Joe Cordero’s journey from a high school student activist and lowrider enthusiast to a successful civil servant showcases the transformative power of a Cal State Fullerton education and community.
Growing up in the ’70s in a close-knit, under-resourced Chicano community located in the barrio of Chino, Cordero never considered himself a college prep student. As he was considering his future, his goal was to be a truck driver, as many of his family and friends had done before him. However, his involvement with the Chicano movement ignited a passion for educational and social justice that would change his life.
The Chicano movement was a pivotal civil rights and social justice initiative that took place from the late ’40s through the ’70s, focusing on Mexican American rights with an emphasis on land ownership, workers’ rights, and educational and political equality. As he grew in his advocacy, Cordero thought to himself, “If I’m advocating for educational equality, I have to pursue higher education.
“More and more Chicanos who I grew up with were starting to go to college. Not that we didn’t have any before, but now they were going in greater numbers. And when I was a senior, I decided I definitely wanted to get an education,” said Cordero.
This realization came with a deeper understanding that a college degree is an incredibly powerful tool when it comes to making meaningful social change.
Despite his growing passion for education, Cordero’s path was not without its challenges. He recalls a pivotal moment in high school when a representative from Pepperdine University visited his campus. Excited about the possibility of pursuing higher education, Cordero was discouraged by a teacher who told him he would be “wasting everyone’s time.” This experience could have derailed his aspirations, but instead, it fueled his determination.
When deciding where he wanted to continue his education, Cordero said it was always going to be Cal State Fullerton. While he had many friends attending both public and private schools, CSUF always stood out to him among the rest. He was already familiar with the campus and its supportive environment. With friends from Chino already attending CSUF, Cordero applied and was accepted through the Educational Opportunity Program.
The Educational Opportunity Program serves to improve access to higher education for low-income, first-generation and historically disadvantaged students. EOP students have the potential to succeed in higher education, but have not been able to realize their potential due to economic, educational or environmental challenges.
As a student, the support he received from the Chicano community as well as EOP, played a huge role in his success.
“The other Chicano and Latino students and also the ones I knew from Chino showed me the ropes and helped guide and mentor me. There was a lot of support at that level,” said Cordero. “I was a first-generation college student, so I didn’t really know what to expect. It was all new terrain. That support was very important to my academic success.”
The formal support Cordero received through EOP also went above and beyond academics. The counseling provided was not just administrative support but also motivational, giving him the encouragement and guidance necessary to navigate his university journey. Cordero graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
After graduating, he chose to pursue a career in higher education and the public sector, driven by a desire to give back to the community that had supported him through his educational journey. His work in public service reflects his commitment to making a positive impact and his desire to make education more accessible. After graduation, Cordero also went on to achieve a master’s degree in public administration from Pepperdine University. This victory, while deeply personal, is a testament to the power of perseverance and education.
Six years ago, Cordero retired from his position as the executive director of the San Diego County Office of Ethics and Compliance, where he was one of the highest-ranking Chicano executives working for the county at the time. He continues to be an inspiration for his immediate and extended family, many of whom followed his lead and pursued higher education.
Today, Cordero is a proud supporter of the Abrego Future Scholars, a key initiative within the Center for Scholars geared toward support services for historically underrepresented first-generation college students. This program resonates deeply with Cordero because, as a part of the Center for Scholars, it mirrors the sense of community that was so vital to his own success. The Abrego Future Scholars program not only provides financial support, but also fosters a supportive environment where students can build the same kind of community Cordero found indispensable during his college years.
Cordero’s story is a powerful reminder of the profound impact education and community support can have. His commitment to public service continues to inspire, reflecting his belief that giving back is crucial to building a better future for all.
To support the next generation of scholars, consider making a gift at the Cal State Fullerton giving website.