SWA Community
DR. ADELA DE LA TORRE
S
outhwest Airlines is
proud to contribute to
the communities we
serve, and our love of
People and Community is our most powerful fuel.
Our commitment to support education initiatives
encompass various facets such as leadership and
mentoring, and college access is at the forefront. We are
proud to feature Dr. Adela de la Torre, a respected leader
who is lifting her community, the students and faculty of
D
r. Adela de la Torre
recently became the
ninth President of San
Diego State University
and the first woman
to serve in this role. At the center of her
motivation and passion is the success of
the faculty and students. She seeks to
build on the exceptional legacy that has
made San Diego State the world-class
educational institution that it is.
What are some challenges you have faced and overcome?
Like many other Latinas growing up during the late 20th century,
I faced many misconceptions and biases about my competence
and my abilities. They have given me empathy for our students,
50 GBSAN.COM | AUGUST 2018
Lidia S. Martinez
Manager, Community Affairs &
Grassroots Southwest Airlines
and their families, many of whom are
still dealing with these challenges
and barriers to success.
What are you most grateful for?
I was very fortunate to watch my
grandmother open her home to
family, neighbors and friends who
needed help, despite her own
limited resources. I am tremendously
grateful for that upbringing and core
values that paved the way to my
success. I believe this foundation
helped me appreciate the bicultural,
bilingual environment we live in
and the global perspectives that
surround us.
What or who motivates you to be
exceptional?
The success of our faculty and
our students. As someone who
has been a faculty member for the
Adela de la Torre
majority of my career, the learning
that goes on in the classroom and
the laboratory is never far from my
mind. At each step in my transition—from faculty to department
chair, to administrator, and now to University President—this focus
on student success has remained a major motivation and source
of excitement.
S A
When did your passion for education
begin?
My passion for education began as a
young child; watching my grandmother
encourage and support her daughter,
my mother, to pursue her college
education. Despite the challenges she
faced as a single mother, she eventually
graduated and went on to enjoy a 40-
year career as a public school teacher.
Watching my grandmother’s and my
mother’s sacrifices to achieve this goal
have always been a reminder of the
power of education.
San Diego State University. We
applaud President de la Torre for
her vision, her dedication and
her commitment to quality h igher
education as she takes the role of the ninth
President (AND first woman President!) of
San Diego State University.