Hosted by Zoot Velasco, the Story Slam Champion of Long Beach, The Monarch Story Slam features stories that deal with the theme "Pivotal Moments—Stories of College Access Equity in Action." Our Featured Storytellers: 1:54: “Why Mentoring Matters" by Christian Esteban, JOYA Scholars Executive Director 8:52: “The Hidden Curriculum" by Lisset Magdaleno, JOYA Scholars Program Director 16:05: “Mariposas Monarcas" by Denise Ramos-Vega, JOYA Scholars Alum, UCLA Class of 2023 26:18: "Building First-Generation Equity Advocates" by Linda Vazquez, JOYA Scholars Board Chairwoman, and Assistant Vice Chancellor for State and Federal Relations, California Community Colleges About JOYA Scholars: Based in Fullerton, California, our nonprofit's Junior High & High School College Readiness Programs develop first-generation college-bound students from working-class, immigrant families into college-ready scholars by their senior year of high school. Website: joyascholars.org Instagram: instagram.com/joyascholars