Cesar Vargas-Leon (he/him/his) is a program manager supporting IGR’s CommonGround and other partnerships. He works with a team of graduate and undergraduate students to execute requested programs that raise awareness about social identities, prejudice, stereotyping, power, privilege, and oppression for students who are part of the University of Michigan’s community. Cesar is passionate about transforming spaces, structures, and systems through the art of storytelling. He holds a BA in sociology and Latinx studies from the University of Michigan. The process of attaining a MA in educational leadership and higher education student affairs from Eastern Michigan University helped him understand his role of good company as students learn to author their own lives. Prior to joining IGR, he supported students as a success coach and lecturer at Eastern Michigan University for three years. Cesar enjoys connecting with new people, spending time with his family and precious dogs, photography, exploring nature, and reading.
Educational background
- BA in sociology and Latinx studies, University of Michigan
- MA in higher education student affairs, Eastern Michigan University
Recent publications and conference presentations
- Hernandez, E., Slosberg, D. A., Vargas-Leon, C., Wheat, M. (2023, June). The hidden work of community building for conflict [Conference presentation]. Difficult Dialogue National Resource Center 2023 conference. San Jose, CA.
- Kirpes, M., Vargas-Leon, C., Wheat, M. Students Becoming, Belonging, and Blooming through IGR Involvement [Conference presentation]. 2023 ACUM Advising Symposium: Becoming, Belonging and Blooming, University of Michigan, filmed May 4, 2023. Video of presentation, 1:04:42, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Kbs1mD6Q9bLCzksnesqujHSRnzdzhfV0/view
- Slosberg, D., Vargas-Leon, C., Wheat, M. (2022 December 6). Dialogue: What is it? Why is it important? And how can and do you use it? [Conference presentation]. Student Life Professional Development Conference. Ann Arbor, MI
Contact
Contact me about
- CommonGround program
- Program partnerships with IGR