A Dream Realized: Silver Slug Award empowers first-gen student

Stephanie Mayo-Burgos pursues her dreams with the help of the Silver Slug Award

Stephanie Mayo-Burgos
Stephanie Mayo-Burgos (Porter ’25, environmental studies and legal studies) Photo by Carolyn Lagattuta

As a fourth grader, Stephanie Mayo-Burgos (Porter ’25, environmental studies and legal studies) set her sights on UC Santa Cruz as her dream school. Years later, after earning acceptance to all eight colleges she applied to, she made that dream a reality—choosing UCSC for its strong academic programs and vibrant community.

“I’ve met amazing people here who’ve helped me grow into a better version of myself,” she says.

Now a double major in environmental studies and legal studies, Mayo-Burgos is preparing to graduate in spring 2025, inspired by her family’s resilience and the support of the Silver Slug Award. Created by UCSC retirees Mary Wells and Sharon Dirnberger, the scholarship supports the families of UCSC staff. As the daughter of a UCSC Dining Services employee, Mayo-Burgos has found both encouragement and opportunity through this support.

Her passion for advocacy began in her hometown of Salinas, California, where she engaged in programs examining environmental and workplace issues. Motivated by a deep commitment to her community, she envisions a future in immigration and environmental law, ensuring that workers understand their rights and have a voice in shaping policy.

“Salinas has many campesinos and I was part of a program that questioned how pesticides in our area affect our health,” she said. “I was concerned for their health, my community's health, and the developmental health of my sister. I believe that helping campesinos know and recognize their work and human rights comes with interaction and perhaps pushing for immigration or environmental advocacy,” she explains.

Through campus jobs with Oakes Cafe, the campus police department, and the Colleges, Housing and Educational Services (CHES) division she’s built a support network of mentors who have helped guide her academic and personal pathways.

When she worked at Oakes Café, her colleagues Brenda Munoz, Froylan Dominguez, and Maria Partida taught her to work hard and find a balance between work and school.  She is also close to Mauricio Magdaleno (CHES) and Shelley Smatana and Jill O'Brien-Rojo (from the Police Department). 

“Mauricio pushes me to put school and myself before work but continue working through it all,” she said. “Shelley and Jill help me look at the positives in my life. These small families have been instrumental in my journey,” she says.

Mayo-Burgos’s story exemplifies the transformative power of education and the support of a caring community. At UCSC, she’s not just achieving her dreams—she’s paving the way for others.

“The Silver Slug Award reminds me that my hard work matters. I want to honor my family’s sacrifices and set an example for my younger sister.”

Applications for the 2025 Silver Slug Award are open through Thursday, February 20. 

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