Director of the First Year Seminar, San Diego State University.

Rebeca Navarrete is the Director of the First-Year Seminar at San Diego State University, an evidence-based student success program serving more than 6,000 first-time freshmen annually. A double alumna of SDSU, she earned her B.A. in Spanish with a minor in Digital and Social Media Studies and a certificate in Translation and Interpretation (2020), followed by her M.A. in Communication (2024).

Her research explores the intersections of communication, culture, and identity, with a focus on the experiences of first-generation and Latinx students in educational settings. She is committed to integrating student-centered educational technology that strengthens student belonging, academic engagement, career readiness, and inclusive communication practices, supporting student retention and holistic success.