​​​Mario Alberto Viveros Espinoza faced challenges growing up as a gay Chicano in Modesto. Mario's experience of being teased because of his sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and ethnicity stoked a passion for helping others succeed and achieve their goals. His two loving parents valued education and taught Mario the importance of hard work and a college degree as a way to build confidence, empowerment and lifelong success.

Mario transferred from Cuesta College, where he earned associate degrees in arts and humanities and in social sciences and behavioral studies. He is currently a comparative ethnic studies major at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. As a first-generation college student, he strives to make his family, community and university proud.