By Ami Medina, April 15, 2025
Blending rich, cultural traditions with innovative and contemporary designs, a handful of first-generation students are pursuing fashion degrees at Cal Poly Pomona, determined to turn their passion into careers while navigating the challenges of being the first in their families to attend college in the United States.
Growing up in Latino households, these students have been surrounded by beauty, art and tradition. Their cultural heritage often serves as both inspiration and motivation, which shapes their creative vision and aspirations in the fashion world.
For Genevie Cuadra, an apparel production student, being a first-generation student means paving the way for future generations.
“It makes me feel like I am doing a lot for my family and finding a way to show my younger siblings that there is a place for us in higher education, that we too hold a place in the world,” Cuadra said.
Cuadra’s designs reflect her deep connection to her heritage, drawing from late ’80s and early 2000s Latin vintage styles and incorporating tailored fits, yokes, plaid and gingham.
“I like that being first-gen makes me want to be more meaningful with my work and create for my people, people who look like me, or inspire others to create,” she said.
For many first-generation students, having family support is complex when it comes to pursuing creative careers. According to an article in The Guardian, immigrant parents often see conservative paths as the safest route, sometimes leading to skepticism about art or fashion degrees.
Briana Tapia, an apparel production student, knows this tension well. While she’s always been passionate about fashion, she admitted it wasn’t always easy gaining her parents’ full support.
“My parents have been supportive for the most part, other than the occasional joke about not having a job after college.” Tapia said.
Tapia credits telenovelas, which are Spanish soap operas, for sparking her love of fashion. Telenovelas of the 90s and early 2000s birthed fashion trends that resonated in the Latino community for decades. These iconic soap operas popularized flared hipster jeans, canvas belts, paisley-print blouses, clip-heavy hairstyles, and flashy belly piercings.
“I loved watching Novelas like Rubi and Teresa because of the wardrobe choices of the protagonists; they were always dressed up so nicely,” Tapia said. “Recently, I bought a few pieces that remind me of those different characters.”
Alondra Luis, an apparel production student, discovered her passion through her family. Her mother crafted quinceañera and wedding dresses, and Luis grew up around a sewing machine. Eventually, she began experimenting with denim and customizing jeans into unique, standout pieces. She described her aesthetic as streetwear inspired.
“I don’t want to sit at a computer, I want to create shit,” Luis said.
Like many first gen students, Luis and Tapia have felt the pressure of their families’ sacrifices and high hopes.
“I feel like I almost can’t disappoint my family,” Luis said. “I always need to be on top of it because I’m expected to go further in education than my parents ever got to.”
According to ifstudies.org, 91% of immigrant parents expect their children to earn college degrees, compared to 72% of native-born parents. These expectations often translate to academic success but can also lead to internal pressure.
Tapia echoed this sentiment. Regardless of how proud she’s come so far, she sometimes struggles with guilt for not always feeling like she’s fully capitalizing on her opportunity.
Despite challenges, Cuadra, Tapia, and Luis have drawn on their education to pursue paths in design and entrepreneurship. They once ran a small business together called Bags and Fits, selling secondhand clothing and original designs. Luis crafted upcycled tote bags, blending sustainability with creativity. Unfortunately, they recently ended their partnership.
Through their coursework and hands-on experiences, their perspectives on fashion have shifted.
“I’ve learned to appreciate fashion more because I know the process of producing clothes,” Tapia said. “I try to navigate my own style instead of buying into fast fashion.”
“Learning how the structure of clothing is developed has made me more passionate about fashion. Also, the history behind clothing” Cuadra said,
Some of the designers they look up to include Rick Owens and Willy Chavarria, both known for pushing boundaries and weaving cultural influence into contemporary fashion.
Now, the trio is preparing to showcase their latest work in Rhythm of the Runway, a fashion show hosted by Fashion Society that will be held April 27 at the Cathedral in Pomona. Cuadra’s new collection is inspired by the sounds of Latin rock, channeling the emotion and energy of bands like Maná into her garments.
For other first-generation students pursuing fashion, Cuadra offered this advice:
“You are always going to be your biggest obstacle. And as long as you believe in yourself as well as your craft, there’s no height you can’t reach.”
Feature image courtesy of Ami Medina
