La Causa Arts Scholarship

Dr. Esperanza Arce brings more than two decades of experience in public education, with a strong commitment to student achievement and educational equity. Her career spans roles including teacher, instructional coach, administrator, and director of secondary education—shaping her belief that every student deserves access to high-quality learning opportunities.

She currently serves as chief academic officer for the Moreno Valley Unified School District, leading efforts to advance academic excellence and student-centered practices. A longtime Moreno Valley resident, Dr. Arce is deeply rooted in the community she serves and remains dedicated to preparing students to succeed and make a positive impact.

Juno Bates is a queer artist and physics student from the Inland Empire who aspires to a career in engineering and scientific research. Their work centers on community building and organizing at the intersection of LGBTQ+ and anti-imperialist movements. Bates is interested not only in understanding how physical systems function, but also in questioning who those systems serve and how they might be reimagined. They currently work in the engineering lab at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) at the California Institute of Technology, where they continue to develop as a scientist and researcher.

Anna Song is an 18-year-old art student who will transfer to ArtCenter College of Design this fall to major in illustration. She hopes to pursue a career in the arts and eventually become an art professor. Song credits the support of her parents, grandparents and teachers for shaping her academic path. A second-generation Chinese immigrant, she considers her culture and upbringing central to her identity. Raised to value education, Song approaches her future with determination and a commitment to supporting others.

Mo Gardner, 22, is an artist, warehouse worker and student living in Riverside. Originally from Auburn, Gardner creates large-scale acrylic paintings that explore complex social themes, including labor union organizing, the transgender experience and environmental stewardship. Currently attending Moreno Valley College while working at an Amazon warehouse, Gardner is committed to building community among coworkers and draws creative energy from the wildlife, landscapes and hardworking people of the Inland Empire. Though considering a future in nursing, Gardner’s ultimate goal is to pursue work that uplifts others.