Born in the state of Washington to immigrant parents from Mexico and raised in Hood River, Oregon, Perla's parents worked two jobs for most of her childhood to provide for their family of four. Her parents were educated up to elementary school in Mexico, and encouraged Perla to do well in school and go to college. First in her family to go to college, Perla graduated from Hood River Valley High School in 1999 and attended Portland State University. Perla graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish, and certificate in Chicano/Latino Studies. Perla continued to share her unique strengths and diverse perspectives at PSU as an Admissions Counselor. In March 2006, she was selected for the position of Assistant Director for Diversity Recruitment where she worked closely with historically underrepresented students and their families to explain the admissions and financial aid process and the importance of obtaining a college education. During that time Perla juggled full time work, parenting, and graduate studies. In December 2008 she received her Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership and Policy with a specialization in Post-secondary, Adult and Continuing Education. Currently Perla is the Director of Retention Programs and Coordinator of the Diversity Scholars Program in the Diversity and Multicultural Student Services department at Portland State University. In her current position she provides comprehensive support services to students from diverse and multicultural backgrounds.
Interesting facts about Perla:
Loves spicy food: "If it isn't spicy, then it doesn't have enough flavor."
Favorite food: Pozole
Favorite book: Caramelo by Sandra Cisneros
Hobbies: Shopping for shoes and dancing to salsa/cumbia
Funny fact: "I'm afraid of cows!"