Maria Ochoa

Dr. Maria Ochoa is a Lecturer in the Department of Sociology & Interdisciplinary Social Science at San José State University (SJSU). She holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Cruz (1995) and a B.A. in Humanities from New College of California (1989). Her work bridges academic scholarship with creative writing and community-focused research.

Her research interests include Chicana/o studies, community history, cultural preservation, and social justice. Notable projects include the Russell City: Images of America book documenting a displaced East Bay community and the Creative Collectives: Chicana Painters Working in Community, analyzing collaborative art movements. She also engages in creative writing, producing poetry, essays, and literary anthologies like Shout Out: Women of Color Respond to Violence.

Professionally, Dr. Ochoa has served on boards such as the Institute for Community Peace, Oakland Museum of California Foundation, and National Network of Women's Funds. Her service work emphasizes social equity and cross-cultural collaboration. She actively participates in community initiatives like the Russell City reunion project and cultural heritage preservation efforts.

Her writing and research reflect a commitment to marginalized voices, blending academic rigor with creative expression to address historical erasure and social inequality. Ongoing projects include a graphic history on the San Patricios battalion during the U.S.-Mexican War, further expanding her interdisciplinary approach to historical narratives.