SDSU Imperial Valley staff member leaves legacy and advocacy for student with disabilities

From her early days at SDSU Imperial Valley to her upcoming retirement as coordinator of Student Disability Services, Norma Aguilar’s journey has been one of transformation: becoming a pivotal advocate and advisor for students with disabilities.

Aguilar first began her educational career as a security worker at Calexico High School. She was later invited by faculty to co-advise the school chapter of MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán) and to mentor high school students on academic probation.

“I knew that being present in a student’s life can make such a big difference if they were struggling academically,” said Aguilar. “I saw such an impact in them; it encouraged me to continue supporting students.”

Over nearly 20 years, Aguilar would go on to serve in various important roles at SDSU Imperial Valley.

Using her experience as co-advisor for MEChA, Aguilar’s first role was as a recruiter, a position that allowed her to align her purpose to support students with her professional skills.

In 2011, she transitioned to Student Disabilities Services as a coordinator. She immersed herself in the complexities of accessibility. Her student-first mindset led her to advocate for physical accommodations like accessible door buttons and handrails across campus. 

“It was a big shift going from recruiting to supporting students with disabilities,” said Aguilar. “I wanted to learn step by step the students’ experiences being on campus and having to accommodate to their own needs. I wanted our students to raise their voices and share their own stories so that we can obtain the right support for them.”

As she began establishing a central structure, she realized recruiting student workers as first-year students who later majored in social work helped foster stronger connections with students with disabilities. This model provided sustainable support where students can have a sense of community. Today, a couple of her former student assistants are now full-time staff in student support roles.

“Every student whom I’ve mentored and later supported a student with a disability has gained such a strong understanding of equity and empathy,” said Aguilar. “They had a special one-to-one connection and created such a strong bond that they gained a high level of trust, knowledge and confidence to move forward with their education.”

Two years ago, a new opportunity emerged within Student Disabilities Services. She and her colleagues advocated for a dedicated space to support students' needs, one providing quieter testing environments and essential resources like iPads, digital folders and movable desks. Their efforts led to the creation of the Student Disabilities Services Center, which opened in 2023. 

Now, the two centers at SDSU Imperial Valley and San Diego share a centralized database to manage accommodations and services, streamlining support for both campuses.

“At our center, we instill a high level of professionalism and care for our students, and having the right resources helps us create a more accessible learning environment,” said Aguilar. “We even support our students in learning how to manage budgets or even their own schedules. I am proud of our students and the growth they’ve accomplished.”

Her commitment extends beyond campus. In 2009, she joined the Brown Bag Coalition during a winter freeze to support people experiencing homelessness. With support from the local schools and community members, she opened a high school gym as a shelter and secured resources. Her work also led to regular access to hygiene services and meals across Imperial Valley.

From organizing 9/11 remembrances to Veterans Day ceremonies, her leadership teaches students the power of service. For Aguilar, she has embraced what she believes is the key to student success at SDSU Imperial Valley: the one-to-one connection between students, staff and faculty. Melissa Villareal will continue as the new coordinator for Student Disabilities Services.

“Even the smallest gesture can change someone’s life,” said Aguilar. “You never know what someone is going through until you take the time to listen. I am happy and proud of the momentum we’ve been building and all of the beautiful memories I am taking with me.”