Spotlight Series: Magdalena Yznaga
Growing up in San Antonio, Magdalena Yznaga was surrounded by family stories of Mexican American history. “It wasn’t really the schools I attended but mainly my family,” she recalls. “Whether it was Texas history, U.S. history, or our own family history, those stories were always around me.” Her passion for the stories of her culture crystallized as a freshman at UTSA when she enrolled in a Latino Culture Expressions class. The course opened her eyes to the arts, history, and culture of the Mexican American experience. By the time the class ended, Yznaga knew she wanted to teach Mexican American Studies, even if she wasn’t yet sure how to get there. Her journey included earning a Fulbright scholarship to teach English in Peru, graduate studies at UTSA, and hands-on experience mentoring teachers and developing after-school programs. In 2015, she joined Palo Alto College as an instructor, teaching Introduction to Mexican American Studies. “It felt like everything in my life had been preparing me for that moment,” she says. Now celebrating her 10th year at PAC, Yznaga serves as Coordinator for the Center of Mexican American Studies, overseeing programs that include Latinx Heritage Month, the MAS (Mexican American Studies) academic program, and student organizations such as Somos MAS and BESOS (Bilingual Education Student Organization). Under her leadership, the Center has grown into a vibrant hub for student life, cultural celebration, and academic exploration. One of her proudest accomplishments has been launching the annual Latinx Heritage Month book discussion series in collaboration with the PAC Library. Faculty, staff, students, and community members come together to explore literature that amplifies Latinx voices. “Seeing students, faculty, and staff all reading and discussing the same book has been one of the most rewarding things we’ve done,” she says. For Yznaga, Mexican American Studies are vital not only for Latino students but for everyone. “If you live in Texas or the Southwest, this history is part of your story, too,” she explains. You cannot teach Mexican American history without acknowledging our indigenous ancestors, our culture, and our shared histories.” Her students often leave her classes with a mixture of joy at discovering new knowledge and frustration that they had never been taught these histories before. She always encourages them to continue learning: “Now that you know this information, what will you do?” Looking ahead, Yznaga dreams of expanding MAS at Palo Alto College and continuing to build strong partnerships across campus. She is also deeply invested in the growth of student organizations like Somos MAS, BESOS, and Palomino Pride. “I let the students guide me,” she says. “They bring creative ideas, events, and advocacy that inspire the entire campus.” Her message is simple yet powerful: “Mexican American Studies is here to educate. It transformed my life, and I want to do the same for others, no matter their background.” Through her teaching, mentorship, and leadership, Magdalena Yznaga ensures that PAC’s MAS program honors the past and builds a more inclusive and informed future.
September 30, 2025
Marketing & Strategic Communications
Growing up in San Antonio, Magdalena Yznaga was surrounded by family stories of Mexican American history. “It wasn’t really the schools I attended but mainly my family,” she recalls. “Whether it was Texas history, U.S. history, or our own family history, those stories were always around me.”
Her passion for the stories of her culture crystallized as a freshman at UTSA when she enrolled in a Latino Culture Expressions class. The course opened her eyes to the arts, history, and culture of the Mexican American experience. By the time the class ended, Yznaga knew she wanted to teach Mexican American Studies, even if she wasn’t yet sure how to get there.
Her journey included earning a Fulbright scholarship to teach English in Peru, graduate studies at UTSA, and hands-on experience mentoring teachers and developing after-school programs. In 2015, she joined Palo Alto College as an instructor, teaching Introduction to Mexican American Studies. “It felt like everything in my life had been preparing me for that moment,” she says.
Now celebrating her 10th year at PAC, Yznaga serves as Coordinator for the Center of Mexican American Studies, overseeing programs that include Latinx Heritage Month, the MAS (Mexican American Studies) academic program, and student organizations such as Somos MAS and BESOS (Bilingual Education Student Organization). Under her leadership, the Center has grown into a vibrant hub for student life, cultural celebration, and academic exploration.
One of her proudest accomplishments has been launching the annual Latinx Heritage Month book discussion series in collaboration with the PAC Library. Faculty, staff, students, and community members come together to explore literature that amplifies Latinx voices. “Seeing students, faculty, and staff all reading and discussing the same book has been one of the most rewarding things we’ve done,” she says.
For Yznaga, Mexican American Studies are vital not only for Latino students but for everyone. “If you live in Texas or the Southwest, this history is part of your story, too,” she explains. You cannot teach Mexican American history without acknowledging our indigenous ancestors, our culture, and our shared histories.”
Her students often leave her classes with a mixture of joy at discovering new knowledge and frustration that they had never been taught these histories before. She always encourages them to continue learning: “Now that you know this information, what will you do?”
Looking ahead, Yznaga dreams of expanding MAS at Palo Alto College and continuing to build strong partnerships across campus. She is also deeply invested in the growth of student organizations like Somos MAS, BESOS, and Palomino Pride. “I let the students guide me,” she says. “They bring creative ideas, events, and advocacy that inspire the entire campus.”
Her message is simple yet powerful: “Mexican American Studies is here to educate. It transformed my life, and I want to do the same for others, no matter their background.”
Through her teaching, mentorship, and leadership, Magdalena Yznaga ensures that PAC’s MAS program honors the past and builds a more inclusive and informed future.
Latest PAC News RSS
- Balancing Family and Education: Alma's Inspiring Path at Palo Alto CollegeAlma Navarro, originally from Venezuela, knew she needed better career opportunities to provide a brighter future for herself and her 10-year-old son. However, she was concerned about balancing her busy life with her academic pursuits. Palo Alto College (PAC) offered a convenient location that allowed Alma to remain an active parent while studying in the Dental Hygiene Program. “At the beginning, it was a little overwhelming because I didn't know how I was going to manage my time and schedule with my son, but I found that it was a perfect fit for me.” The Dental Hygiene Program’s faculty and staff fostered a supportive network, making Alma's sometimes challenging coursework more manageable. “I could feel that they care about our learning and success. They were always there to support us, whether it was with a kind word,sitting with us to study or review challenging material,” said Alma. During Alma's time in the program, Mel Treviño, a Palo Alto Dental Hygiene Instructor, witnessed the program's positive impact on Alma. “Alma grew immensely during the two years we were together. I saw her confidence increase, particularly in patient care. It has been wonderful to see her accomplish her dreams and how much she has grown since she first started the program,” said Trevino. In addition to the support Alma received in the classroom, she was also connected with resources that helped her overcome challenges, allowing her to focus on her family and academics. “The Alamo Colleges District has been incredibly helpful. They provide students with various resources, from the S.H.A.R.E. Center to financial aid. They are always willing to assist, whether I was asking for help or not,” said Alma. Having experienced the powerful impact of Alamo Colleges' quality education, affordability, and personalized support, Alma feels grateful for her journey. “Alamo Colleges is the best place for a student because they help you improve your career, enhance your life, and simultaneously support your family.”Alma is now a dental hygienist at a local dental office, but her journey at ACD is not over yet. She plans to enroll in a Bachelor's degree program later this year. Watch Alma's Story
- From Combat Medic to Caring Nurse: Gilberto's Inspiring Journey Through CollegeNavigating the start of a college journey can be challenging for any student — but especially for former service members transitioning to civilian life, like Gilberto Miramontes, a former combat medic in the United States Air Force. “When I separated from the military, I felt like I wasn't in control of my career. I didn’t have many resources to help me choose a specific career path or determine where to go next.”Gilberto knew he wanted to continue working in the medical field, so he began researching highly rated nursing programs recommended by other veterans. He also needed a program that would accommodate his work schedule and his responsibilities as a father of his 9-year-old son, Santiago. His research led him to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at San Antonio College (SAC). “I was looking for the perfect college that would consider my prior experience. It became clear to me that the Alamo Colleges was where I needed to put my energy and pursue my education,” Gilberto said. As he began the enrollment process with the Alamo Colleges District (ACD), Gilberto felt anxious but discovered a robust network of support systems ready to help him. “I’m not a traditional student. Starting college after nearly 20 years was very scary, but everyone was so welcoming. The Student Advocacy Center and the Victory Center (San Antonio College Veterans Affairs Office) provided me with all the necessary tools and support,” Gilberto said. While in the program, Gilberto discovered that SAC's BSN program offers students a comprehensive, hands-on education, essential leadership skills, and valuable medical experience in various settings. “We visited various sites across San Antonio, which helped me identify the specialty I wanted to pursue in my career. They offered great advice on how to build professional relationships with hospitals,” Gilberto said. As the program progressed, the demands of Gilberto's life started to weigh heavily on him. During his second semester, he struggled to balance academics, fatherhood, and a full-time job. However, he credits his professors for their proactive support; they made a point to check in on him and offered encouragement and understanding. “The faculty were always available and ready to help. If I had a question, I could reach out to them in multiple ways, and they would meet with me one-on-one to answer my questions or provide resources.”Gilberto maintained his focus and motivation, ultimately graduating from the program in Spring 2025. He passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and is now a registered nurse with University Health. “The Alamo Colleges really helped me believe in myself and my ability to complete my degree,” said Gilberto. “The support I received was crucial in helping me grow and develop into the nurse I am today.” Watch Gilberto's Story:
- Spotlight Series: Matt GilletteWhen Matthew Gillette, Director of Athletics at Palo Alto College, talks about his athletes, it’s never just about the scoreboard. For him, sports have always been a vehicle for something bigger: leadership, teamwork, accountability, and opportunity. This belief brought him to Palo Alto College just over a year ago. Gillette’s path to higher education began on the court, when he earned a spot on the basketball team at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin. “One of the reasons I even decided to go to college was because I got an offer to play basketball,” Gillette recalls. “Once I was there, I fell in love with the whole college experience and the idea that sports could be bigger than just wins and losses.” While earning his degree, he discovered a passion for athletics administration through serving on the NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. This led him to roles in admissions and athletics at Baylor University, Stephen F. Austin State University, and his alma mater. Along the way, he even founded an esports program. When the Athletics Director role opened at PAC, the timing was perfect. “ PAC kind of called out to me,” shared Gillette. “ My wife and I were expecting our twin daughters around that time, and she's from the area. I'd heard nothing but great things about the Alamo colleges, and it seemed like a good fit, where I could give students in this area the same chance I had to use sports as a pathway to an education and a career.” When Gillette arrived, PAC’s Athletics Department was still recovering from the pandemic. Facilities were limited, the auditorium was closed, and participation had taken a hit. But he saw an opportunity. His vision? “We're trying to make our club sports here at PAC feel as close to intercollegiate athletics as possible,” shared Matt. “That's not just the games, it's the stuff like study hall hours, prioritizing education, getting a meaningful career, joining the military, or going to a four-year school afterwards. It’s about how we use student involvement to help them in the future.” At first, the higher expectations were a shock to some athletes. But by the end of the first semester, GPAs were up with an average GPA above 3.0, graduation pathways were stronger, and students were seeing the benefits. “Now it’s just the standard. They understand it, they get it, and they know what they stand for,” he says. The results speak for themselves. In spring 2025, the men’s basketball team brought home the TCAC championship for the first time in more than 15 years. Gillette credits that success to the work his athletes put in off the court. “Winning takes care of itself when you do your best and do everything you possibly can in all aspects of your life. Winning is just a product of that excellence,” Gillette shared. His work is not stopping there. Recognizing the community’s need for more baseball opportunities, Gillette revived PAC’s baseball program, filling the roster with 30+ athletes in just weeks. Through partnerships with the City of San Antonio and local organizations like Five Diamonds Baseball Academy, the team has secured facilities, hosted free youth clinics, and created new pathways for local athletes. While PAC’s four teams may total nearly 100 athletes, Gillette insists his work is about all 13,000 students on campus. From intramurals to the new fitness center, he’s creating a student experience where everyone feels like they belong. “Just because we're not a city as big as Houston, or have the infrastructure or the wealth like Austin or the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area. That doesn't mean that the students here don't matter or belong, or have something more to give to the world.” With the new multi-generational gymnasium on the horizon and talks of expanding sports offerings, Gillette sees PAC athletics playing an even larger role in the community. “I really want to use athletics as a way to increase involvement, increase community awareness, and ensure that these community members in South San Antonio have a home at Palo Alto College.” As you can see, at the heart of it all is a family-first mindset, both in his personal life as a husband and father, and in how he leads. “Changing one student’s life can change the lives of their whole family,” Gillette says. “That’s what makes PAC special. We’re all focused on bettering people, building community, and creating opportunity.” Whether it’s building championship teams, raising the bar academically, or creating new opportunities for student-athletes, Gillette and his team are proving that athletics at Palo Alto College is about so much more than just the game. To learn more about PAC Athletics or find ways to support the program, visit alamo.edu/pac/athletics.
