Dr. Maria Gamboa

I am a historian turned consultant who writes about mental health and career development. I am originally from Mexico.

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Growing up in two countries and navigating the reality of the US-Mexico border influenced my decision to study history.

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Two central questions fueled my curiosity: 1) Why is the US the way it is? and 2) How do its systems work?

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I received my BA in Ethnic Studies and International Studies from UCSD, and my MA and PhD in History from the University of Chicago. My research examined race, class, labor systems, and ethnic mobilizations. 

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After graduate school, I ventured into nonprofit work and management consulting, where I learned about talent development and organizational effectiveness. My immigrant background helped me bring a critical lens: How do programs work and what are they solving for? 

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My experience developing programs for underrepresented students has helped me think strategically about how to create policies that are inclusive and supportive of first generation professionals. 

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Now that I'm back in San Diego, I am developing ways to share my knowledge on systems, policies, and career pathways with cross-border folks like myself. 

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Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram

 

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