Grad student advocates for survivors, fosters healing and empowerment

Survivor advocacy has been a lifelong passion for Fresno State graduate student Veronica Zarate Cortez, who has dedicated her academic and personal journey to supporting those affected by trauma. 

“Since I was little, I always wanted to do something to help people,” Zarate said. “The idea of understanding why people are the way they are intrigued me.” Her passion for psychology took root in high school, with an early interest inspired by characters like Harley Quinn in the Batman series. “I liked the concept of talking to someone and helping them work through their experiences,” she said.

A Central Valley local, Zarate earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fresno State in 2023, along with a certificate in victim services. She is now pursuing a master’s degree in marriage, family and child counseling.

Despite her early interest, Zarate faced cultural barriers to pursuing her dreams. “In traditional Mexican culture, psychology isn’t really talked about. My family thought it was strange, but I knew it was important,” she said. 

A personal experience during high school shaped her career path, igniting her desire to support survivors of trauma. “I felt alone, unheard and misunderstood,” she said, reflecting on how therapy helped her heal. “By the time I was in college, I directed those emotions toward helping others heal the way I did.”

Zarate’s academic journey intensified her commitment to survivor advocacy. While completing her undergraduate degree, she earned a victim services certificate and began volunteering at Fresno State’s Student Health and Counseling Center. This experience led to her role as a wellness coordinator and eventually to her current position as a survivor advocacy services student coordinator.

Her work with the Survivor Advocacy team introduced her to events like Take Back the Night, a program dedicated to standing in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking. “I attended the event during my sophomore year, and it stuck with me forever,” she said.

In spring 2024, Zarate and the Survivor Advocacy team, including Mindy Kates and Faviola Elicea, hosted an in-person Take Back the Night event, sharing stories of Indigenous communities and highlighting their experiences. “People cope with trauma differently, especially when it comes to mental health,” Zarate said. “I want to remind everyone that there is no perfect victim or a perfect survivor.”

Zarate’s advocacy efforts were recognized when she was awarded the Achievement of Excellence in Health and Wellness Award by the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management this year. 

Her work includes creative outreach projects, like educational displays in the Memorial Garden and the “Red Zone” installation, which focuses on raising awareness about sexual assault on college campuses. She also developed a sex-ed Loteria, a culturally relevant adaptation of Mexican bingo, to engage students in learning about sexual health in an approachable way. She did an art gallery called “Art Against Abuse” in October 2023, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, for survivors and people who have been affected. 

“These topics are heavy,” she said. “You have to walk a fine line between educating people about their rights and support systems while being mindful not to scare them.”

Zarate and the Survivor Advocacy team will host a tabling at the Wellness Wednesday event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 2, at the Memorial Fountain to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The team will also recognize Purple Thursday on Oct. 17, encouraging the campus community to wear purple in support of survivors of violence.

“I’m proud of how far I’ve come,” Zarate said. “I want others to know they are deeply valued, and I want to continue supporting them on their healing journeys.”

Zarate took a moment to share words of affirmation to students, staff or faculty who might be on the fence about getting the support they need. “Despite what you or others might say, you do have value in this world.” 

Survivor advocate Mindy Kates emphasized the importance of the team’s work. “We strive to create a culture of safety, solidarity and support for all affected by violence,” Kates said. “Our services are confidential and dedicated to empowering survivors through advocacy, prevention and education.”

For more information about Fresno State’s Survivor Advocacy program, visit or call 559.278.6796.