Victorya (Tory) Esperanza recently completed her first year in the Master’s in Postsecondary and Higher Education program at Arizona State University (ASU). She currently works at ASU as an Academic and Career Advisor. In this role, Tory supports students in the Exploratory program, which is ASU’s “undeclared/undecided” major. In addition to advising, Tory also teaches first-year seminar courses and coordinates a professional development program for Exploratory students. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Cultural Anthropology, as well as Women’s, Gender, and Ethnic Studies with a concentration in Feminist and Sexuality Studies from Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, WA. She is excited to apply this knowledge to the Higher Education field and community.

Tory’s approach to student engagement is grounded in using a critical theory and a lens of intersectionality to utilize student development theories and better understand issues of oppression, power, privilege, and access in the context of higher education. Her goal is to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where students can come as they are, freely express themselves, and find community and common ground with others. She is particularly passionate about helping students overcome barriers to access and academic success in higher education, while simultaneously working from within the system and her role to eliminate these barriers. Tory’s approach is informed by her cultural background as a Filipina, prioritizing family and community. With a strong foundation in student engagement and diversity, equity, and inclusion work, Tory is committed to helping Pre-College students at Brown University feel empowered and prepared to take on their summer program and the higher education space overall. 

Outside of work, Tory loves to read, spend time with family and friends, and find hidden events or festivals to go to. She is from the West Coast, and is getting to know the East Coast scene for the first time this summer!