About
Erica Alfaro was born in Fresno, CA but grew up in Tijuana, Mexico. She was 13 years old when her family returned to the United States. Erica struggled academically, became a teen mom, dropped out of high school, and lived many years of domestic abuse. After many adversities, Erica defied the odds and became the first woman in her family to obtain a formal education and a graduate degree. Education was Erica’s ticket out of poverty and the door to many opportunities.
In 2019, Erica’s graduation picture, where she is standing in a strawberry field with her farmworker parents, became the first graduation picture to go viral and make headlines worldwide.
Master’s in education and couseling - San Diego State University
Bachelor’s in Psychology - California State University San Marcos
Associate in Psychology - Mira Costa Community College
High School Diploma - New Millennium Charter High School
Education
Awards & Recognition
2022 International Latino Book Award
2023 7th Latino “Books into Movies” Award
Letter of Recognition Issued by Kamala Harris
PROCLAMATION “Oct 5th, Erica Alfaro’s Day”
Constituent of the Month by House of Representatives
Latina Leadership Award by the City of Oceanside
United States Senate Certificate of Recognition
Assembly Certificate of Recognition
40 under 40 issued by Business Street
Public Mural by National City
Story portrayed in docuseries Cronicas de Univision
Graduation picture permanently featured in San Francisco’s Angel Island Museum
