that Ortega would also not be returning for ‘Scream 7’ due to a “scheduling conflict.”

Fans quickly cast doubt on claims that Ortega’s departure was unrelated to Barrera’s removal from the series, and many applauded Ortega for leveraging her star power to support a fellow Latina. The two actresses played sisters in Scream 6, but are also known to be good friends in real life. Barrera and Ortega’s on-screen chemistry and popularity with audiences are largely credited with reviving the horror franchise. Scream 6 was considered a blockbuster success, grossing $108.2 million at the U.S. box office and $169 million worldwide.

Posted inGender

Anthony Ocampo, author of “Brown and Gay in L.A,” gets vulnerable about family and his journey of self-acceptance

by Michelle Zacarias

thony Ocampo, the author of “Brown and Gay in L.A.: The Lives of Immigrant Sons,” recently spoke to CALÓ NEWS about his journey to self-acceptance. Today, Ocampo is a Professor of Sociology at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He frequently writes on topics of immigration, gender and sexuality, and Latino-Asian identity.

Posted inUncategorized

Journalists gather in Oakland for a “Homelessness and Health Care” summit to discuss national housing inequity crisis

by Michelle Zacarias

he Association of Health Care Journalists held a two-day summit on “Homelessness and Health Care” on November 2nd and 3rd. The summit was held at the Waterfront Hotel – JDV by Hyatt in Oakland and was hosted by the California Health Care Foundation. The event was also supported by the Commonwealth Fund and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The purpose of the summit was to aid journalists in reporting more effectively on housing disparities by addressing challenges related to mental health, and housing inequity and providing the most current research on the topic. Homelessness is a pressing issue for policymakers across the country, but especially in California where the housing crisis is severe.

Posted inHealth

Creation of bi-partisan Senate Mental Health Caucus could have positive impacts on Latinos

by Michelle Zacarias

Last month a group of senators announced the establishment of the Senate Mental Health Caucus. The caucus was co-founded by Senator. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Tina Smith, D-Minn and Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa. The formation of the Senate Mental Health Caucus appears to be a step toward addressing the mental health crisis in the United States. The caucus is expected to play a role in raising awareness about mental health issues, and in improving access to mental health care for all Americans, including Latinos.

Posted inEspañol

El verdadero 1%: las latinas rompen barreras en la educación superior y alcanzan grados de doctorado

by Michelle Zacarias

A los 16 años de edad, la Dra. Silvia González tuvo que dejar la escuela secundaria. Después, tuvo que superar numerosos obstáculos y problemas que le presentó la vida. Pero González superó las probabilidades en su contra y logró establecer una carrera notable. Hoy, es la Directora de Investigación sobre Cambio Climático, Justicia Ambiental y […]

Posted inEducation

California community colleges celebrate 7th Annual  Undocumented Student Action Week

by Michelle Zacarias

The 7th Annual Undocumented Student Week of Action (USAW) got underway on October 16th,  with a series of virtual and in-person workshops, webinars, and activities for students, faculty, staff, and administrators that focus on advocating and supporting undocumented students. In California alone, there are an estimated 94,030 undocumented students in higher education, approximately 49,704 of those students are DACA-Eligible. The “week of action” helps, ensure undocumented students can access the information, services, resources, and assistance they need. The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving 1.9 million students annually.

Posted inEducation

The real 1%: Latinas with doctoral degrees break barriers in higher education

by Michelle Zacarias

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.

Posted intechnology

TecoGuide app leverages technology to help first-generation Latinos enroll in college

by Michelle Zacarias

TecoGuide is leveraging technology to assist non-traditional and first-generation Latino students in achieving academic success.For those seeking to return to higher education, TecoGuide includes information on more than 1,000 colleges and universities throughout the nation including opportunities to earn scholarships and financial aid assistance. For users who are still in high school, the app offers tips on how to write a college essay and prepare for the SAT and ACT exams.  

Posted inOpinion

COMMENTARY: USC should work with anti-gentrification coalitions

by Michelle Zacarias

Despite rising housing costs, neighborhoods within walking distance to USC’s main campus remain coveted, especially for undergrads. In recent years the university has heavily invested in the continued expansion of student housing. USC Village—the largest development in the school’s history— was a $700 million endeavor completed in 2017, despite outcry from local South Central residents who feared it would only further exacerbate gentrification.