Annie Gonzalez speaks to students during at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 5, 2023.
An East LA sixth generation Latina/Chicana actress and activist, Annie Gonzalez conducted a Q&A with Pierce College students, faculty and staff who gathered in celebration of Chicanx/Latinx Heritage Month on Thursday in Building 600.
Gonzalez spoke about how the people around her have impacted her career, behavior and overall life.
“This illusion of all of society’s limitations that they have put on me, that I did not have on my belt at all.”
Throughout Gonzalez’s life, she has continued to follow her life goals and create the life that she envisioned for herself.
“I think that was my superpower,” Gonzalez said. “They say ignorance is bliss, and I don’t think it was that I was ignorant. I think it was a choice. It was perspective. I feel like a lot of the time you grow up and there’s so many limitations put on us by outside forces.”
Interim President Ara Aguiar showed appreciation and admiration for what Gonzalez has done to encourage her community and build strength.
“I think that that comes also from her background, and the strength and the empowerment that her family gave her,” Aguiar said. “And how she has tapped into that and utilizes it to live her life and make an impact on her community.”
Mecha club President Alyssa Garcia shared how grateful she was for having the opportunity and ability to listen to Gonzalez at the Chicanx/Latinx Heritage Month event.
“It was a great privilege to have Annie come and just talk about her experiences with our culture,” Garcia said. “It’s always good to have people representing us throughout every genre, whether it be the arts, studies or anything else.”
LACCD Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez emphasized the importance of coming together as a community and continuing to educate about continuing traditions and reminding others to continue their legacy.
“It’s an obligation and a responsibility that’s associated with education,” Rodriguez said.
