2022 Margo Rosen Award

Earlier this month, Lucia Gonzalez Cabrera was named the 2022 Margo Rosen Awardee. This $2,500 award was created in honor of Margo Rosen, the former District Director for Congresswoman Jackie Speier and a dedicated advocate for equal rights and social justice, who passed away this May at age 61.

Margo was a notable presence in local, state and federal government. She had a particular zeal for constituent service, and was nicknamed “The Miracle Worker” for her success in resolving constituent issues. She was not a woman of half measures – she advanced more than she retreated, she spoke up more than she piped down, and she loved more than she liked. This award honors her legacy by supporting young women with the same spirit, resiliency, and drive.

Lucia was born in Guanajuato, Mexico and immigrated to the United States at the age of four. She has been a resident of East Palo Alto since and attended East Palo Alto Academy, graduating in 2014. She was the first in her family to attend and graduate from college. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Chicana/o Latina/o Studies from Loyola Marymount University and then pursued her Master’s degree in Education from Stanford University. She returned to East Palo Alto Academy as a teacher and has been teaching Ethnic Studies for four years.

In the words of her nominator, “Lucia is an incredibly hardworking and compassionate educator. Through her community organizing and advocacy, she sets a powerful example for her colleagues and students. In the face of many obstacles, Lucia has already made a significant impact on educational equity for first-generation, low-income students of color – and her career is just beginning.” 

And in the words of one of her former students, “Ms. G has the determination and spirit in her to keep fighting. She will put in the effort to support the community. She’s building a better future, and she’s inspired me to do better too.”