Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the remarkable stories of alumni who have turned their academic passions into successful careers.
As part of a series of profiles about former Matadors, CSUN Newsroom connected with Jorge Reyes Salinas ’15 (Broadcast Journalism), M.A. ’18 (Communications and Media Studies), who is now the communications director for Equality California, the largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the nation, and he reflected on how his time spent at CSUN played a pivotal role in his professional journey.
Reyes Salinas is at the forefront of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and works to ensure equity at the local, state and federal levels. “As the communications director, I oversee the communications department and serve as the organization’s spokesperson with the press. I advance the organization’s communication strategy while responding to real-time issues relating to the LGBTQ+ community,” he told CSUN Newsroom, explaining his current work also includes prepping for the 2024 election, media coverage of Equality California-sponsored legislation, and the rollout of a media strategy to commemorate his organization’s 25th anniversary.
Reyes Salinas said his time at CSUN, where he served as the Associated Students student body president and a CSU student trustee, was foundational for his career. “[CSUN] helped me understand the political playing field. It introduced me to a network of connections that helped me hear about or, in many instances, serve as a reference for job opportunities,” he said.
Reyes Salinas’ path from CSUN to his career reflects how his time at the university enriched his professional journey and cultural heritage, aligning with the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month.
“Going to school there introduced me to many different cultures and backgrounds. Not only was I able to share my own Peruvian heritage, but I also learned so much from my peers about their traditions and culture,” he said, adding, “The diversity of CSUN made it easier for me to share my experiences with others, and going to school there felt like a reflection of California’s diverse population.”
