November 27, 2024 Vanessa Aviva González-Siegel: Putting the Soul in Social Justice
This quarter, we’re thrilled to introduce Vanessa Aviva González-Siegel (she/ella/ela) as the newly appointed director of the UCLA LGBTQ Campus Resource Center (LGBTQ CRC). Situated in the heart of the Student Activities Center and across from the Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center, the LGBTQ CRC has long been a hub for inclusion, acceptance and community on campus. With Vanessa’s proven leadership, this dynamic space is projected to grow its impact even further across the UCLA community.
Vanessa’s pronouns—she, ella (Spanish), and ela (Portuguese)—speak volumes about her dedication to inclusivity and cultural awareness. Vanessa explained to me how embracing pronouns reflects a multicultural spirit, fostering a welcoming environment where people of diverse identities are not just seen, but valued. Vanessa also shared her insights and unique experiences that have shaped her commitment to creating a safe and vibrant community. Vanessa's passion for her work and her dedication to fostering inclusivity at UCLA have deep roots within her family background.
Growing up in a Cuban-American household, Vanessa spent her childhood weekends with her grandmother in a cozy Washington Heights apartment in Manhattan—a lively neighborhood just above Harlem. This is where Vanessa’s sense of identity and purpose first took shape. One of her fondest memories is doing “chores” with her grandmother to the soulful sounds of Celia Cruz. Cruz is a legendary Cuban artist, known for using her voice to elevate the underrepresented—a commitment Vanessa has embraced. This testament to the enduring influence of her background has now become her “superpower.”
As a transgender woman, Vanessa has achieved several firsts, breaking barriers and setting precedents in each pathway she has pursued. She has earned awards from the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity (NCORE), Campus Pride, the Rutgers University Department of Women's & Gender Studies and has been recognized by President Joe Biden for her leadership in supporting LGBTQ + college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vanessa’s journey is marked not only by her identity, but also by the impactful, lasting contributions she has made to uplift and empower those around her. In her previous role as Associate Director of Multicultural Affairs at Columbia University, Vanessa ran the LGBTQ center as an army of one. Even with such a heavy task, Vanessa was the first to orchestrate critical processes that positively impacted the campus climate for LGBTQ students, students with disabilities, students of color, international students and first-generation students.
Respect and inclusion are the pillars of Vanessa’s framework for protection, acknowledgment and support for all. Her trailblazing efforts have left an indelible mark on those she has served during her career and stand as a testament to her commitment, resilience and visionary leadership—qualities she now brings to her “dream job” at the UCLA LGBTQ CRC. Please join UCLA Student Affairs as we welcome Vanessa Aviva González-Siegel to the all-inclusive Bruin family.